Running on low coolant may not look like a big deal, all the data from the thermostat and temperature sensors may not pique your interest but things could go bad in seconds. The thermodynamics principle works on equilibrium conditions, if the temperature drops too low while running then the car might start shaking and this small irregularity may not be noticeable for someone. The fluctuation of temperature is an enormous red flag and most of the time the check engine light may appear. The temperature inside of the engine can get drastically low and then rise to the pique if the coolant level is too low. The coolant is necessary to maintain the equilibrium conditions for the engine to perform. What happens when the coolant gets low in the car? What light comes on when coolant is low? In most cases, the check engine light will be activated to notify you about the internal situation. Most vehicles don’t have any dedicated light or gauge that will warn you about low coolant levels. The lack of coolant can damage or neutralize some of the sensors and the power control module will activate the check engine light. There are several temperature sensors present in the engine which will detect the temperature conditions, and send data to the power control module. The miscommunication between the engine temperature sensor and power control module can also be the reason behind the check engine light coming up. So a drastic rise or dip in temperature will cause the check engine light to come on. If there is a rise or alarming drop in temperature and not enough coolant to sustain equilibrium then the engine light is sure to give a warning signal. Temperature plays a vital role in the thermodynamics aspects of the engine, and coolant helps to maintain the balance. There can be multiple reasons why low coolant causes check engine light on. 3 reasons why low coolant causes check engine light to come on Understanding a low coolant level in the engine is a little bit tricky.įor starters, if the coolant is low, there would be a sudden drop in temperature, the thermostat, and temperature sensor may record it and treat it as an irregularity or resting phase, but the engine is running on low coolant and the internal temperature will be going up.Īt a point in time, the inner temperature would be so high that may cause damage to the sensors, the data transfer between the power control module and sensor may be cut off and the check engine light will appear. There are sensors and a thermostat that keeps an eye on the internal temperature, if there are any irregularities in the atmosphere they will send a distress signal to the power control module. The car engine is well equipped with mechanisms that help it maintain a suitable temperature to provide optimal performance. A low coolant level will throw off the engine’s balance and efficiency. The primary function of the coolant is to keep the engine at a safe operating temperature. Low coolant will almost probably result in a slew of problems, including the appearance of the check engine light. Can low coolant cause check engine light? So, what happens when you drive a car with a low coolant level? Let’s find out. Various factors contribute to the engine reaching a satisfactory condition, and one of the key agents of establishing equilibrium is the coolant. The combustion engine’s thermodynamic operating principle is heavily reliant on temperature balancing.

It was easy to recognize a sick or weak horse, and the steam engine was also pretty straightforward, but present-day combustion engines are highly complex, requiring a handful of devices and accessories to figure out anything. Our means of transport have remarkably evolved, beginning with the discovery of wheels and relying on horse carts and progressing to steam engines and finally the modern-day combustion engines.

Coolant thermostat check engine light