This temperature warning light means that your engine is running at a temperature that is too high – in other words,
your engine is overheating
. If your vehicle's cooling system is working properly, this should never occur. … When you see this light turn on, bring your vehicle into our shop.
What can cause the temperature light to come on?
The most common reasons for the warning light to displayed are the
temperature
or fluid level of the coolant. If you are driving when this warning light goes on, pull over safely as soon as possible and shut off the engine to let everything cool down.
What do I do if my temperature warning light comes on?
Turn it all the way up, in full throttle. Next, turn off the unnecessary items; radio, phone chargers, etc. Then, pull over to a safe location, turn your vehicle off and wait. Let your engine rest and settle if possible; finally, check your
coolant
level.
What does it mean when your temperature light comes on while driving?
If the temperature warning light on your dashboard — a small picture of a thermometer — comes on, that could mean
your coolant levels are low and could be your first sign of an overheating engine
. When it's safe to do so, pull over and check your coolant levels, topping up if necessary.
Can I drive with coolant light on?
When the low coolant level warning light comes on,
you should stop driving
. Pull over to the side as soon as possible and shut off the engine to prevent any additional damage.
Is there a warning light for low coolant?
The most common reason for the coolant light to become illuminated is simply that
the coolant level is too low
. There may be a floating sensor in your coolant tank that triggers the warning light when the level drops. … Low coolant levels are usually caused by leaks, either in the reservoir or somewhere in the lines.
Can low oil cause overheating?
Low Oil. … So, if your car is low on oil, possibly
due to an oil leak, it can lead to engine overheating
. Oil lubricates internal engine components and makes sure they move smoothly. Lack of lubrication causes friction, which will generate excessive heat, and potentially cause the engine to fail.
Why is my car overheating but it has coolant in it?
In general, it's because
something's wrong within the cooling system and heat isn't able to escape the engine compartment
. The source of the issue could include a cooling system leak, faulty radiator fan, broken water pump, or clogged coolant hose.
Why is my car overheating and going back to normal?
Engine overheating can be caused by a number of things such as
low coolant levels
, a faulty thermostat, or a failing coolant fan switch. When this switch is not working properly, this can cause the fans to come on intermittently, all the time or sometimes not at all.
How long can a car overheat before damage?
You have
around 30 to 60 seconds
before you start to do serious damage, such as seized up valves or even pistons, if it reaches maximum hot.
How do I know if my temperature sensor is bad?
- Poor Fuel Economy. …
- Irregular Temperature Readings. …
- Black Smoke from Your Exhaust. …
- Your Engine is Overheating. …
- Your Check Engine Light is On.
How do I know if my thermostat sensor is bad?
If your vehicle starts to use a lot more gasoline than usual, or
black smoke is starting to come from the exhaust pipe
, these are indicators that the coolant temperature sensor in your vehicle could be defective, and needs to be replaced.
Can I just add coolant to my car?
If your engine is cold, the coolant level should be up to the cold fill line. … If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use
diluted coolant by itself
, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water.
What are the signs of a blown head gasket?
- White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
- BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
- unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
- Milky white coloration in the oil.
- Engine overheating.
How long can you drive with low coolant?
If your car has a low coolant you can drive for some time. It really relies on the level of coolant. If it is low but it is above the minimum, you can drive your car
for a few days
. But if it is below the minimum, please do not even try to run your engine.
Why does my coolant light come on when full?
Your coolant light will come on
when the sensor senses an incorrect change in the temperature in your system
. Typically the sensor, which monitors the coolant temperature, knows how to adjust to varying temperatures depending up the status of your car; running, warming up, or cold.
