The coolant switch, also called the radiator fan switch, controls when the cooling fan turns off and on. It senses the temperature of the coolant and turns the fan on to cool the fluid as needed. When the coolant switch fails, it can cause the vehicle either to overheat because the fan doesn't activate or over cool because the fan continues to blow. Either way, the defective switch must be replaced to prevent potential damage to the engine. Replacing the coolant switch on a 1987 Honda Accord is a relatively easy process and requires only basic tools.
Tools Used: Floor jack, Jack stands, Drain pan, Ratchet, Socket set, Torque wrench, 2 gallons 50/50 premixed coolant
Cooling Switch Removal & Installation
Open the hood of your Honda Accord. Allow the vehicle to cool so that the radiator cap is cool to the touch. Remove the radiator cap from the Accord.
Raise the front of the vehicle with the floor jack. Position the jack stands under the Accord's frame. Then, lower the jack until the car is supported by the stands.
Crawl under the vehicle and locate the radiator drain plug, also called a petcock, at the bottom of the radiator. Place a drain pan directly below the petcock. Loosen and remove the petcock using a ratchet and socket.
Allow all of the coolant to drain from the radiator and then tighten the petcock, using the ratchet and socket.
Locate the coolant switch -- it is the small electrical component screwed into the bottom of the radiator, facing the engine. Unplug the harness from the switch by pressing the locking tab and pulling the harness from the switch.
Loosen and remove the coolant switch using the ratchet and socket. Place the new switch in the radiator and tighten it to 7 foot-pounds using the torque wrench and a socket. Plug the wiring harness into the back of the switch.
Crawl from beneath the vehicle and raise it off of the jack stands with the floor jack. Pull the stands from under the Accord and then lower the vehicle to the ground.
Fill the radiator with 50/50 premixed coolant and start the engine. Allow the vehicle to warm up. Observe the coolant level; as it drops, add more coolant until the radiator is full.
Repeat Step 8 until the coolant level remains consistent, which means the radiator is full. Close the radiator cap and close the Accord's hood.
Tips & Warnings
Never attempt to work on the cooling system in your Accord while it is hot. Doing so may result in serious injury.
0 Comments