If the Engine Overheats

The engine could overheat temporarily under severe driving conditions. If the High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light in the instrument cluster glows red during driving:
1) Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.

2) Take the vehicle to a safe place and park.

3) Let the engine run at the normal idle speed for a few minutes until the engine is cooled down to the normal temperature.

You can determine the engine temperature is normal by either condition below: – Both High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light and Low Engine Coolant Temperature Light have gone off.

– Low Engine Coolant Temperature Light is lit in blue, and High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light has gone off.

See “High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light” and “Low Engine Coolant Temperature Light” in the INDEX for further information.

WARNING:
If you see or hear escaping steam, stop the vehicle in a safe place and immediately turn off the engine to let it cool. Do not open the hood when steam is present. When the steam can no longer be seen or heard, open the hood to see if the coolant is still boiling. If it is, you must wait until it stops boiling before you proceed.

Also, be careful not to touch hot engine parts (radiator, water hoses, engine etc.).

If the temperature indication does not return to the normal condition: 1) Turn off the engine and check that the water pump belt and pulleys are not damaged or slipping. If any abnormality is found, correct it.

2) Check the coolant level in the reservoir.

If it is found to be lower than the “LOW” line, look for leaks at the radiator, water pump and radiator and heater hoses. If you locate any leaks that may have caused the overheating, do not run the engine until these problems have been corrected.

3) If you do not find a leak, carefully add coolant to the reservoir and then the radiator, if necessary. (Refer to “Engine Coolant” in the “INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE” section.)

WARNING:
• It is hazardous to remove the radiator cap when the water temperature is high, because scalding fluid and steam may be blown out under pressure. The cap should only be taken off when the coolant temperature has lowered.

• To prevent personal injury, keep hands, tools and clothing away from the engine cooling fan and airconditioner fan (if equipped). These electric fans can automatically turn on without warning.