Honda Civic P0128 (87-2) Thermostat Diagnosis and Replacement 2006 (2006-2010 Similar)

In this video I show you how I troubleshoot and repair a P0128 on a Honda Civic. This time the vehicle needed a new thermostat, I only use Honda thermostats whenever I have to replace one due to poor aftermarket quality on this item. The exact vehicle in this video is a 2006 Honda Civic EX Sedan.
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[@BigDog50001]

*Parts and Tools* This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Autel Scan Tool (Updated Version): amzn.to/2MNyab1 Genuine Honda Thermostat: amzn.to/2zJuluQ Genuine Honda Coolant: amzn.to/2ZGOf4r Spill Free Funnel: amzn.to/2NIvzid The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@Loomdawger]

This video saved me $$$. Was stranded in Vegas and this video helped me get back home.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@tkbuda]

Very thorough video! I've also got P0128 on a 2006 Honda Civic. I'm guessing most of the other viewers do too. =) It's a shame that this video is buried at only about 3,000 views. I bet more than 3,000 people have had this problem and checked KZbin. I went down to the local auto parts store, their tool gave P0128, as well as the suggestion to replace ECT2. I _thought_ I knew which sensor was ECT2 until I watched this video. Turns out I was looking at ECT1. Thanks for showing where both ETC1 and ECT2 are. I've got my own scan tool on order so I can see what temps are reported and decide between an ECT2 replacement or thermostat. Either way, I'm prepared after watching you do the diagnosis and repair. Fantastic info, no fluff, or faffing around. A+.

[@BigDog50001]

Travers Buda Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate it.

[@rogerthatskee4994]

06 Civ here 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@stevarino1675]

Sir you're the best. I wish I were a younger man and could learn all you know and the way you deliver is outstanding! Thank you for the details, details, details!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!

[@dennisrobinson8008]

We can learn until we're dead

[@BasicHymns]

Saw what I needed to know about half-way through, but wanted so bad to see the scan tool showing properly functioning sensors/thermostat. Very grateful you put that "bonus footage" in there. Thank you!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@randylegall2162]

If a video can be done better, I haven't seen it. Not only showed how to change the thermostat and where it is, but how to detect if the problem is temperature sensors, upper and lower thermostat sensor and where the temperature sensors are, didn't even realize there were two sensors, saves so much time, and the advice about staying with, Honda parts, I wouldn't have thought, I put in a new thermostat aftermarket, and still continued to have problems, lesson learned. Thanks.

[@brianlopez6820]

Helped me in replacing the thermostat on my 2010 Honda Civic. What a helpful video you have.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thank you for the comment!

[@BabaAjibs]

Great video and was very helpful in replacing my thermostat. The vehicle came back with a check engine light for an O2 sensor error the next day after replacing the thermostat, but it since cleared without any further repairs and has been driving well without any CEL for over a week now. Thanks for posting. Thumbs up*

[@BigDog50001]

Damilola Ajibola-Crane Thank you, glad it helped!

[@sirkickster]

Well done! I also had the exact same error and Civic. Thanks to your video, I was confident enough to complete the job on my own. You explained the procedure in such detail that I didn't have to use an additional video for help. Regarding the reservoir: It was easy for me to remove but a bit of pain to put back into that bracket. I think I was lucky to get it back in. Regarding the part where you remove coolant bubbles (and for anyone else reading this): The whole process for me took about 45mins from starting the engine to finish. He suggests revving the engine at the start so that the engine warms up faster and you don't have to wait. Once it reaches the right temp, you'll hear the fans start. It will go on and off several times. Wait for at least 2 to 3 cycles then check for more bubbles (I waited for >10 cycles). If there's a 5mm bubble that pops up occasionally, you're done. Normal driving will cause the remaining bubbles to go to the reservoir.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@davesanpedro2594]

Hi just wanna ask were you bought your funnel

[@sirkickster]

@@davesanpedro2594 Amazon link is in the description. That's where I bought mine.

