For 1990-2009 cars

A coolant temperature gage is displayed on the instrument panel. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage .

The air conditioning might stop working if the engine is too hot. This is normal and helps cool the engine.

### If Steam Is Coming From the Engine

Caution: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.

If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.

Notice: If the engine catches fire because of being driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

### If No Steam Is Coming From the Engine

If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:

• | Climb a long hill on a hot day.

• | Stop after high-speed driving.

• | Idle for long periods in traffic.

• | Tow a trailer. See "Driving on Grades" under Towing a Trailer .

If there is an overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:

1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or NEUTRAL and let the engine idle.
2. Turn off the air conditioning.
3. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan speed and open the windows as necessary.

If the engine overheat warning is no longer displayed, the vehicle can be driven. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come back on, drive normally.

If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.

If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while parked. Push down the accelerator until the engine speed is about twice as fast as normal idle speed for at least three minutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.

It might be best not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.