Engine Overheating (gasoline engine versions)

The temperature gauge reading should be at the middle of the scale.

If the coolant temperature gauge needle has moved past the red mark on the scale, determine the cause (hot weather, prolonged steep climb, etc.).

If the engine overheats, you must take immediate action. The coolant temperature gauge needle moving into the red zone may be the only sign of engine overheating.

In other cases, however, you may see steam coming from under the hood.

WARNING

If you continue driving the vehicle when the coolant temperature gauge needle has moved past the red mark on the scale, the engine may be seriously damaged and fail.

WARNING

Steam and spray of boiling coolant that is forced out from under the radiator cap of an overheated engine under pressure can cause severe burns.

Do not open the hood if steam is coming from under it.

1. Stop the vehicle on the shoulder in a safe place. Shift to Neutral and apply the parking brake. Turn off all auxiliary equipment and turn on the hazard warning lights.

2. If steam is coming from under the hood, or if hot coolant is dripping onto the road, stop the engine. Wait until the steam emission or fluid leak stops, then open the hood.

3. If there is no steam or hot fluid discharge from the cooling system, leave the engine running at idle and monitor the coolant temperature gauge. If the overheating was caused by increased engine load, the engine temperature should begin to drop almost immediately. After the engine temperature has returned to normal, when the gauge needle returns to the middle zone of the scale, you may continue driving the vehicle.

4. If the coolant temperature gauge needle remains in the red zone, turn off the engine.

5. Check for visible causes of coolant loss, such as cracks in the hoses. Since all engine and cooling system components are hot, be careful not to get burned. If you find a coolant leak, correct the fault before continuing to drive the vehicle (see also "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" on page 479).

6. If you do not find a coolant leak, check the coolant level in the cooling system expansion tank (see page 304).

7. If the expansion tank is empty, it may be necessary to add coolant to the radiator. Before checking the coolant level in the radiator, cool the engine until the coolant temperature gauge needle returns to the middle zone of the scale or lower.

WARNING

Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. Doing so may cause severe burns from hot coolant spray or steam.

Do not remove the radiator cap until the engine and radiator have cooled.

8. Put on protective gloves or cover the radiator cap with a large piece of thick cloth, then turn the cap counterclockwise without pressing down until it reaches the first stop. After the pressure in the cooling system has equalized with atmospheric pressure, press down on the cap and turn it further.

9. Start the engine and turn the temperature control knob to maximum heat (AUTO mode —climate control system). Add coolant to the radiator and fill it to the base of the filler neck.

If coolant of the recommended type is not available, you may add clean water to the radiator. Be sure to drain the water-diluted coolant completely from the engine cooling system at the first opportunity and replace it with coolant of the recommended type.

10. Close the expansion tank cap tightly. Start the engine and monitor the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle rises again to the red mark, the engine requires repair (see "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" on page 479).

11. If the engine temperature has returned to normal, check the coolant level in the expansion tank. If necessary, add coolant to the tank up to the MAX mark.

Close the expansion tank cap tightly.