Hi Honda crv (98) R overheating.

if it doesn't suck coolant back from the reservoir on cooling down it can be the radiator cap, hose problem to the reservoir or hole in the cooling system
run the fault codes to see what put the engine light on

see a mechanic

THERMOSTAT NEEDS REPLACED

If you are loosing coolant and cant find any leaks check your oil level. If oil level is rising.you have blown a head gasket or cracked a head. Common when an engine over heats badly.

One fan should come on when the A/c is turn on. The other fan Will be the primary radiator cooling fan. This fan is controlled by a coolant temperature switch, a relay and fuse. Once the coolant temp, reaches 186 degs. the fan should come on. So you have to check the fuses for a burnt fuse, then you can check the coolant switch by un-pluging it and making a jump in the wiring with a paper clip and stick it into the connection. That should force the fan on. Hope this helps FixYa up.

Hello gzmpofu and thank you for asking your question, on Fixya.

Here is a simple process that will walk you through a few steps that will pinpoint the overheating problem on your 1998 Honda CRV, without even using any tools. It has helped millions of people, and I am certain that it will help you, because I wrote it for people in your exact situation.
How to diagnose your overheating 98 CRV
Pay close attention to the 'fans' part of the instructions.

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Thanks for the vote, and good luck!

if your loosing coolant and its not dripping on the floor then the only option is you have a blown head gasket. This can be tested using what is called a chemical block test or a smog machine can sniff your coolant for fuel that isbeing pushed past the bad head gasket. This is a $2000 dollar job if the gasket is bad.

have you had the coolant changed lately? there may be an air pocket in the cooling system which can lead to a blown head gasket.

6
Accord Civic CRV CRX Del Sol Odyssey Prelude
85-98 86-98 97-98 85-91 93-97 95-98 85-98 ECT Sensor (Engine Coolant Temperature)
defective circuit or unplugged / defective sensor
10
Accord Civic CRV CRX Del Sol Odyssey Prelude
85-98 86-98 97-98 85-91 93-97 95-98 85-98 IAT Sensor (Intake Air Temperature)
defective circuit or unplugged / defective sensor
16
Accord Civic CRV CRX Del Sol Odyssey Prelude
90-95 88-95 n/a 88-91 93-95 95 88-95 Fuel Injector System
defective circuit or unplugged / defective fuel injector

check your wiring for dirty connections or broken wires, you may have wires that are rubbed through or connectors that are not making full contact. you will need an ohm meter and check wires for continuity. a wiring diagram will be needed.

is the temp gauge getting hot as you drive the vehicle or does it remain at a constant temp? if no problem in coolant temp getting too hot (and overheating), then it should not be an issue.

you're sure radiator is filled with 50/50 mix of coolant & water to the top of the cap? if there's an air bubble trapped it could cause a problem. some cars have to be "burped" after refilling with new antifreeze.

if, however, its overheating, then i believe your radiator may be clogged preventing the coolant to flow across the radiator fins and cool properly.

try this. warm the car up (not the point of overheating, but hot enough for the t-stat to open), turn it off, make sure the electric fan is off (or unplug it is so equipped), then run your hand across the radiator. it should feel warm. if you feel cold spots, then that portion of the radiator is clogged preventing flow. new radiator is now in order.

hopefully its only a clogged radiator and not a clogged engine block.

hope this helped.