What Causes the Engine Temperature Warning Light to Illuminate?
2 Answers
There may be several reasons for the engine temperature warning light to illuminate: 1. Insufficient coolant. Coolant leakage can cause its temperature to rise, so it's necessary to check whether the coolant is leaking or insufficient. 2. Issues with the radiator fan. Problems with the radiator fan can prevent heat generated during high-speed operation from being transferred to the antifreeze in a timely manner, affecting heat dissipation and subsequently causing the antifreeze temperature to rise, triggering the warning light. 3. Problems with the water pump. If the water pump malfunctions, the water circulation on the engine's heat conduction side cannot proceed normally, leading to failure of the engine cooling system and activation of the warning light.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many instances of the engine temperature warning light coming on. The most common cause is insufficient coolant, sometimes due to a leaking radiator or a loose cap. Another frequent issue is the cooling fan not working, which could be due to a blown fuse or a faulty fan motor. This problem is especially prone to happen during summer traffic jams—if the fan isn't working, the engine temperature rises rapidly. Another possibility is a stuck thermostat, which controls coolant circulation; when it fails, things get bad quickly. Last time my car's light came on, it turned out to be willow catkins clogging the radiator—a simple flush fixed it. If you see the warning light, never push your luck; pull over immediately and let the engine cool down. Otherwise, repairs can get expensive—engine overhaul due to cylinder scoring can cost thousands.