[@davesanpedro2594]

@@sirkickster thank you so much

[@dunkan42]

Today with inflation you cannot take the car to a workshop due to minor faults that we may be able to do. I understand that the workshop will charge a lot and that is understood, because they pay local rent, insurance, use special tools and the mechanic had to go to school and university, he is a professional and that is why they charge like this, with this inflation everything is very expensive and it is difficult for us to fix the car, but this video was very good for me so I use it as a guide because it is the same thing that I will fix. thank man👍

[@ranger178]

I am amazed looking at your engine my car is exact same model but we are in salted roads of Pennsylvania so everything is rusty and it sat around not being used a lot . these videos are great for working on my car very well made

[@BigDog50001]

Reminds me why I'm glad I don't live in the rust belt anymore! Thanks for the comment!

[@firasguesmi8199]

I really like the description that you did. You're very professional with what you do.thanks a lot for your time and help

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@chloecapote9267]

I watched this video like 20 times, studying it and was able to replace it myself on my 2011 civic.

[@chloecapote9267]

Thank you!!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@joshua89898989]

Excellent instructional video. You did a great job explaining everything well.

[@911naimplate]

I truly enjoyed your attention to detail. Very user friendly video in real time. If I had a criticism it would have nothing to do with your work, just with the fact that you wore your wrist watch the entire time. I use to do that a lot in the 1980's when I was just beginning to work on my own cars. Unfortunately I learned the hard way by getting a pretty nasty burn on my right hand because my watch kept me too close to a hot A-pipe and when I tried to pull away from it in a hurry, the watch held my hand in place. Never wore a watch ever again to work on a car not to mention you can pretty much destroy a watch when there is no need to. Other than that, I give you a 100% thumbs up, thanks for sharing!!!!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@911naimplate]

My pleasure. Quick question, the engine coolant fan on my 2006 CRV just stopped working. The good news is that when I turn on the A/C that both the A/C fan and the main cooling fan run fine. I'm thinking probably a fan relay or ECT (1) or ECT (2). The engine temp is fine as long as I keep the car moving, coolant is fresh and car is way over serviced. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your reply.......

[@BigDog50001]

Some things I look for: Engine not warm enough to active fan (happens a lot in winter and is normal). Make sure ECT is reporting correct temperature (look on scan tool and warm up engine). Possible bad Cooling Fan Temp Switch (should be located near bottom of radiator and switch should close near 200 degrees). Possible bad cooling fan relay. Possible air in cooling system and not allowing Fan Temp Switch to work. I have a video where I test a Civic Cooling Fan Switch, and the design of that system is similar to a CRV of that age (but not exact).

[@911naimplate]

Thanks. The temp will climb quickly if I get stuck in traffic but turning on the A/C and lightly revving the motor up to about 2,500 RPM keeps things static. As soon as I get up to speed, the temp come right down so I know that the water pump is ok, the thermostat is probably ok as well. I will check out the fan relays and ECT 1 & 2 over the next day or so as I think that is probably where the problem lies. Thanks for weighing in : )

[@salceti]

I made a trip today to buy one of the magnetic flashlights at Auto Zone and I went to your amazon link and bought a coolant funnel kit per your suggestion, all because of your excellent video as I have a 2005 Honda Accord due for inspection with a P0128 and a P1009 DTC. THe 1009 I think I will try to first clean and test the VVT solenoid valve. I have an Autel MP808TS scantool that I have been learning how to use. It is kind of a learning curve with that one. Thanks for all the input.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@ronredmon3251]

Thanks! Very helpful - I looked at several other videos and turned them off as soon as I saw they didn't know anything about the locator tabs and how the thermostat and gasket line up. That's all I needed to know.

[@BigDog50001]

Ron Redmon Glad it helped you out.

[@rolandvaldez8228]

Keep up the good work👍

[@blazer3552]

Thank you so much for this instructional video! It gave me the confidence to swap my Civic’s thermostat myself (successfully) and address the P0128 code.

