Low Coolant Light Comes On And Off- What Does It Imply?

Do you often get confused as to what that low coolant warning sign fluctuations indicate? Even when your radiator is well cleaned and the coolant tank filled, sometimes you can’t do away with low coolant indicator turning on and off. For starters, there may be several reasons associated with it. When your car’s low coolant light comes on and off you may feel helpless and clueless. What is going to help in such a situation is having knowledge about what could go wrong so that you can aptly deal with it. So for your convenience, we have listed out a few reasons that could be the reason behind such signal variations.

What Does The Coolant Light Mean?

The low coolant light in a car typically indicates that the engine coolant level is below the recommended level. Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a vital fluid that helps to regulate engine temperature and prevent overheating. If the coolant level is too low, the engine may overheat, which can cause serious damage to the engine components. When the low coolant light comes on, it is important to check the coolant level and add more coolant if necessary. The location of the coolant reservoir and the recommended coolant type can usually be found in the owner’s manual.

If the low coolant light comes on frequently, or if the coolant level is consistently low, it may indicate a leak in the cooling system. A qualified mechanic can perform a pressure test to diagnose the source of the leak and determine the best course of action to repair it.

Low Coolant Light Comes On and Off – 4 Common Reasons

Coolant or more aptly antifreeze is that colored liquid that prevents water from freezing in winter and from overheating in summer. But when the low coolant sensor turns on and off no matter what the season is, you may have several questions in mind. The first step towards addressing the issue starts with inspecting the coolant levels. If that is not the case, then the following reasons could help you know better.

1. Sensor malfunctioning

If the coolant level indicator turns on and off for no real reason this means that your car’s sensors have failed. A malfunctioned coolant sensor may lead to a diminution in fuel efficiency or it may even lead to improper emission readings. The reason behind such a defective sensor would be a probable loose connection. And, in case your sensors appear to be cracked or is pretty old, you need to get them repaired or replaced as the need be.

Read more:

• Best practices followed to check coolant temperature sensors
• Probable reasons that lead up to coolant leaks

2. Coolant leaks

A coolant leak can cause your car’s efficiency to deteriorate. If you have a leaky radiator cap, the coolant gets eliminated from the overflow tube when the coolant expands due to car heat-up. On the other hand, a gasket leak may lead to the exemption of coolant from the system but you may not notice it as this is a slow leak process. However, the third reason for a leaky coolant could be a physical puncture in the radiator, which is easiest to diagnose. When a low coolant light comes on and off and you have no clue as to what is going on, checking for leaks should be a must.

3. Cold Weathers

When you park your cars in cold or freezing temperatures, the coolant fluid tends to contract. This tightening of coolant leads to the lighting up of low coolant sensors. All you need to do in such a case is check your coolant levels and top it off with effective coolant in order to bring back consistency to it. You could either top it off by yourself or let your mechanic do the job for you. Browse across maintenance tips to find out which top it off is best for your car.

4. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat that regulates the temperature levels in your car may get damaged. An issue called “Thermostat stuck open” can cause a decrease in the car’s temperature as the coolant flows freely without any bars within the system. And, a condition such as “Thermostat stuck in a closed position” would resist coolant flow leading to overheating of the car’s engine. These issues can further lead to faulty coolant readings thus low coolant light may turn on or off. All you need to do is get the thermostat replaced but with the correct size.

What To Do When Low Coolant Light Comes On?

If the low coolant light comes on while you are driving, it is important to take immediate action to prevent engine damage. Here are the steps you should follow when the low coolant light comes on:

• Pull over safely: As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Do not continue driving the vehicle if the engine is overheating or if the low coolant light is on.
• Let the engine cool down: Allow the engine to cool down for at least 30 minutes before attempting to check the coolant level. Do not attempt to open the radiator cap or coolant reservoir while the engine is hot, as this can cause serious burns.
• Check the coolant level: Once the engine has cooled down, open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. Check the coolant level and add more coolant if necessary. Be sure to use the recommended type of coolant for your vehicle.
• Check for leaks: If the coolant level is consistently low or the low coolant light comes on frequently, it may indicate a leak in the cooling system. Check for visible signs of coolant leaks, such as puddles under the vehicle or wet spots on hoses or other components.
• Have the vehicle inspected: If the low coolant light continues to come on or if you suspect a coolant leak, it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the source of the problem and perform any necessary repairs to prevent further damage to the engine.

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Conclusion

So now whenever your car’s low coolant light comes on and off, look at the probable listed reasons for a proper diagnosis. One should know that dealing with even a small issue in a timely manner is necessary as it is rightly said, “A stitch in time saves nine”