The coolant temperature gage and the hot engine warning light on the instrument panel can indicate an overheated engine condition. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage and Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light .
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
Caution: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool. See "Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode" under Engine Overheating for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.Notice: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See "Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode" under Engine Overheating for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
An overheated engine warning can indicate a serious problem. See Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light .
If there is an overheated engine warning, and no steam is seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicles:
| • | Climbs a long hill on a hot day. |
| • | Stops after high-speed driving. |
| • | Idles for long periods in traffic. |
| • | Tows a trailer. |
If the overheated engine warning appears with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
- In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.
- Adjust the heater to the highest temperature and fan speed settings and open the window as necessary.
If the overheated engine warnings no longer exist, the vehicle can be driven. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive.
If the warning continues, and you have not stopped, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while parked. If the warning still exists, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see "Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode" listed previously in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.
