Usually withing the first 2 mins of driving with a 30 second warmup and driving with less that 30% throttle shifting below 4000rpm my engine use to go up to 3 bars normal operating temperature. Today i noticed that for like the first 10 mins she was on 2 bars and then slowly went to three. it was in 1 bar for like 6 mins when the car only stays in 1 bar for like 1 minute.

What could the problem be.
Not to be crazy or nothing but i took the car into coral springs honda for an appraisal for an 06 and i think they may have messed with something. Any sensors i should look to see if they are connected.

 

First thing I'd suspect is the thermostat. If it's stuck, which isn't that uncommon in an older car, that would make it take a lot longer to warm up.

Good luck,
Steve R.

 

There is a sensor connection from the coolant sensor on the intake manifold to the firewall that when loose results in those symptoms. I guess it could have been pulled on in an inspection.

 

Here's what I just sent to you as a PM with a couple of added bits:

It could be low coolant level, a faulty thermostat, a bad temperature sending unit, a faulty guage or possibly not a problem.

It certainly hasn't recently cooled down her is S. Florida, so it's not likely a seasonal change.

The first thing I'd do is check the coolant level. With the engine cold (make certain it is cold) and the car level, open the cap on the radiator and make sure the coolant level is full all the way to the top. If it isn't top it up with a 50% antifreeze/distilled water mix. If I remember correctly, your car is a 2001. If so, be sure to use long-life coolant for any fluid top-off. Then check the expansion tank and make sure there is a 50/50 mix of coolant up to the min line.

The only way to properly check the thermostat is to remove it and test its opening temperature. If the thermostat is stuck open, that can cause delayed warm-up.

It could also be a bad signal from the temperature sending unit, but without the proper test equipment it's not possible to check it.

If it were my car, I'd make sure the coolant level was correct, and if it was, not worry about it unless the warm-up period becomes much more protracted. I WOULD be worried if the temperature guage ever went to 4 bars for more than a very brief period.

Let us know how this works out.

 

By any chance do you have an oil cooler?

 

Would cooler weather have any role in this?

 

No.

 

In the winter, my car which has a Spoon thermostat and fan switch kicks a CEL (P0128, MY'02 code since I have an 02 ECU in my car). The ECM thinks that there is a problem because the engine temperature is lower than the computers estimated value. Note that in the summer here in Arizona, the car does NOT kick this code. I guess the car has no problem coming up to temperature when it's above 100 degrees.

If your thermostat is stuck open, I think you would be getting a CEL for the reason stated. So, if you are NOT getting a CEL I would probably look elsewhere for your cooling system problem.

 

Where is this sensor

 

Out of curiosity, how long does it take you in florida climate to get to operating temp driving normally. Mine like i said was within 2 minutes the car dash indicated three bars. i drove for like triple the distance and it was only on two bars. I know it shouldnt worry me but it is taking waaaay toooo long.