what does it mean when ur coolant light comes on but ur car is not running hot?

Question

Today on my way to the store, I was using my air conditioner, the gage for my temperture was not running hot, but a red light came on saying I was low on coolant. I cut off the airconditioner and went on to the store, after I came back to my vehicle, I used the air conditioner on the way home and the light did not come on again. Do I need to put more coolant in my car or just keep an eye out to see if the red light comes on again

Answer 1

It means the coolant level in your radiator or resevoir is low. Add coolant to your resevoir immediately to prevent the light from coming on again. (Why would you want to see the light again?!?!?) Simply pop the hood, look for the clear container that contains coolant and add until it is at the full level.

The next time you drive, some coolant may come out, this is the resevoir self adjusting itself because the full mark is typically for when the coolant is warm so don't worry if you see some coolant after filling the resevoir.

Answer 2

I had a Ford Escort and had heating problems too. The Ford Escort has an Aluminum head. So if it gets hot, you better stop within 100 ft. They are not forgiving cars. Now what has happened is that their is a coolant reservoir bottle where you are supposed to keep water with coolant in this. What happens if the radiator overflows, this is where the coolant would go to. Then if you were low on water, then the hot water would suck up the water in the coolant reservoir bottle. Your coolant light is just telling you that your coolant bottle is low or empty. Just raise the hood and on the left side you will see a opaque water container with the word coolant on top or on the side. You are supposed to put coolant in but if because of a temporary influx of monetary means, you can just put water to the indicated line. Make sure to check the vehicle after you have ran it for leaking water anywhere. Also after you drive it for some time and stop you should have the twin fans on. Also when the car has been driven for say 10 minutes and you pop the hood, are the fans on? They are governed by a temperature switch. and they are additional means to cool down the small radiator. You can trust your temperature Gage, but if it rises due to lack of water, you have to shut the car down NOW. Don't try to drive it that extra half mile. Suggestion. IF you plan to keep the car long, go to an automotive parts store and buy a Hanes Book. Call one and ask the price and then check the Internet for which is cheaper. Anymore problems, just holler.

Answer 3

There is this plastic reservoir that holds coolant and has a cap marked coolant only on the top of it. Down inside the tank is a sensor that alerts you when the tank gets low and needs to be replenished. As the engine gets hot, and cold, coolant moves from the tank to the engine and back as needed. This tank is part of the cooling system and must be kept up to the full line on the side of the tank. Some are filled hot, while others are checked cold. You may have to refer to your owners manual as to how and the type of coolant it uses. You might want to look around for a leak in the system, as this does very rarely have to be filled. Would be a good idea to have a mechanic pressure test the system, as it could just need a new radiator cap or a hose tightened up. I hope this helps. Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

You probably need to add some coolant. There is a low coolant level sensor that triggered the warning light. Driving a bit and sloshing the coolant around probably shut it off, but without adding coolant, it's sure to come on again soon.

Answer 5

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what does it mean when ur coolant light comes on but ur car is not running hot?
Today on my way to the store, I was using my air conditioner, the gage for my temperture was not running hot, but a red light came on saying I was low on coolant. I cut off the airconditioner and went on to the store, after I came back to my vehicle, I used the air conditioner on the way home and...

Answer 6

what you schould do is open the hood look and the collant container( semiclear plastic box for radiator fluid cant miss it) see if if hte liqued is at the right spot if it is start your car let it run for a few moments if its still full therers 1 of 2 problems that could be wrong neither will cost must problem one your radiator fluid could be no good and if its contaminated then it wont do its job like its sussposed to do so if thats thats problem get your radiator flushed out and put new fluids in. Problem 2 there could be something wrong with the onboard computers the ones that runs all the lights check all the pressure ect. there could be a scan code thats messing with your lights and to get it cleared with a obd scanner (onboard diagnostic) and it will read everything in your car that can be read off the computers in your car and they can do that at your local garage that has those computers. well sorry for the long explonation if you have any questions you can email me about them if you need to hope i helped

peace
Dave King

Answer 7

I believe that light tells you if the coolant in the reservoir is low. You could add some to the reservoir.

Answer 8

It jsut means that you are low on coolant and should fill it. My car did that too.

Answer 9

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check the overflow reservoir. it might be low on coolant. or the sensor is bad......

Answer 10

Don't worry about adding coolant. Those lights are just for show. How much trouble can a new engine be to install anyhow?