How to Change a Radiator Fan Switch on a 1995 Honda Civic

In 1973, Honda released the now famous Civic. The fifth generation of Civics --- 1992 through 1995 --- changed the compact car from a boxy body design to rounder and more modern. The 1995 Honda had four engines available, three 1.5-liters and one 1.6-liter. An electric fan keeps the 1995 Civic's engine coolant at an acceptable temperature. A sensor in the cooling system --- called an engine coolant temperature switch --- sends electricity to the fan when the coolant needs temperature reduction.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a flat surface and turn the engine off. Allow the vehicle to set until the engine is cool to the touch.

2

Loosen the negative battery cable, using a combination wrench, and pull the negative cable from the battery.

3

Trace the upper radiator hose until you reach the connection point between the hose and the engine; this is the thermostat housing.

4

Unplug the wiring harness plugging into the engine coolant temperature sensor --- located on the side of the thermostat housing --- by prying upward on the locking tab with a flat-head screwdriver and pulling the harness from the sensor.

5

Position a drain pan under the thermostat housing, and remove the engine coolant temperature sensor, using a ratchet and deep-well socket.

6

Tighten the new engine coolant temperature sensor into the engine, using a ratchet and socket. Only tighten it until it is snug --- do not over-tighten and break the sensor.

7

Plug the wiring harness back into the engine coolant temperature sensor. Pull the drain pan from under the vehicle.

8

Open the coolant overflow tank cap and start the Civic's engine. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature --- about halfway up the temperature gauge on the instrument cluster. Add 50-50 premixed ethylene glycol-based (green) coolant to the coolant overflow tank until it reaches the "Full" mark on the tank.

9

Close the coolant overflow tank and shut the engine off. Allow the engine to cool for about an hour and recheck that the coolant level is at the "Full" mark on the tank. Add more 50-50 premixed coolant as needed.

10

Reinstall the negative battery cable and tighten it with a combination wrench.