What to Do When the Water Temperature Indicator Shows High Temperature?
2 Answers
The causes and solutions for high water temperature indication are as follows: Coolant Depletion: Check the coolant level and whether it has deteriorated, then replenish the coolant. Thermostat Failure: For this type of fault, the car must be sent to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. Water Temperature Sensor Malfunction: Check whether the water temperature sensor and its circuit are functioning properly. The car's water temperature gauge measures the temperature of the engine's cooling water. The electronic control unit determines the temperature of the engine's cooling water based on this change. The lower the temperature, the greater the resistance; conversely, the lower the resistance.
That day I was on a long drive when suddenly the temperature gauge shot up, scaring me into finding a safe spot to pull over immediately. Never turn off the engine right away—let it idle for two minutes to allow the fan to cool it down, which is much safer than shutting it off immediately. After stopping, remember to turn on the hazard lights and set up a warning triangle, then wait half an hour for the engine to cool. When you pop the hood, first check the coolant level—if it's below the MIN line, there might be a leak. You can temporarily top it off with distilled water in an emergency, but you must replace the antifreeze as soon as possible. If the fan is stuck and not spinning, check the fuse and electrical connections—I once had a loose fan connector that caused overheating. If the coolant level is sufficient but the temperature still spikes, it’s likely a faulty thermostat or water pump, which means a trip to the repair shop is necessary.
