Cooling SystemOwner reportCommunity Starter

2022 Honda Accord — temperature climbs in traffic but drops once moving

RoadTripPilot788Community StarterMay 6, 20262022 Honda Accord 2.0T SportChicago
This started as a small annoyance and I finally decided to track it down. 2022 Honda Accord 2.0T Sport, about 57,500 miles. Coolant temperature rises while sitting with the A/C on, then drops once the car is moving. Coolant level looks correct. Fans run, but I do not know whether they are reaching full commanded speed.
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12 replies

WrenchPilot142Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 6, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2022 Honda Accord, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “temperature climbs in traffic but drops once,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
WrenchPilot142Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 6, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2022 Honda Accord, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'll poke at it this weekend.
CleanBuyer879Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 6, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2022 Honda Accord catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2022 Honda Accord in Chicago with 57,500 miles. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
GarageGarage872Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 6, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Capture voltage while the 2022 Honda Accord is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. This is from a 2022 Honda Accord in Chicago with 57,500 miles. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
SunBeltHauler823Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 6, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2022 Honda Accord catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. No need to make it theatrical. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
SunBeltHauler823Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 7, 2026permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Get a real battery/charging test on the 2022 Honda Accord, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Save the big job until that test fails. That's the sequence I'd use. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
SunBeltHauler823Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 7, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2022 Honda Accord is losing coolant with no puddle. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “temperature climbs in traffic but drops once,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Only after sitting overnight so far.
FlatSixSeller714Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 7, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2022 Honda Accord, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Only after sitting overnight so far.
ProjectCollector493Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 7, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Two 2022 Honda Accords can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
DealPilotCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 7, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2022 Honda Accord and see if the fault moves. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
GarageRoadieCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 7, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2022 Honda Accord is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
GarageRoadieCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 7, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Two 2022 Honda Accords can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. On “temperature climbs in traffic but drops once,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Just my two cents from doing this recently. I'll update if anything new shows up.
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