Overheat warning

[Dave_5040173]

I recently obsevered the red coolant light appear in the instrument panel of my 1999 Fiat Ducato 2.8Ltr. motorhome while the temperature guage remained well under 90deg. The light extinguished later to appear again. Has anyone got the answer to what is happening with the light suggesting a problem and the guage indicating all OK. Help if you can, please.

 

[RogerL]

Read the owners manual and check exactly what that light is used for - many warning lights have multiple functions.

If you have a temperature gauge, that red coolant light may be for something else - coolant level, transmission temperature, oil temperature, etc.

 

[RogerL]

It always amazes me the number of people who get a warning light on their dashboard and ignore it until they get home, despite the fact that it's red or flashing.

This isn't a pop at Dave, the MAJORITY of drivers seem to have the mindset of "warning light - must remember to check out what's just failed but later on" - I'm glad they aren't train drivers!

 

[chrisn7]

The warning light is probably to indicate that the coolant level has fallen to below the minimum. If the loss of coolant is gradual, you probably wouldn't notice a change on the guage. As Roger says, the light is there for a good reason and should be investigated immediately to avoid expensibe problems. Certain cylinder heads will warp if overheated and may be scrap as a result.

When checking coolant, be sure to observe safety precautions stated in the handbook/on the reservoir cap-especially a hot engine

 

[PhilFraeHowMill]

Dave

Couple of things possibly.

1,Make sure your coolant level is ok, if it gets below a certain level the Temp. gauge sender will not detect the change in temperature.

2, If it is only flashing on and off, it is more than likely a broken/loose wire to the gauge.

Good luck.