[@ButterSpider3]

Thanks for this. I was able to figure out how to change mine out with your help.

[@XOX57]

the best ever tutorial video, so clear and precise. Well done boss.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@joem1326]

Excellent video!! Very thorough, comprehensive and professionally presented. Thumbs up and subscribed. Thank you so much!!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@svan5140]

Let the professional explain and show how get the job done right at the first time , this video is the only one , thank you sir .

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@kalansi35]

Thanks a lot ,very professional the way you diagnosed and addressed the problem and not going to conclusion and miss lead your audience I wish every you tuber who does mechanic or any repair uses the same method when they run diagnostic.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@spikeman4pres]

Just want to say thank you for the video , just changed out my honda civic 2010 model.... much less hand space but everything was the same

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@glenoneil3074]

The trans warmer in my '06 civic failed.What a nightmare .R & R ed all(8)coolant hoses ,thermostat and flushed trans fluid out..Was a pain bleeding air and think there might be some more.Temp on dash should be higher. Gonna pick up one of those funnels that should do it.Great video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment and the input!

[@BigChubbyGuy]

Thanks for the video. Since my scan tool wouldn't tell me the ECT2, I used your advice and monitored the ECT1 during a test drive. The thermostat didn't stick open right away, but eventually it did and I could see the temperature drop from the 180 range down below 140 and stay there the rest of the way home. Replacing this thermostat is so easy. It took less than 30 min. Repeated the test drive and the temp stayed in the 180 range the whole way.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you got it fixed!

[@ntp9209]

Exceptionally well done, clear video. Thank you very much for your expertise!

[@BigDog50001]

Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@marthaymartincolino285]

Thank you for this video, it gave a lot idea how to fix the same code problem. Keep it up with more videos please

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@jonnybgood-xj5bk]

Thanx so much buddy. Really helpful 👍👍👍👍. I'm doing my wife's friends Honda this weekend. Thank you 😊.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@fatboybryan769]

Best video I have ever seen super helpful 👏🏽👍🏼☝️

[@gustavoorduno942]

Amazing video ! So detailed and calm . Thank you for posting !

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@Mariana.831]

Thanks for the video. About to replace mine right now. Second time working on my own car and I'm nervous lol

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@desireeahrens6986]

dude you are the best how to video I've ever seen! THANK YOU!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@jpabmx]

Thanks, I had the exact same symptoms, P0128. Came on when driving down the highway. Just replaced with the same OE thermostat from Honda. Also replaced the ECT1 sensor for safe measure but the thermostat was definitely my issue. Thanks for the video! Was an easy fix. Used my 19.99 amazon OBD scan tool to check coolant temps. :)

[@xCaPz]

Wait what tool did you use to check coolant temps?

[@jpabmx]

@@xCaPz it wad a bluetooth obd2 scan tool i purchased purchased on Amazon.

[@AliptPatel]

May be try FIXD. It’s widely known and very popular. Also for 19.99

[@nadmeldev]

THANK YOU for such a great video!

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@Erated78]

Very helpful video and well done. THank you. I've done a flush on my '06 civic in 2018 and used Prestone. Now I'm thinking I'll do another flush and use OEM fluid and I"ll change out the thermostat as well even though I'm not having over heating issues whatsoever. Thanks again, cheers

[@BigDog50001]

Using an aftermarket coolant is not the end of the world, but I do recommend using genuine Honda coolant in Hondas. Thanks for the comment!

[@ranger178]

i am probably going to flush my whole system since my brother had radiator replaced who knows what coolant the garage used

[@Relicsun]

Of course it helps me out . Again professional work my Man.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@chevlindo4252]

Good video.. I did it today an it was successful.. appreciate it.

[@BigDog50001]

Good to hear you got it fixed, thanks for the comment!

[@DATHACOCTY]

Great video. How long (of the drive) do you have to wait after reset the code to get inspection? If you don't reset, will it reset by itself after driving for a while?

