What Causes the Water Temperature Warning When Starting a Cold Car in Winter?
2 Answers
Winter cold start water temperature warning causes include issues with car antifreeze, car fan malfunction, or radiator circulation pump failure. Car antifreeze issues: Can cause the water temperature gauge indicator to alarm when starting the car. Immediately turn off the car power and check if the antifreeze is insufficient. If maintenance was recently performed, there may be leakage in the pipe connecting the antifreeze reservoir to the radiator. The solution is to add antifreeze. Car fan malfunction: High radiator temperature. The fan on the radiator can reduce the heat generated by the car engine. If the car fan malfunctions or does not work due to circuit issues, it can cause the radiator to overheat. When the sensor detects that the radiator temperature is higher than normal, the water temperature gauge warning light will automatically activate. The solution is to take the car to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. Radiator circulation pump failure: If the car antifreeze has not been replaced for a long time, residue in the antifreeze can clog the radiator circulation pump, preventing it from functioning properly and affecting the radiator's cooling function. The solution is to clean or replace the radiator circulation pump.
There are several main reasons for the coolant temperature warning during cold starts in winter. The most common issue is insufficient coolant, which may freeze or evaporate in cold weather, causing the sensor to detect high temperatures and trigger an alarm. Another reason could be a faulty coolant temperature sensor, which is prone to malfunction and false alarms in low-temperature environments. Additionally, the thermostat might be stuck closed, preventing coolant circulation and causing the engine to overheat. Extremely low external temperatures can also challenge the engine's warm-up efficiency, leading the system to misinterpret it as a problem. Furthermore, a malfunctioning water pump or leaks in the cooling system may also trigger this warning. It is recommended to check the coolant level and condition—if it is too low or too thick, refill it immediately. Also, use an OBD tool to scan for trouble codes to assess the severity of the issue and ensure driving safety. If the warning recurs frequently, it is best to visit a repair shop as soon as possible for a comprehensive inspection to prevent engine damage.
