Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light or Gage indicates engine is too hot (overheated engine)

Symptoms

• Pull off the road, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
• Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
• If no steam is coming from your engine, in heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N) while stopped.
• If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.
• Adjust the heater to the highest temperature and fan speed settings and open the window as necessary.
• If the overheated engine warnings no longer exist, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warnings do not come back on, you can drive normally.
• If the warning continues, and you have not stopped, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
• If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while you are parked. If the warning still exists, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.
• You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

Related Technical Service Bulletins