When does the coolant pressure light come on?
Your Coolant Pressure Light comes on when your engine is overheating due to insufficient coolant. So, can you drive safely with your Coolant Pressure Light on? The short answer is that it probably won’t get you killed, but it could mean death to your car engine. An overheated engine can cause incredible damage – failed head gaskets,…
When to add coolant or antifreeze to an engine?
However, you should never add coolant/antifreeze when the engine is hot, and instead wait for it to cool. Why? Cooling systems are pressurised, and by removing the fill cap when the engine is hot you run the risk of a serious burn.
What happens if you ignore the coolant warning light?
If you continue to drive, ignoring the warning light, you are submitting your engine to temperatures that could cause permanent damage, resulting in expensive repairs. It is far more sensible to stop your car and let the engine cool down.
What should I put in my car coolant when it is low?
If the level of coolant is low, a mixture of 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze can be added. In warm temperatures and desperate situations, plain water will suffice to get you to the garage.
When does the coolant warning light come on?
When the engine coolant is cold, the coolant level sensor triggers the warning light. As the coolant heats up with the engine, it expands raising the level. Check coolant levels when the engine is completely cold and top up if necessary. This is not applicable if the coolant warning light is blue.
What should I do if my coolant level is low?
If the recommended coolant/coolant grade is not available and the coolant level is low, top up the reservoir with distilled water and have the system evaluated by an authorized dealership as soon as possible.
What does a crack in the coolant light mean?
Your coolant light might be signs of a more major engine problem. When you get a crack in the block or the intake gasket you will leak coolant and oil, usually slowly at first. You may not notice the difference at first, thinking that your tank is full. A repair to a cracked engine block or head gasket is an expensive repair.
What does a low coolant light on a car mean?
The light usually shows either a thermometer or a box, often with wavy lines to indicate liquid. It can also say “Low Coolant.” Depending on the vehicle, this message can appear on the driver information center in the middle of your instrument panel. If the light comes on, it’s cause for serious concern.
Can a low coolant light cause a check engine error?
The PCM and Low Coolant Low coolant in the radiator of your car can trigger the malfunction illumination light (MIL), also known as the “check engine” light. Low coolant can affect the internal temperature of the engine, which is protected by the antifreeze.
When does the check coolant light illuminate?
In many cases, when the ECT sensor fails, the “check coolant” light will illuminate–if applicable to the specific vehicle–in addition to the MIL. Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry.
Your coolant light might be signs of a more major engine problem. When you get a crack in the block or the intake gasket you will leak coolant and oil, usually slowly at first. You may not notice the difference at first, thinking that your tank is full. A repair to a cracked engine block or head gasket is an expensive repair.
When to turn off the coolant pressure light?
First, pull over immediately and turn off your engine. Check your coolant level, but don’t do it until your engine has cooled down. This usually takes about half an hour.
Once the engine has cooled, check the overall fluid level of the coolant. If the level is low, you can add just water temporarily so that you can drive somewhere to get the car checked out. Keep in mind that a low coolant level means a leak is present which needs to be remedied at the earliest.