[@marthaymartincolino285]

Thak you for this video. It solved the same trouble for me.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@kwongli7289]

This is the most video for engine thermostat replacement or coolant change for 06 Honda Civic.

[@bensanders43]

Great video! Worked out exactly how you said, thank you for the help.

[@BigDog50001]

You bet 👍!

[@plaskaty]

Thank you! Thanks to your directions that job was a breeze!

[@BigDog50001]

plaskaty Glad you got it fixed, thanks for the comment.

[@benjaminvelasquez8635]

Great video. Thanks for your help!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@kinoav8r]

You're a great instructor. Nice job!

[@BigDog50001]

kinoav8r Thanks!

[@BRYAN536]

you deserve a hell of a lot of subscribers man, very good video, what kind of ecu computer you using?

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks! My main scan tool is an Autel MaxiSys MS906.

[@DOmni-gb2lj]

Just subscribed! Great communicator

[@JorgeRodriguez-gp2hf]

Excellent video, very detailed.

[@raydawg67]

Excellent video. May you give a description of your diagnostic scanner?

[@eddyanguiano2340]

Great video. I am diagnosing the exact problem with my scan tool and live data. However my diaplay is so small lol what scan tool are you using here? Have to get my hands on one asap!

[@jenniferbuzza69]

Soo informative !!! Thank you :)))

[@AntsUSA0]

It helped me. I changed my coolant thermostat no problem.

[@BigDog50001]

Kim Banfield Glad it helped!

[@aubreychan6623]

Thanks. Great presentation!

[@fatboybryan769]

Hey man idk if your gonna see this comment but my fans never turned on I waited around 45 minutes and they never kicked in they turn on with the ac but I was trying to do the 2 coolant cycles but the fans never turned on ! I replaced the thermostat and the coolant temp sensor on the block… how long does it take for the fans to kick in ???

[@mb1636]

New subscriber here. Love your channel.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks and welcome!

[@rejmonwilson]

Great video, speaking of dropping bolts just recently replace my passenger's side exhaust manifold not sure why but I bought and an extra pack of exhaust stud and lie and behold I dropped two studs could not find them so dropping bolts😫🤬😩😭😡😳🇯🇲🇨🇦.

[@BigDog50001]

It happens! Thanks for the comment!

[@lacalle.1904]

Woooh gracias a este video supe cual era el problema de mi carro .

[@BigDog50001]

De nada!

[@davidleanos8978]

Will the code clear on its own after doing the work? I don’t have a machine to clear it lol

[@RealEnglishNow]

awesome and very thorough video! Thank you for making it!

[@BigDog50001]

Gahechi Esmichi Thanks!

[@elmecanico4943]

Usually when a thermostat is on its way out, that is, stuck open, upper radiator hose never gets hot. Also, you have no heat in cabin or temp. Is luke warm inside when you turn heater all the way to hot. This affects engine management system: fuel efficiency as the computer starts dumping extra fuel to compensate. Recommend OEM part as aftermarket can cause issues. After replacement, bleed air of cooling system and make sure cooling fan kicks in at least once.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@victorye9580]

Hello, I would like to ask if the water temperature is sometimes two notches lower when driving on the highway, and sometimes it is normal. Is the thermostat broken?

[@tipphilips8252]

Nice obd reader!

[@orfeous]

My symptoms seams slightly different. Takes really long time to raise the temperature. Never reaching normal operating temperature when driving around. Only up to like 70% until normal. If I park and idle temperature raises slowly up to normal operating temperature. But as soon I start driving temperature drops to about that 70% up to normal position. Never goes above normal operating temperature. That's good at least. Are something failing with thermostat or sensor?

[@allenvasquez739]

Awesome video!!!

[@Pr1me_Zer0]

Great video, very informative. One question, I have a similar Autel scan tool, I was curious why you don't use the bluetooth attachment to the car? It make it much nicer to be able to walk around the vehicle and check things out while you check values.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you. I would like to have that capability but the MS906 I have didn't come with a bluetooth VCI, only the MS908 had it at the time I bought mine.

