If you’re experiencing problems with the engine temperature light coming on, but it’s not overheating, the likely cause is a faulty sensor. Engine Temperature Light on but not Overheating On certain models of vehicles, this engine temperature light may be green. Drive steady and avoid pushing the engine too hard until the light goes out. This may also apply to certain transmission types. This simply means that your engine oil is not up to optimal efficiency due to the low temperature. Having a blue engine temperature warning light appear on your dashboard shouldn’t concern you anywhere near as much as a red one. A red engine temperature warning light requires immediate action Though a top up of engine coolant may be required on occasions a substantial drop in levels, or frequent topping up suggests there’s a leak that needs repairing. Ideally open the cap using a thick cloth in case hot water splashes onto your hand. Water in the coolant tank is pressurised and hot, so leaving to cool is essential. Leave your engine off for at least 20 minutes (ideally a little longer) before attempting to top up with coolant. An engine that has overheated to the point that it fails will almost certainly be irreparable and will require considerable expense to replace. If a red engine temperature warning light comes on, it’s essential that you stop and turn the engine off as soon as it’s safe to do so. What to do if the Engine Temperature Warning Light Comes on The usual cause is that there’s insufficient coolant in the system to keep the engine running at optimal temperatures. Sometimes this warning light may flash.Ĭoolant, or antifreeze as it’s also known, consists of a mixture of water and ethylene glycol and constantly circulates the engine to keep it cool (see what is engine coolant for a detailed explanation). What is Engine Coolant / Antifreeze & when to Use ItĪ red (occasionally yellow on some vehicles) engine temperature warning light that stays on or comes on while driving means there’s a coolant fault or your engine is overheating and requires immediate attention.What is a Catalytic Converter and How they Work.

Vw red coolant light