A blue engine coolant temperature light only indicates one thing: that your coolant, or antifreeze, is too cold. In fact, the temperature is so low that it is possible for your radiator to get too cold, thus resulting in your engine freezing up and not being able to start.
Should I worry if my engine is cold?
If you run your engine cold all the time, you’ll most likely experience increased fuel consumption across the board. Additionally, you’ll find higher amounts of carbon buildup at various parts of the engine. The most damaging effect of feeding a fuel-rich mixture to the engine is excess fuel reaching the exhaust.
What do I do if my car has a cold temperature light?
how should your temperature gauge normally read?
- turn off the air conditioning.
- turn on the heater.
- pull off the road for a while and shut off your vehicle.
- let your vehicle cool down for an hour or so, and add coolant if necessary (only through the reservoir, never by removing the radiator cap)
How is P0128 diagnosed?
The most common cause for P0128 is the engine coolant thermostat is stuck open. A simple way to diagnose this is to feel the radiator hose and monitor how hot the temperature of the coolant is when it starts flowing through the radiator hose.
Can engine coolant freeze?
First, despite the name, 100% antifreeze will actually freeze before coolant at temperatures between 0 and -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Coolant with a 50/50 mixture has a freezing point of -35 degrees Fahrenheit. Further, a 70/30 mixture of antifreeze and water drops the freezing point lower to -84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I drive with coolant light on?
The coolant pressure warning light is an important one – your vehicle is telling you that your engine is overheating due to low coolant. If this light has turned on and you’re wondering if you can continue driving, the answer is you shouldn’t. An overheating engine can lead to engine damage which can be costly repair.
Can I use just water as coolant?
Water by itself can’t do the job of antifreeze due to its lack of boiling and freezing point range and its inability to protect your vehicle’s engine. Plus, it doesn’t absorb heat as effectively. In the case of an absolute emergency, you can use water in your coolant rank.
Are coolant and antifreeze the same thing?
Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is mixed with water to keep the radiator from freezing in extreme cold and overheating in extreme heat. There are many different types of coolant, so it’s important to know what variety is right for your car or truck.