Engine Overheating (Diesel Engine Versions)

In most situations, the temperature gauge reading should be in the middle position of the needle. Engine temperature may rise during prolonged driving uphill, especially in hot weather. If the coolant temperature gauge needle approaches the red mark on the scale, determine the cause of engine overheating.

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.

The engine may overheat for various reasons, such as insufficient coolant or mechanical problems. 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.

Regardless of the cause of engine overheating, you must take emergency measures.

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 the climate control system and all other auxiliary equipment.

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.

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 (for example, while climbing a prolonged steep hill on a hot day with the air conditioner on), 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. Wait until the steam emission or fluid leak stops, then open the hood.

6. Check for any visible signs 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, the problem must be corrected before continuing to drive the vehicle (see also "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" on page 479).

7. If you do not find a coolant leak, check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir (see page 305).

8. If it is necessary to add coolant, open the coolant reservoir cap. Before doing so, turn the ignition on and check the coolant temperature gauge. Open the reservoir cap only if the coolant temperature has dropped to normal or the gauge needle has moved out of the red zone, and if the cooling system is not making gurgling noises.

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.

9. When removing the reservoir cap, use a cloth or gloves to protect your hands. Loosen the reservoir cap by turning it 1/8 turn counterclockwise. Then wait some time to allow the pressure in the system to drop. After that, remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.

10. Start the engine and turn the temperature control dial to maximum heat (AUTO mode —climate control system). Add coolant to the reservoir up to the MAX mark. If the recommended coolant is not available, clean water may be added to the radiator. At the first opportunity, completely drain the engine cooling system of water-diluted coolant and refill it with the recommended coolant.

11. Tightly close the reservoir cap. Start the engine and monitor the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle rises to the red mark again, the engine requires repair (see "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" on page 479). 12. If the engine temperature has returned to normal, check the coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary, add coolant to the reservoir up to the MAX mark. Tightly close the reservoir cap.