Do you add antifreeze while the car is on?

Yes, but in most (if not all) newer cars, you only need to add coolant to the remote expansion tank. This is to prevent you from having to remove the radiator cap. If the engine is cool, or at least not hot, you can remove the radiator cap and add fluid directly to the radiator, even with the engine running.

What does a flashing engine management light mean?

A flashing or continuous warning light can show If the ECU calculates that the engine isn’t quite running right. An EML – usually presented to depict a stylised engine block, but sometimes taking the form of a ‘check engine’ message – will illuminate as a prompt to seek further assistance.

What to do if your engine management light is amber?

In the majority of cases, the car will need to be connected to diagnostic equipment to determine exactly where the fault lies. In many cases, the light operates on a colour-coded basis. An amber EML doesn’t necessarily point to an unfolding emergency – you should be able to continue on your way and seek advice on reaching your destination.

Is it possible to reset an engine warning light?

While the documentation for some older cars provided instructions on how to check and reset engine warning lights, it’s not usually possible now cars have grown more sophisticated. It’s well worth paying for accurate diagnosis, though, so a proper and effective repair can be made.

What should you do if you get a red light on your engine?

A red light, though, suggests that you should pull over where it’s safe to do so and arrange for your car to be recovered to a workshop. Driving further could potentially cause expensive damage. Engine warning light MoT issues can stem from faults in the emissions control system, so it’s worth seeking assistance sooner rather than later.

When does the coolant warning light come on?

1. Coolant Light Comes On. The engine temperature warning light on the dashboard generally appears as a thermometer with wavy lines next to it or a box with wavy lines inside of it. If this light activates while you are driving, it is telling you that your engine is hot; possibly due to a low coolant condition.

What happens to a car with no coolant or antifreeze?

Coolant/antifreeze is the most important fluid under the bonnet, maintaining the temperature of the engine to prevent overheating. But what happens to a car when there’s no coolant in the system?

Can a low coolant light cause a check engine error?

The PCM and Low Coolant 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.

When to add engine coolant to your car?

Best to add engine coolant when the engine is cold. Once you’ve checked the engine coolant level, and it’s under minimum, you’ll have to add some. Before adding engine coolant, be sure you have the proper one. Car manufacturers have their own recommendations regarding this matter.