[@chenming3219]

Nice work and detail on video, Thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you.

[@JohnSmith-bh8um]

My issue is my radiator fan isnt kicking on. At what heat range should my fan kick on?

[@dennisrobinson8008]

ect2 control the fan

[@Random.Adventures.]

Hi there. I understand the process for changing the thermostat i have the same car. the issue is @ 26:40 my fans do not turn on. but if i click on the ac bith fans turn on but not when it is off. I also crank the heat on and thrmostat is all good. Any ideas thanks

[@chrisshay8357]

I have a leak the is on the back side of the thermostat it’s the pinky size tube that is coming out the backside… Does that little tube have a gasket… My thermostat went bad and the main hose came off of the radiator and cause the heat the car to heat up

[@Ottonic6]

It also shows a very slow ECT 1 increase because there is a lot more coolant to warm up because of the thermostat being open.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment.

[@koreanjoe]

Thanks for the torque specs

[@BigDog50001]

You bet!

[@stevarino1675]

@@BigDog50001 Can you please tell me the brand of torque inch pound wrench you used? Thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Steven Palmisano I believe I used an inexpensive Harbor Freight torque wrench in this video. They work pretty well for the price.

[@erickvidal9950]

My question is. Check engine light aside. Wont it prevent the car from over heating if the valve is always open. And in the winter will it just mean that i wont have good heat in my cabin

[@BigDog50001]

Depends on how (and if) the thermostat has failed. In general, you want the vehicle to run at proper operating temperature because it can either overheat or not get warm enough and throw off the air/fuel ratio, both of which can potentially damage other components. I don't recommend driving a vehicle with a bad thermostat (or without one).

[@Father_of_3girls]

I have a question for you mine is a 2008 and my gauge stays low

[@alexandermolina8747]

I.did this but the fan did not turn on twice. I let it idle for 30 mins. Turned o heat for 5 or so mins. Bubbles stopped coming out. Temperature gauge was at 9 bars the entire team. Car runs fine afterwards. I did not use a thermometer but the coolant in the funnel was hot with barely noticeable steam. I used oem thermostat. Maybe my ect 1 and 2 sensors are bad?

[@Samenusa]

I got this error code, honda civic 2008 I have to add coolant every other day and the coolant reservoir get overflow. What could be causing that issue?

[@dennisrobinson8008]

did you get an answer

[@Samenusa]

@@dennisrobinson8008 not but I solved it by changing the thermostat also change the radiator cap.

[@dennisrobinson8008]

@@Samenusa your fans were turning on while you had the issue?

[@Samenusa]

@@dennisrobinson8008 yes, if your fan doesn't turn on it could be also the temperature sensor 1.

[@terrellmack9630]

What items do I need to use to clean my engine compartment?

[@patrickjames3321]

My fans came on at 210 degrees, and it was very hard to reach to temperature, I had to rev it at 2500 rpm because not even at 2000 was going up

[@sivucit]

Quick question Dave.. The top hose is where thermostat connect. when engine reach operating temperature this theermostat open and that is where the engine coolant enters on top of radiator and flow to the bottom hose then to the engine block. my stupid question is when thermostat is closed, the bottom hose of radiator is still attached the engine block and there is no valve like thermostat , so question is will not the water flow from bottom hose from radiator to engine block. if so will not engine heat will go to radiator thru bottom hose from engine block when top hose is blocked by thermostat.

[@BigDog50001]

The coolant will not really move around with the thermostat closed (the water pump is forcing the coolant in one direction). A small amount of heat transfer may take place through the coolant towards radiator while thermostat is closed but not enough to worry about.

[@sivucit]

@@BigDog50001 Thanks. I also see some car that have thermostat on lower side of the hose instead of uppper hose. have you ever seen that

[@Coco-o3q8o]

Excellent

[@MrHuck]

My 06 engine light came on during highway drive. Temperature ran cool whole trip. Like 4 bars on the gauge. Thought dang this this car running cool. Autozone gave me the P0128 code and feel like it’s the thermostat also. Think it’s worth just doing process of eliminating? Try this before the ECT sensors?

