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Can a bad radiator cause the check engine light to come on?
Low coolant in the radiator of your car can trigger the malfunction illumination light (MIL), also known as the “check engine” light. Low coolant can affect the internal temperature of the engine, which is protected by the antifreeze.
What does hot engine light mean?
This temperature warning light means that your engine is running at a temperature that is too high – in other words, your engine is overheating. If your vehicle’s cooling system is working properly, this should never occur.
What can cause your car to run hot?
Below are common factors that can cause a car to overheat:
- Too little or no coolant. Driving without proper levels of coolant/antifreeze may cause a coolant system failure.
- Cooling system leaks.
- A broken water pump.
- Radiator issues.
- Oil too low.
- Thermostat failure.
- Issues with the belts and hoses.
- Heater core is plugged up.
Why does my check engine light come on and off?
You’re probably seeing a pattern here. In reality, most check engine lights are triggered due to fuel or emissions system issues. The mass air flow sensor or MAF is responsible for carefully mixing the right ratio of air to fuel, maintaining a clean and efficient burn inside the combustion chamber of your engine.
What does it mean when your engine temperature warning light comes on?
March 20, 2019. To protect against overheating, most modern vehicles have an engine temperature warning light, which alerts you to a problem in your cooling system. The first sign of a cooling system problem often occurs when the engine is already in the process of overheating.
Why is my engine light flashing when I accelerate?
Sometimes the message alternates between a flashing icon of a radiator or radiator fan and then back to the “engine overheating” message. Regardless of the type of light your car has, all are tied to a sensor that’s linked to the engine computer. This sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant circulating through your engine.
How do I know if my car is overheating?
A temperature gauge that has a red colored section at the highest end of the temperature range A red or yellow light that will come on and even blink when the engine temperature is too high A messaging system that will flash an “engine overheating” message in the driver information center.