Can you drive with high coolant temperature?
With high ambient temperatures, your coolant temperature can rise quickly to dangerous levels causing engine damage. If temperatures get too high it can cause a lot of problems. One of the biggest problems with having a high coolant temperature while you’re driving is that your engine oil will not lubricate properly.
What does engine coolant over temp mean?
Trouble code: P0217 Engine Over Temperature If this code is discovered, it means the engine coolant temperature is excessively high under normal engine speed. The engine coolant is overheating if it’s around 240 to 250 degrees. This is a critical light! It means your engine is beginning to overheat.
What causes the coolant light to come on?
The most common reason for the coolant light to become illuminated is simply that the coolant level is too low. There may be a floating sensor in your coolant tank that triggers the warning light when the level drops. Low coolant levels are usually caused by leaks, either in the reservoir or somewhere in the lines.
What causes high coolant temperature?
Lots of things can cause an engine to overheat, such as a loss of coolant due to a leaking hose or radiator, a worn or broken fan belt, a bad water pump or thermostat, or an electrical problem. It can even overheat on a cold day if the coolant is too diluted with water to keep it from freezing.
Why is my coolant temperature high?
If the temperature gauge reads high, it could mean your engine is overheating. Another reason your reading might be high is you could be losing coolant. A small leak or evaporation may cause your radiator to slowly lose coolant. A third reason your temperature gauge reads high could be because the thermostat is broken.
What does the engine coolant temp light mean?
The engine coolant temperature Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. This light illuminates when the temperature of the engine coolant has risen to a dangerously high temperature . To avoid serious damage to your engine, stop your car as soon as possible, and let the coolant lower in temperature before you resume driving.
What causes low engine coolant?
Possible causes: Engine coolant level may be very low. The Fix: Refill the coolant to the proper level. Engine’s drive belts may be broken or slipping. The Fix: Tighten or replace the belts.
Can low coolant level cause check engine light to come on?
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.
What causes the hot coolant temp light to come on?
When the coolant temperature warning light goes on, the engine is seriously overheated, which can be caused by overheating, lack of cooling water or a cooling system that is having trouble. At this point, you need to park your car in a safe area with shade (if it’s summer) to open the bonnet.