[@BigDog50001]

It is a very common issue so there is a good chance it is a bad thermostat.

[@TheFAFOHouse]

My sons engine light came on but it only shows pending p0128. Should I replace or wait until it gets stored as permanent. The ect reaches normal temp, the heater gets hot. I don't have ect 2 on my obd2. I will ask him if the gauge drops while driving. Thanks.

[@BigDog50001]

If the engine light came on, it saw the problem at least twice. ECT2 (located on bottom of radiator) plays a big part so verify that the terminals on ECT2 are clean and tight (not corroded or damaged). Otherwise the most likely cause is a bad thermostat. I probably would get it fixed sooner rather than later.

[@brunom1280]

What if im still getting the p0128 code after installing new thermostat?

[@emeraldgoddess1399]

Great video, how long did it take please?

[@Taylexwow]

Just replaced my thermostat 2 weeks ago, code came back today. Very frustrated, of course I didn't keep the receipt

[@rolandvaldez8228]

Keep up the good work👍

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@jameslund221]

I’ve got a 03 civic hybrid, the housing is under the air box. Also it’s put together with rtv.

[@BigDog50001]

Yes a Hybrid is a different vehicle.

[@chrishrouda7975]

Extremely helpful!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks!

[@peppermrjpeppermrj329]

Great.video! Awesome attention to detail! Great camera work and editing! After duplicating your vid on my 06 I had some issues with the fan kicking in or actually not coming on. Rebled the system with the front end up and the rad cap at the highest point. Took 30 mins for the fan to come on, 212 degrees on the scan tool (not sure which ects, cheap scanner only shows 1) and the lower hose to start to warm up. Fan only stayed on for 20 seconds maybe. Temp dropped 8 degrees as per the scan tool. Which ects signals the computer to turn on the fan. I am not used to a fan running such a shoot period. Rebled the system same rusults. Test drive and the ects never went above 200 Any thoughts, thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Fans are controlled by the engine computer which uses both ECTs as well as other inputs to turn fans on (either high or low speed). Fans will sometimes only run a short time, but both fans should come on (not just one) on these 2006-2011 Civics. I just did a fan troubleshooting video on this vehicle.

[@peppermrjpeppermrj329]

@@BigDog50001 thanks for the prompt reply and assistance. Will search your fan video. Both fans do come on.

[@BigDog50001]

From what you describe, I suspect they are working normally.

[@skyking8619]

This is a great video!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@trifectawinnings7755]

The P0128 is the only code keeping me from finishing my emissions/safety test in Texas. Do I need to go through a drive cycle or just idle the car? Thank you.

[@BigDog50001]

A P0128 is a two trip detection code, but it will need three drive cycles to clear the code (if the vehicle was properly repaired). For this code, you can usually drive the car for at least 10 minutes straight (no stops) while keeping the speed between 15-75 MPH to complete one drive cycle (then turn vehicle off and repeat if you want to do another drive cycle).

[@BigDog50001]

I should mention, the vehicle has to cool down between drive cycles for this code, so the engine computer wants to see at least 6 hours of engine off time. It may be faster to clear all codes and then drive the vehicle to get all the emission monitors to set (pass). Unfortunately there is no fast way to do any of this.

[@SrColon309]

very good video, thanks for your video.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment.

[@301Geo]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Ottonic6]

Any OAT (Organic Additive Technology) antifreeze will work in a Honda, but don't use silicate antifreeze in a Japanese coolant system. Evidence shows it reduces water pump life in certain Japanese import cars. I talked to a Honda technician and he stated that most Coolants now a days are silicate free, they substitute the silicates with phosphates. The blue color in Honda coolant is just dye, it has nothing to do with the formula or the performance... Prestone Regular or 50/50 is a silicate free OAT antifreeze and It uses phosphates to replaces the silicates, and will perform and work just fine...

