Engine Overheat

The vehicle is equipped with an engine coolant temperature gauge on the instrument cluster and an engine overheat message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) to warn of engine overheating. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge.

You may decide not to open the hood when the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the hot zone or the DIC engine overheat message is displayed, but instead obtain roadside assistance. Refer to Roadside Assistance Program.

If you decide to open the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Then check whether the engine cooling fan(s) are running. If the engine is overheating, the fan(s) should be running. If they are not, do not continue to run the engine and service the vehicle.

If steam is coming from the engine compartment

If steam is not coming from the engine compartment

If the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the hot zone or the DIC engine overheat message is displayed, but no steam is visible or heard, the problem may not be serious. Sometimes the engine may become too hot when the vehicle:

• Climbs a long hill on a hot day
• Stops after driving at high speed
• Idles for a long time in traffic
• Tows a trailer

If the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the hot zone and the DIC engine overheat message is displayed without any signs of steam:

1. 1
   Turn off the air conditioning.
2. 2
   Turn the heater to the highest temperature setting and the fan to the maximum speed. Open the windows as needed.
3. 3
   When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and let the engine idle.

If the engine coolant temperature gauge no longer shows the overheat zone and the DIC overheat message is no longer displayed, the vehicle may be driven. Continue to drive slowly for approximately 10 minutes. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. If the engine coolant temperature gauge does not return to the overheat zone and the DIC overheat message does not display, resume normal driving and have the cooling system checked for proper fill and operation.

If the engine coolant temperature gauge is still in the overheat zone or the DIC overheat message still displays, stop and park the vehicle immediately. If the overheat messages reappear, see your dealer.

If there are no signs of steam, let the engine idle for three minutes while parked. If the engine coolant temperature gauge is still in the overheat zone or the DIC overheat message is displayed, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.