1995 Honda Prelude Owner's Manual - Page 195

If Your Engine Overheats Your car's temperature gauge should register in the midrange under most conditions. It may register higher if you are driving up a long steep hill on a very hot day. If it illuminates the red marker at the right end of the gauge, you should determine the reason. Your car can overheat for several reasons, such as lack of coolant or a mechanical problem. The only indication may be the temperature gauge illuminating the red marker. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood. In either case, you should take immediate action. 2. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. 3. If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading (climbing a long, steep hill on a hot day with the A/C running, for example), the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint then continue driving. 4. If the temperature gauge continues to display the red marker, turn off the engine. 5. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected NOTICE Driving with the temperature gauge's red marker lit can cause serious damage to your engine. Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you. Do not open the hood if steam is coming out. 1. Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in neutral or park and set the parking brake. Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.