Stop safely
Engine overheating warning light: meaning and what to do
What it means
Coolant temperature is too high. Possible causes: low coolant, a leak, a failed fan or thermostat.
Can I keep driving?
No. When the engine overheating light is on, pull over where it's safe and turn the engine off. Driving on can cause serious damage or make the car unsafe.
What to do
Pull over and turn the engine off. Never open a hot radiator cap. Let it cool, check the coolant level and look for leaks.
On some cars it shows as text
TEMPHOT
Typical repair cost (US)
$100–$1,200
Estimated range when a repair is needed; it depends on the car and the cause.
What the color tells you
Red lights warn about a problem that can be dangerous or damage the car. Stop as soon as it's safe.
Cars whose owners report this light most
Model years with the most NHTSA owner complaints that mention the engine overheating light.