auto tranny and rads
 

Hello,
I'm not sure where to post on these topics and since it is tech-related, I chose here.

Please transfer if necessary.

Anyway, I have a couple of problems with my car and I thought the D.I.Y section would be appropriate since most people are talking about working on their cars etc.

Car: '90 Civic Dx Sedan, 1.5, 4 door, auto

Here's two probs:
1) key sticks in ignition sometimes
update: I found that I absolutely need the parking light to be on in order for the key to come out. I wiggle the shifter and make the red [P] (parking) light come on and the key comes out no problem. Is this an indication of the tranny slipping? The light doesn't always come on and although I originally thought it might be electrical, I now think that the tranny is slipping slightly out of park or not fully engaged so that the key sticks. But, when I wiggle the shifter and get the parking light to come on, the key comes out.

Comments?

2) I need to replace the rad
While driving a while ago, the car overheated. I happened to be near a Honda dealer so I took it there. They wanted over 300 bucks so I told them, I'd do it myself. They did a leak test and informed me the rad leaked and needed new hoses. I was going to try this myself or pay a mechanic to do it for a cheaper rate. I picked up a rad from a recycler but I haven't done this job before. I have a service manual but it only has a diagram. I have a Haynes book so it's somewhat helpful. I have a few write-ups but I've read about a few probs when it comes to working around the AC. I think I have all the parts. I bought new hoses and I have the tools (sockets etc.).

Currently, the old rad is still in there and the car hasn't overheated....yet.

Any advice?

Thanks for any responses.

P.S. still shopping for a car. I don't want to invest much more $$ on the '90! :-)

Number 1: Neutral safty switch, therefore electrical problem. Leads on the switch are probably worn-off, not making good contact. Not a biggie.

Number 2: Very easy procedure to change the rad. MAKE SURE you change the thermostat and the rad cap as well. Its a very straight remove and reinstall procedure. Nothing tobe afraid of. ;-)

Thanks for your reply! I haven't been checking the board lately as much so I didn't reply right away. But, I'm back!

Anyway, here's an update: I found that I need the parking light on so I have to wiggle the shifter until it does. Then, it doesn't stick. How do I check the leads on the switch?

2) A rad garage replaced my rad. They told me the wrecker's one I got had a leak so they used one of theirs. I guess I have to believe them. It really wasn't in the greatest shape and that's why I was hesitant to use it. I was in a hurry when I picked it up so only really examined it after I got home.

i have to replace my rad as well, and I think I Know how to do it, just where do I drain the coolant from? Seeing as how most of it has leaked out? Its an EF. Thanks.

From the plastic plug at the bottom of the rad. When the car's jacked up and you look underneath where the rad is, you should be able to see it. It's either white or black, I think.