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6.4 Coolant Temperature Warning Light - Overheating

If the coolant warning light on the instrument panel flashes, the engine may be overheated. Even if the temperature gauge is not indicating a high temperature, find a safe place to stop, stop the engine, and inspect cooling system. Open the hood to help cool the engine. Continuing to drive an overheated car can cause expensive damage.

WARNING-

Do not remove the coolant reservoir or radiator caps with the engine hot. Undoing either could spray hot coolant, and cause burns, or damage the engine.

WARNING-

Do not touch the radiator fan blades. They will rotate spontaneously when the thermoswitch turns the fan on, even with the ignition off, until the engine has cooled sufficiently. This may take ten minutes or more.

CAUTION-

Do not add cold water or coolant to a hot engine. Severe engine damage could result from the sudden temperature change.

The radiator fan should be running. If not, then this may be the cause of overheating, especially if the warning light came on while the car was in slow traffic. Let the engine cool, and check the coolant level as described in LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE. The car can still be driven, but it should only be as far as is necessary until repairs are made. Watch the temperature gauge closely, and stop to cool the engine if the warning light comes on again.

If the fan is running and everything seems normal in the engine compartment, then the overheating may be caused by the driving conditions, such as operating the air conditioner in slow traffic, or by a low coolant level or damaged V-belt. Turn off the air conditioner. Let the engine cool and check the coolant and V-belt as described in LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE.

If no coolant is visible in the coolant reservoir, then remove the radiator cap to check the level and add coolant. The car can be driven, but have the cooling system thoroughly checked as soon as possible. If replacement coolant is not available, then plain water can be used, but the coolant should eventually be drained and refilled with coolant of the proper anti-freeze/water ratio.

If steam comes from the engine compartment then there most likely is a burst coolant hose or a large leak in the cooling system. To find the hole, look for signs of coolant leakage on hoses, at hose connections, or on the radiator. Let the engine cool thoroughly, then add coolant or water to fill the system and start the engine. If a great deal of water or coolant flows out of the hole, then the car should not be driven until repairs are made. If there is a slight seepage, then it may be possible to drive a short distance, adding coolant as needed.

If none of the above conditions apply, and the coolant gauge does not indicate a hot engine, then the warning light system may be faulty. The car can be driven, but closely watch the temperature gauge.

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