What does it mean if your engine coolant temperature light comes on?

What does it mean if your engine coolant temperature light comes on?

This temperature warning light means that your engine is running at a temperature that is too high – in other words, your engine is overheating. However, a problem with the cooling system or low coolant can cause the engine to overheat, which leads to engine damage.

Why is my car overheating and check engine light?

Overheating: Sometimes a check engine light comes on if there’s a serious problem with the car. For example, Motorist explained that it could indicate that the vehicle is overheating, which means you need to pull over immediately. Neglecting this part of the vehicle can result in costly repairs for several systems.

Can you drive with overheated engine?

Driving your car when it’s overheating can cause serious – and sometimes permanent – damage to your engine, so it’s best to stop driving as soon as possible. Pull over and away from oncoming traffic, then turn off the engine.

What does the engine coolant temp light mean?

What the coolant temperature warning light means . On engine startup, the warning light will illuminate for a second or two to check the bulb and should then go out. If the warning light is illuminated even after startup, it indicates that the car’s computer has detected an issue within the system.

What is the correct coolant temperature?

The normal operating temperature of the coolant in an engine is about 210F to 240F degrees. The thermostat OPENS at 195F degrees; but, the temperature continues to rise to the normal operating temperature. The temperature of the coolant can rise above 212F degrees because coolant is pressurized (NOT because the water is mixed with antifreeze).

What causes the hot coolant temp light to come on?

When the coolant temperature warning light goes on, the engine is seriously overheated, which can be caused by overheating, lack of cooling water or a cooling system that is having trouble. At this point, you need to park your car in a safe area with shade (if it’s summer) to open the bonnet.

What does the engine temperature warning light mean?

How does your engine temperature warning light work? A temperature gauge that has a red light at the hot end of the temperature range A red or yellow light that will come on and even blink when the engine temperature is too high A messaging system that will flash “engine overheating” in the driver information center.

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