Coolant Temperature Gauge
Notice: A sudden increase in coolant temperature may indicate engine or cooling system failure. Bring the vehicle to a safe stop and investigate the cause to prevent further damage. Do not operate the engine until the cause has been determined and corrected.
During normal engine operation, the coolant temperature gauge should read 175 to 195°F (79 to 91°C). See Fig.. If the temperature remains below 160°F (71°C) or exceeds 225°F (107°C), inspect the cooling system to determine the cause. See the vehicle workshop manual for troubleshooting and repair procedures.
Fig. 1, Coolant Temperature Gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is mission-critical. See Fig.. If the coolant temperature rises above 225°F (107°C), first, the check engine lamp will illuminate, and, if the condition does not improve, the stop engine lamp will also illuminate and the buzzer will sound. At this point, the engine will derate or shut down, depending on the type of engine protection system installed.