What does 'ch' on the dashboard mean?
3 Answers
'ch' on the dashboard refers to the water temperature gauge, indicating the level of water temperature. Under normal circumstances, 'C' represents 60 degrees, and 'H' represents 110 degrees. When the needle of the water temperature gauge reaches 'C', it means the water temperature has reached 60 degrees, and the temperature indicated by the water temperature gauge can be estimated within the range from 60 to 110 degrees. If it reaches 'H', it indicates that the water temperature is too high, with the normal temperature range being between 80 to 100 degrees. Reasons for high engine water temperature: 1. Insufficient coolant - this is a common cause of high water temperature in vehicles; 2. Problems with the cooling fan - issues with the engine cooling fan can also lead to high engine water temperature; 3. Issues with the circulation water pump - if the water pump malfunctions, the water circulation on the heat conduction side of the engine cannot proceed normally, resulting in high water temperature. It is important to detect and resolve these issues early to avoid more significant failures.
Don't panic when you see the 'CH' light on your dashboard while driving. This is usually an abbreviation for 'Check', indicating that the vehicle system needs inspection. In my experience with various car models, 90% of cases point to cooling system issues, reminding you to check if the coolant level is too low or if there's a leak. The coolant reservoir is located in a transparent plastic tank on the right side of the engine compartment. Wait ten minutes after turning off a hot engine before checking the level against the marked lines. If it's below the MIN mark, you'll need to top it up. Of course, it could also be a false alarm from the coolant reservoir sensor. Last time I encountered this, I wasted money replacing the entire sensor assembly when it turned out to be just a loose connector. If the light stays on despite normal fluid levels, I recommend checking critical components like the thermostat and water pump.
Don't panic when 'CH' pops up on your dashboard. As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, I've seen this too many times. For most vehicles, it stands for 'Check Hydrant,' specifically indicating coolant abnormalities. However, Jeep Cherokee owners should note that 'CH' represents your vehicle model abbreviation, in which case it's likely a false trigger or system self-check prompt. My advice is: as long as the temperature gauge isn't spiking and the AC is cooling normally, pull over safely, pop the hood, and feel the radiator hoses. If there's a significant temperature difference between the upper and lower hoses, it indicates a cooling system circulation issue. Last time I encountered this on the highway, I immediately pulled into a service area and found a small crack in the auxiliary tank - the coolant had nearly all leaked out.
