Engine temperature warning light turned on?

2014 CITROEN PICASSO

28,000 MILES • 1.6L • 2WD • MANUAL

MARTIN WEINTHROP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

This red warning light came on suddenly yesterday, telling me to stop driving. I was only a road away from home, so i left the car engine to cool, and later added some extra coolant and engine oil - although their levels were NOT low. I've tried it again this morning, the car having been overnight in the garage, and even though I just start the engine, the light comes on and suggests it is over-heating, which is impossible as the engine is stone cold.

I can find no leaks or problems with anything else and suspect it may be a sensor that has failed. Any ideas? Is it safe to drive it to a local garage?
Thanks, Martin

Sep 26, 2024 at 8:43 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,193 POSTS

Hi,

This vehicle isn't offered in the US, so my manuals don't provide me with information. However, I will try my best to help.

Based on what you indicated, the first suspect is the engine coolant temperature sensor is faulty or there is a wiring issue most likely at the sensor connector.

Are you able to locate the sensor? Often times it will be near where the coolant thermostat is located.

Let me know.

joe

Sep 26, 2024 at 3:08 PM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 POSTS

Yep, you are correct, if the engine coolant sensor goes bad it will tell the computer the engine is hot all the time, I would get a replacement coolant sensor and replace it. This should fix the problem. Let us know how it goes.

Sep 26, 2024 at 3:24 PM

MARTIN WEINTHROP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks, Ken and Joe. I'm not very technical so will have to get an expert to look at it, but logic suggests if it is not actually over-heating then it's possibly the sensor. In which case it should be okay to drive to a garage without causing more damage, right?

Sep 26, 2024 at 11:54 PM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 POSTS

You should be okay, but if the engine seems hot while driving stop because there is no way to tell what the temperature is. Make sure it is full of coolant.

This video can help:

https://youtu.be/GSE9skKnOgY?si=qOzCWVFYkoZszVpK

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

Sep 27, 2024 at 10:55 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.