The low coolant warning light indicates that the coolant level in the radiator is low. When this happens, a sensor detects the low level and illuminates the warning light. It is not safe to drive with the low coolant light on as it could overheat the engine. If the light comes on, you should pull over when safe and add more coolant. Driving without any coolant or for long periods with low coolant can cause damage to engine parts. Fixing the underlying issue that caused the low coolant can range from $8-2000 depending on the problem.

2. Low coolant light: Is it dangerous? And what should I do?
What does the coolant
warning light mean?
When you start your car’s engine,
the warning light will illuminate on
the dashboard for about two
seconds and then go out. The way
the light shows depends on the
vehicle you are using. It can either
be a box often with wavy lines
under it to indicate liquid, a
thermometer, or a message
“low coolant.”
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3. Low coolant light: Is it dangerous? And what should I do?
How does he coolant warning light it work?
When your car’s radiator has low coolant, a coolant level sensor
uses a movable float device that contains a ring magnet and a
reed switch to sense the condition. The reed switch is closed by
the ring magnet when you have enough coolant in the radiator
but opens when the coolant drops to a certain level. Once the
sensor detects the low coolant, a warning light will illuminate
on the dashboard to alert you.
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4. Causes and how to fix the coolant warning light
HOW TO FIX
Top up more coolant to the reservoir
is a simple way you can do at your
home to fix this issue.
Consider flushing your car’s cooling
system if you forgot to do this
process for time. These steps are
very easy to do even if you are a
newbie in the mechanical world.
CAUSES
Coolant leak
This can be caused by many
reasons like a hole in the
radiator, broken hoses,
damaged radiator cap, blown
head gasket, failed water pump,
and faulty expansion tank
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5. Causes and how to fix the coolant warning light
HOW TO FIX
Check the clamps that connect the
hoses to the engine and the
radiator. If you see any of the
clamps loosened, tighten them with
a screwdriver.
If tightening the clamps does not
solve the issue, you will have to
replace the damaged radiator hoses
CAUSES
Cracked or loose radiator hoses are
You can check the radiator hoses for
cracks by:
Squeezing the hoses and paying
attention to where they bend. If the
hose feels very soft, spongy, or hard,
it is in poor condition.
Visually inspecting and physically
feeling the hoses for cracks.
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6. Causes and how to fix the coolant warning light
HOW TO FIX
Replace it with a new one when
the engine cools completely.
Ensure you get a replacement cap
that has the same pressure rating
as the old cap.
Buy a new cap, place it on the
radiator, push it, and twist in a
clockwise direction to sufficiently
tighten it.
CAUSES
Faulty radiator cap
You can know if your radiator cap is
damaged when the lid is stuck,
pressure builds up inside the radiator,
and the hose breaks, causing the
coolant to leak.
Other signs are when the reservoir
overflows, the radiator hose is burnt,
and your engine starts to billow steam.
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7. Causes and how to fix the coolant warning light
HOW TO FIX
Replace the new intake
manifold.
This project needs some
know-how. It can take about
two hours to complete for those
who are experienced. Yet, it will
be best to take it to the
mechanic if you are a beginner.
CAUSES
Bad intake manifold gasket
Signs that your intake manifold
gasket are: Bad is engine
overheating, coolant leak, bad fuel
economy, engine stalling, and
decrease in power and acceleration.
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8. Causes and how to fix the coolant warning light
HOW TO FIX
The solution to this issue is to
use a gasket sealer. In case the
leak is too big to use the sealant,
you need to replace the gasket.
CAUSES
Bad head gasket
The head gasket provides a seal
between the engine cylinder and block.
It also ensures that the coolant and oil
flow smoothly. When the head gasket
is not working correctly, the coolant
can be burned in your combustion
chamber. The coolant leaking and
burning can trip the sensor causing the
warning light to illuminate
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9. Causes and how to fix the coolant warning light
HOW TO FIX
The above issues may need to
drain the coolant fluid inside the
system and diagnose the
problem. It is advisable to ask for
your mechanic’s help.
CAUSES
Faulty coolant sensor
In case the coolant level isn’t low, your
engine isn’t overheating, but the light is
still illuminating anyway, there should
be a problem with your coolant sensor.
Sometimes, the problem is not at the
coolant sensor itself, but the bad
wiring leads to the wrong coolant
warning light to illuminate.
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10. Can I drive when the low coolant warning light is on?
It is advisable NOT to drive with
the low coolant warning light on
even though you can potentially do
this for a short time. Driving when
the coolant is low can cause your
engine to get too hot, and this can
result in trouble for your journey,
vehicle, and yourself. So, what
should you do when the low
coolant light is on?
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11. Can I drive when the low coolant warning light is on?
When you are on the road
● Pullover immediately and turn your engine off to prevent further damage
that can result in expensive repair cost.
● Allow the car to cool down by letting it sit for half an hour. Then open the
radiator cap, check your coolant level, and add more coolant if it is low.
● You can also check for possible leaks. If the leak is significant, consider
calling a local shop or breakdown service for assistance. However, you can
continue your journey if the leak is minor.
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12. Can I drive when the low coolant warning light is on?
When you are at home/ after driving
● Park your car over a dry, clean surface and allow it to cool for 30 minutes
to 1 hour.
● Locate the radiator, its components, and hoses to inspect them for any
leak.
● If you find any issue, confirm if it is something you can fix yourself, or you
will need a mechanic’s help.
● If you can’t find the source of the problem, call a local workshop or
professional for help.
● Overall, ensure you do a proper fixing or repair.
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13. How long can I drive with the low coolant?
Low coolant level
You can still drive your car for an
hour if the coolant level is low (but it
is above the minimum). However, if
the coolant is below the minimum,
use distilled water to top it. This will
allow you to drive your car for an
hour and take it to the nearest shop
service.
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14. How long can I drive with the low coolant?
Without coolant in the radiator
Even if you run your car for a few moments without coolant, it
can cause severe damage to your engine. The best bet is to call a
local shop or repair service. However, if you are alone and in an
emergency situation, there is a “till you get home” solution,
which is okay for a short time. You can use distilled water
instead of coolant to run the engine around 4 miles at a drive
speed under 45mhp.
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15. What happens if I drive with the low coolant level/ no
coolant?
Automatic engine cut-off
If your car has an automatic
cut-off feature, the engine will
stop automatically when heating
up to prevent any damage from
low coolant conditions. You will
have to wait until the engine
cools down before the engine
starts again.
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16. What happens if I drive with the low coolant level/ no
coolant?
Damage of engine parts
The engine’s parts running too hot can get damaged if you drive
with a low coolant level or no coolant. You can experience:
● Crank failure
● Bent or warped connector rod
● Damaged water pump
● Faulty cylinder and piston timing
● Burnt head gadget, and more
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17. How much does it cost to fix a low coolant light?
● Top up or change coolant: $8 - $35
● Use sealant/radiator stop leak: $5 - $35
● Replace the radiator cap: $10 - $20
● Replace hoses: $90 - $200
● Repair the reservoir: $130 - $230
● Fix the manifold gasket: $200 - $600
● Repair/change the head gasket: $1,000 - $2,000
● Fix the sensor: $90 - $150
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18. Feel free to contact me
Website: https:/
/gmundcars.com/
Email: timmiller.gmcars@gmail.com
Twitter: https:/
/twitter.com/autozik
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