Engine Overheating (for vehicles with a gasoline engine)

The coolant temperature gauge reading should be in the middle of the scale. If the coolant temperature gauge needle has moved into the red zone, determine the cause (hot weather, prolonged steep climb, etc.).

If the engine overheats, take immediate action. The coolant temperature gauge needle moving into the red zone may be the only sign of engine overheating. Or you may see steam coming from under the hood.

If you continue driving the vehicle when the coolant temperature gauge needle is in the red zone, the engine may be seriously damaged and fail.

Steam and spray of boiling coolant escaping from an overheated engine 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. On a vehicle with a manual transaxle, shift the transmission into Neutral. On a vehicle with an automatic transaxle, move the selector lever to the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake. Turn off all auxiliary equipment and turn on the hazard warning flashers.

2. Turn off the engine if steam is coming from under the hood or hot coolant is leaking. Wait until the steam or leak stops, then open the hood.

3. If there is no steam or hot coolant leaking 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 and the gauge needle is back in the middle of the scale, you may continue driving.

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

5. Check for visible signs of coolant leakage, such as cracks in the radiator hose.

Since all engine and cooling system components are hot, be careful not to get burned. If a leak is found, correct the problem before continuing to drive (refer to "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" on page 562).

6. If no coolant leak is found, check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark.

7. If the coolant reservoir is empty, it may be necessary to add coolant to the radiator.

Before checking the coolant level in the radiator, allow the engine to cool so that the coolant temperature gauge needle returns to the middle of the scale.

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

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 thick cloth, then turn the cap counterclockwise without pressing it down, until it stops.

After the pressure in the cooling system equalizes with atmospheric pressure, press down on the cap and turn it.

9. Start the engine and turn the temperature control to maximum heat. If the vehicle has automatic climate control, select AUTO mode and set the maximum temperature "».

Add coolant to the radiator until the level reaches the base of the filler neck. If coolant of the recommended type is not available, you may add clean water to the radiator. As soon as possible, completely drain the water-diluted coolant from the engine cooling system and replace it with the recommended coolant.

10. Securely close the coolant reservoir cap. Start the engine and monitor the coolant temperature gauge.

If the needle rises into the red zone again, the engine requires repair (refer to "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" on page 562). 11. If the engine temperature has returned to normal, check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. If necessary, add coolant to the MAX mark in the reservoir. Securely close the coolant reservoir cap.