My car is running a bit hot.It is usually between 190*F (87*C) and 205*F (96*C), but can some times go up to 220*F (104*C). It happens both when going slow, and under normal highway driving ~60mph. The coolant level is at the correct level, and the thermostat is no more than 3 months old (OEM Honda). What could be the reason for this? Any suggestions?

 

hmm. I would check to see that the rad is in ok shape, the oem cooling plate is in place,and that there is no air in the system. I have never seen over 96 C. With the car sitting, at what temp does the fan kick on?

 

Air in the system is the most likely

 

^^ I agree with above to make sure the cooling plate is in the right place and that the radiator and/or fan is fine. Maybe the water pump isn't applying enough pressure to the cooling system? When you find out, report back. I'm curious

 

Honda considers anything below 235F "not overheating." 220F is certainly within the bounds of normal operating temperature. It is perfectly normal to have the coolant temp go up and down depending on whether you are stopped or going fast or slow or driving the car hard.

This is a great example of why OEMs use dummy gauges instead of real gauges.

 

yea i been noticing that my car has been running HOT!

i think its cause of the heat out side now.
its been over a 100 degress F and i really want a vented hood to let some heat out.

 

The radiator is on good shape, and the cooling plate is also in place. I will try to bleed the system more today. How can I check the water pump?

 

^ is it leaking or making sounds?

 

you indicated bleeding the system more, did you recently change the coolant or change the radiator?? If so ANY bit of air in the system will cause the temperature to jump. I put a new rad in mine and the first time i drive it the temp indicator went up to 5 bars so i shut it off and coasted to a stop. the Heater Core held air and the system required additional bleeding, just n FYI

 

No leaks or sounds. And yes, I have changed the coolant. It is a while ago, but the car has been like it it since I changed the coolant. So I'll try to bleed the system again.