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate you taking the time to comment. OAT actually stands for Organic ACID Technology, and even though Prestone says their coolant is compatible with Honda, I am not a fan of using it in one. Every coolant manufacturer has trade secret ingredients that they won't even list on their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). I am even a little leery of aftermarket coolants that are made for specific makes, but I like them better than "one size fits all coolants". You can never go wrong with using the coolant the manufacturer recommends (especially when it is someone else's vehicle).

[@Ottonic6]

Big Dog50001 Auto - Thanks for the correction... Yeah, I am pretty adamant on using OEM for everything (when possible), but always with Power Steering Fluid and Auto Trans Fluid, but I went with the Prestone per my owners manual. Though it recommends the Honda brand, they do say it's OK to use an equivalent temporarily. And my Honda guy says it's ok. But I agree, if it were someone else, I would recommend the Honda brand to avoid any repercussion in case of some kind of failure i couldn't get blamed for using the wrong brand (CYA). Thanks!

[@BigDog50001]

Dano C. 👍

[@vejai4504]

Nice video man i was wondering why did you have to clear the codes ?.

[@BigDog50001]

I clear the codes so when the owner gets back in the vehicle they don't see a check engine light on and think their vehicle is not fixed.

[@samashpowell]

Good job dude!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@atosh12]

It is a great video. Thanks a lot!!! Although I am a newbie, I am getting inspired to replace mine too. Btw, where did you get the parts?

[@BigDog50001]

D Tosh Thank you. I usually get parts from one of the local Honda dealers.

[@nanmer7135]

What model scanner is that?

[@mikemarashdeh114]

got check engine light (p 0128) , replaced the thermostat but the check engine light still on even after driving the car for around 70 miles (coolant level is OK and cooling sensor is OK also) is that normal ? Yeah, the car is 2014 Dodge grand caravan

[@BigDog50001]

Did you clear the code? Sometimes the code will clear on its own and sometimes it needs to be cleared with a scan tool. Looking at the temp sensors with a scan tool as vehicle warms up can also show if thermostat is working properly.

[@sergiodanelunaiii7773]

Very detailed! Thank you. Any recommendations on how to fix the Engine Block issue with the 06-08 Civics? This is when one, two, or three micro cracks/holes appear and begin to leak antifreeze. Any advice would be great.

[@BigDog50001]

If you are talking about the cracks in the block that can develop below the exhaust manifold or behind the oil/air separator cover, this is a defect in the manufacturing process in my opinion and the only real way to correct it is to replace the block unfortunately. Honda extended the warranty to 10 years on this defect but most vehicles are now beyond the warranty period. If it overheated at all, I would probably opt to get a complete used engine and swap it out. Thanks for the comment!

[@Jonathan-pr1wo]

Sergio Dane Luna III happened to my civic 2 years ago and replaced it with a imported engine from japan that had 40k miles on it and now it’s good. Overall I paid $1,500 with the new engine and to have it installed onto my car

[@iMartyification]

I did everything on the video but Why my coolant reservoir reach above MAX level after getting out the air by doing 4-5 cooling cycle. How long does it take for the radiator fan to kick in? I have honda civic 06. TIA

[@BigDog50001]

I can't see what you did, but if you got most of the initial air out, any remaining air will usually work its way out through the reservoir over time during normal driving (always keep an eye on temp gauge and coolant level after servicing). I would make sure the coolant level is not above the MAX line in the reservoir though (coolant level can rise and fall due to temperature fluctuations). Timing varies, but it will usually will get to operating temperature on a cold engine in about 10-15 minutes (especially if raising the RPMs).

[@iMartyification]

Big Dog50001 Automotive my honda reach half of the temperature gauge but the fan did not kick in. It took maybe 40mins for the radiator fan to kick in. I replaced the thermostat and ect1 with genuine honda parts. I don’t know if there is something else wrong. It’s just weird that the fan took so long to kick in and the coolant went to the reservoir

[@iMartyification]

Note: Also when the fan kicked in, I did 5-6 fan cycle to make sure.