Urgency: Critical
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Stop safely as soon as possible. Continuing to drive risks serious damage or a safety hazard.
What the Coolant Temperature Warning Light Means
This symbol tells you your your car is running too hot. Heat is the enemy of engines, and the safest move is to pull over, let it cool, and investigate the cooling system before going further.
Common Causes
- Low coolant level
- Failed thermostat
- Faulty water pump
- Cooling fan not running
- Leaking hose or radiator
How to Fix It
- Pull over safely and turn off the engine to let it cool
- Never open the radiator cap while hot
- Once cool, check the coolant reservoir level
- Look for obvious leaks or a stopped cooling fan
- Top up coolant and have the thermostat, pump and fan checked
Related DTC Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
P0128 | Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature The engine is not reaching normal operating temperature, usually a stuck-open thermostat. |
P0217 | Engine Coolant Over Temperature The engine has exceeded safe coolant temperature, risking serious internal damage. |