This light is telling you that the coolant level sensor is not operating, or the coolant level is low.
So, this means we need to check to see if the coolant level is correct.
If you have no coolant leaking, then the assumption is the level is okay, but we need to check it and make sure.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars
If this is okay, then we need to check the operation of the sensor. This is nothing more than an on off switch for when the level is low.
So, I would unplug the sensor and jump the connectors and check the operation of the light in the cluster as it should turn on and off as you jump it and remove it.
I am attaching the wiring diagram, but this is in the bottom of the coolant bottle.
Lastly, the reason your friend's vehicle was fine for so long is because it was just a sensor issue. If there is no coolant level issue, then the vehicle will operate normally even with this light on. However, it is not a good idea to assume it is a sensor.
Please see the info attached and then let us know what questions you have.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Friday, April 22nd, 2022 AT 7:08 PM