Scotty, I have a 2001 Honda CR-V with 153000 miles. Now with the onset of cold weather I noticed that my coolant temperature gauge is slow to rise and isn’t reaching as high as with warmer weather. Could this indicate that my thermostat is going bad? Before going to the trouble of replacing the thermostat is there anything else I should look at? The coolant was replaced about 30k miles ago and I have recently replaced the radiator cap. Thanks for any help.
I have a 1997 CRV and I just replaced mine. My mechanic told me there was nothing wrong with the original one he said Honda thermostats hardly ever go bad. My thinking is a car should warm up within 2-3 miles at most and it would take 10 miles when the weather outside was in the 30's. So I just replaced it now I go 2 miles its warmed up and stays exactly in the low - center reading always. its a 30$ part and 2 bolts yes its a pain but worth it...
You could check your actual cooling system temperature using an infrared thermometer. A quick check would be whether your heater is putting out the expected amount of heat.
However if that thing still has its original 24-year-old thermostat it's probably due for a change. Be sure to use an OEM part if you do replace it.
@chucktobias , thank you. Fortunately the heater is delivering heated air into the cabin. Yeah, it’s a 24 year old part. Honda knows how to make ‘em. I appreciate your advice. Thank you.
Could this indicate that my thermostat is going bad?
not necessarily. Engine warm up depends a lot on ambient temperature.
As long as it gets to around 190F/90C you're fine.
