Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

Engine coolant temperature refers to the temperature of the liquid coolant that is used to regulate the temperature of the engine in a vehicle. The coolant is circulated through the engine block and head, as well as the radiator, to absorb and transfer heat away from the engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee – (photo by Jeep)

When the engine is running, it generates a lot of heat, and if the temperature gets too high, it can cause damage to the engine and other parts of the vehicle. To prevent this, the engine is equipped with a cooling system that uses coolant to absorb and transfer heat away from the engine.


The coolant temperature is monitored by a sensor that sends signals to the engine control module (ECM), which uses this information to adjust the engine’s performance and protect it from overheating.

If the coolant temperature gets too high, the ECM will activate the cooling system to bring the temperature down.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

The engine coolant temperature warning light is a safety feature in Jeep Grand Cherokee that warns the driver of an overheated engine condition. This light will illuminate if the engine coolant temperature is too high, indicating that the engine is in danger of overheating.

When the warning light turns on, a single chime will sound to alert the driver of the issue. If the temperature continues to rise, the warning light will continue to flash and a continuous chime will sound for four minutes or until the engine is able to cool, whichever comes first.

Turn off AC

If the light turns on while driving, it is important to safely pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn it off to reduce the load on the engine. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, it is recommended to turn the engine off immediately and call for service.

Stop driving and let the engine cool down

It is important to address this issue on an urgent basis and it is recommended to stop driving your vehicle. An overheated engine can cause serious damage to the engine, so do not take a risk. Therefore, it is important to have the vehicle checked by a professional as soon as possible if the engine coolant temperature warning light comes on.


Causes of engine overheating

There are several potential causes of engine overheating, some of the most common include:

  1. Low coolant level: If the coolant level is too low, it can’t absorb and transfer heat away from the engine properly, which can cause the engine to overheat. This can be caused by leaks in the cooling system, such as a leaking radiator or hose, or by not properly maintaining the coolant level.
  2. Faulty thermostat: The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine. If it’s stuck closed, it can prevent coolant from flowing through the engine, causing it to overheat. If it’s stuck open, it can allow too much coolant to flow through the engine, preventing it from warming up properly.
  3. Clogged radiator: A clogged radiator can’t dissipate heat properly, which can cause the engine to overheat. This can be caused by debris or buildup in the radiator, such as leaves or bugs, or by a buildup of rust or corrosion.
  4. Failed water pump: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine. If it fails, the coolant can’t circulate properly, causing the engine to overheat.
  5. Air trapped in the system: When coolant is being filled in, if air gets trapped in the system it can cause the coolant to not circulate properly, leading to engine overheating.
  6. Overheating due to lack of airflow: If the engine compartment is not properly ventilated, it can cause the engine to overheat. This can happen when the car is parked in a closed garage or when the air conditioning system is not functioning properly.
  7. Fan not working: If the radiator fan is not spinning, or not spinning fast enough, it can cause the engine to overheat.
  8. Overheating due to heavy loads or high speeds: When a vehicle is subjected to heavy loads or high speeds, it can cause the engine to work harder and generate more heat, leading to overheating.
  9. Overheating due to lack of proper maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the proper functioning of the cooling system, and if this is not done, it can lead to issues like clogged radiators, worn hoses, and malfunctioning thermostats, which can all contribute to engine overheating.
Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com



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