The Honda began production of the Civic in 1973. First generation models featured a 50-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a curb weight of 1,500 pounds. The 1996 through 2000 model year generation saw vast technological improvements over the brand's predecessors. The 1998 Honda Civic uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 106-horsepower. The 1.6-liter VTEC engine utilizes a coolant temperature switch that instructs the on-board computer to turn on the radiator cooling fan. If your engine's cooling fan fails to operate under high temperature conditions, the engine coolant temperature switch may be the culprit.
Place the vehicle's transmission in "Park" or engage the parking brake to prevent injury, while performing inspections under the hood.
Raise your vehicle's hood and allow the engine to cool.
Examine the left side of the engine compartment and locate the large diameter lower radiator hose, connected to the bottom of the radiator. Find the metal thermostat housing connected between the lower radiator hose and top-left side of the engine.
Examine the thermostat housing for the engine coolant temperature switch mounted on the side. The coolant temperature switch features a two-wire electrical plug and is cylindrical in shape.
