What should you do if your temperature warning light comes on or if your temperature gauge indicates that your engine is getting too hot?

Wait 20 minutes, start up the engine, and if the temperature light comes on, proceed directly to the nearest garage with a mechanic. If at any time the gauge goes back into the red zone or the temperature light comes on, pull over immediately, turn off the engine and repeat the wait process.

Can I drive with the temperature light on?

While your car might still be drivable, continuing to run it with the engine temperature warning light on will only cause further damage and can lead to more costly repairs. At the very least, you should stop and let the engine cool down for around half an hour before driving further.

What is the temperature on car dashboard?

For most cars, the normal operating engine temperature is in a range of 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, though most dashboard temperature gauges don’t show an exact temperature. Instead, there are typically markings for cold and hot on the edges of the gauge and a normal range in the middle.

What can cause the temperature light to come on?

If the light illuminates on your dashboard, you’ll want to pull over and shut off the engine immediately. If the engine temperature warning light illuminates on your dashboard, it means your car’s engine is overheating.

How do you fix an engine temperature warning?

What to Do When Your Engine Overheats

1. Kill the A/C and crank the heat. Immediately turn off the air conditioner to reduce stress on the engine.
2. Find a safe place to pull over. Pull over and shut off the car.
3. Check and add coolant (if you have it).
4. Restart the engine.

How do I fix my engine temperature light?

Pull over and shut off the car. Allow the engine to cool for at least 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, as it should move back to a normal range as the engine cools. While you’re waiting (and watching the gauge), put together a plan to get your overheated engine checked out.

What does the TEMP warning light mean?

overheating
This temperature warning light means that your engine is running at a temperature that is too high – in other words, your engine is overheating. If your vehicle’s cooling system is working properly, this should never occur.

Why does my car say a different temperature?

The sensor that measures outside temperature is typically up behind the bumper, which is near the hot asphalt and the engine. That’s why it reads a little higher that what the temperature actually is outside. Even if it’s a little off, you should always be monitoring that gauge.

How do you fix high coolant TEMP?

Find a safe place to pull over. Pull over and shut off the car. Allow the engine to cool for at least 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, as it should move back to a normal range as the engine cools.

What would cause my temperature gauge to go up and down?

Low coolant, a clogged radiator, bad water pump, and a handful of other things could all be a potential issue. Replacing a thermostat is much easier than replacing an engine, so keep an eye on your temperature gauge.