Q: Engine overheats when I stop

asked by on May 11, 2016

I have a 2001 Honda Accord that overheats when I'm stopped. I think it’s the fans that aren’t working, but they only spin for a second when I turn the ignition. Any ideas?

Car is overheating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If the fans failed completely, they would likely not turn on at all, even when the car is first started. The fans are controlled by coolant temperature sensors that monitor the coolant temperature, and if one of these temperature sensors failed, the fans may never receive a signal to turn on. Overheating is a serious concern, even if it’s only when you’re not moving. A qualified technician, such as one available from YourMechanic, will be able to quickly and accurately diagnose why your car is overheating.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Looking to upgrade header.
Hello. Typically having water in the headers is not a good sign. If the vehicle is not driven much then condensation can build up in them from short periods of running the engine. If the vehicle is driven often and...
Car stalling when idling or stopping
It sounds like your engines Idle Air Control or IAC is acting up. This device increases or decreases airflow into the throttle body to maintain desired idle speed. The idle stop screw may need to be adjusted as well. A...
Car not going from park into reverse
Hi. There is a solenoid near your shifter that releases the shifter when the brake is applied. This circuit will need to be tested to determine if the brake switch, wiring, or solenoid is faulty. If you need further assistance,...
Car hesitates and jerks uphill
It's possible that your vehicle may need a tune up. If your vehicle is equipped with a distributor, the cap and rotor should be replaced as well. I would recommend help from a certified mechanic to assist you with your...
Code P0340
The P0340 problem code references a camshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) malfunction. The ability to restart the engine suggests it is failing versus has failed. There was an issue with this engine with the cam chain tensioner - which also affects...
My car is hard to start up and gives code P0335
Hi there: The crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor) on a six-cylinder Jeep Wrangler is going to be located behind the front motor plate, next to the timing chain/belt. Sometimes, however, the P0335 OBD-II error code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0335-obd-ii-trouble-code-crankshaft-position-sensor-a-circuit-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton) is not indicating the crank...
My 2001 tahoe wont reverse
Hi there. Most transmission problems like you've described can be resolved by having the transmission fluid flushed and filter replaced. Transmissions are hydraulic systems that rely on clean and efficient fluid to shift, allow acceleration and deceleration as well. However,...
Oil pressure gauge goes up when accelerating
Hi There, This is completely normal for the oil pressure to increase when accelerating. The oil pressure inside the motor increases as the motor works harder. Your oil pressure switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) reads this change in pressure and relays this to...
My crankshaft pulley looks like it broke/fell off as I got on the highway.
The fancy name for the crankshaft pulley is the Harmonic Balancer. It is made in three pieces, the hub is attached to the outer ring via a thin band of rubber that is held in with adhesive. when is fails,...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Condenser Fan Relay
If your car's AC is blowing hot air or its engine is overheating, you may have to replace the condenser fan relay.
How to Replace an AC Condenser Fan
AC condenser fans need to be replaced when the air conditioning stops running. If the AC fans don't work when the car is on, the fan relay may be bad.
How to Replace a Fan Clutch
A fan clutch controls the car engine cooling fan and operates on temperature. It's mounted to the water pump and can cause overheating if it's broken.