Engine coolant temperature warning light

Red thermometer standing in waves The engine is overheating. Turn off the air conditioning and find a safe place to stop. Some makers suggest letting the engine idle in Park or Neutral for a moment so the fan can work, and turning the heater to full heat and full fan helps pull heat away. If the light does not go out quickly, switch the engine off and wait at least 20 minutes. Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine: the coolant is under pressure and can spray out and cause severe burns. Once everything has cooled, check the coolant level, and have the car checked before any long drive. Many cars also have a separate amber low coolant light, the earlier and gentler version of this warning.