Why is the Jetta coolant temperature warning light on?
2 Answers
The reasons for the Jetta coolant temperature warning light being on are: 1. Insufficient antifreeze; 2. Water pump leakage; 3. Radiator damage; 4. Thermostat failure; 5. Cooling fan malfunction; 6. Pipe rupture. Taking the 2020 Jetta VS7 manual base model as an example, it belongs to a midsize 5-door 5-seat SUV with body dimensions of: length 4624mm, width 1841mm, height 1644mm, wheelbase 2730mm, and fuel tank capacity of 51 liters. The 2020 Jetta VS7 manual base model is equipped with a 1.4T engine and 5-speed manual transmission, delivering maximum power of 110 kW at 5000-6000 rpm and maximum torque of 250 N·m at 1750-3000 rpm.
The temperature gauge light coming on in a Jetta indicates that the engine might be overheating, which is a very dangerous signal. If not addressed promptly, it could damage the engine. I remember last month my car had this issue—I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, and popped the hood to find the coolant level was significantly low. Turns out there was a small leak in the radiator. I temporarily added some water to ease the situation, but it's best to have a professional check whether the fan isn’t working, the thermostat is stuck, or the water pump is faulty. Now, I’ve made it a habit to regularly check the coolant level to avoid shortages while driving.
