If the indicator in the engine coolant temperature gauge is located in 
the cold range (A), the engine has not reached operating tempera-
ture. High engine speeds and heavy engine loads should be avoided. 
Under normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle 
of the gauge. The temperature may go higher when the engine is 
working hard, especially in hot weather. 
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights 
come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds. 
The following table explains what to do if the engine coolant tempera-
ture warning light  ~ does not go out a few seconds after the engine 
is started or starts flashing while driving. 
 
Flashes 
Temperature 
gauge 
needle 
⇒ fig. 167  
Possible 
cause  Proper response   
 
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights 
come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds. 
  WARNING 
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text mes-
sages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result 
in a collision and serious personal injury. 
  Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS. 
  Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.  
  NOTICE 
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in 
vehicle damage. 
Engine coolant specifications