What to Do When the Car Engine Temperature Warning Light Comes On?

1 Answers
DelLillian
07/29/25 8:48am
When the engine temperature warning light comes on, you should pull over and inspect the vehicle. Park in a safe area but do not turn off the engine—keep it running at idle to allow the engine to continue operating, and open the hood to dissipate heat. Note: If you see steam rising from the hood, observe carefully and avoid opening it hastily to prevent burns. Below are the relevant details: 1. Reasons for the engine temperature warning light coming on: insufficient coolant; engine overheating; cooling fan malfunction or failure; damaged thermostat. 2. Why you shouldn't turn off the engine: For most vehicle models, the cooling system's water pump is driven by the engine. Turning off the engine stops the water pump, halting coolant circulation. Meanwhile, the engine components remain at high temperatures. Without effective cooling, this could damage the engine. 3. Specific steps: After parking, first check if the coolant level in the auxiliary tank is too low. Open the engine hood and inspect the coolant level in the auxiliary tank. If the level is below the 'min' line, it indicates the coolant is insufficient. Then, check if the cooling fan is functioning properly. A faulty cooling fan can cause the coolant temperature to rise. If the fan is stuck, you can disconnect the power and resolve the issue yourself as soon as possible. If it's a wiring problem, you'll need to call for roadside assistance.
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