Coolant over temperature

[bronkster]

Hi, I am new here so I apologize if this subject has been discussed before. When I started my 2023 Bronco Wildtrak today, I immediately got an engine light on with a message that engine coolant is over temperature. I found this strange since I just started the vehicle after it has been inactive for 14 hours, seems it would need more time to get that hot. I drove around the block and engine is running rough. I checked coolant level and it is below the min line, but by only about 1/2 inch. I also checked underneath and no signs of any leaking. Do you think the sensor is sending me a valid message and that is why the engine is running rough? Or could the same thing happen if I have a bad sensor? I am afraid to drive the car as I do not want to risk any engine damage. Has anyone experienced this issue? Also, there are no "bars" over the temp gauge. Normally there are bars there that show on a scale the temp.

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[Brian_B]

I'd agree it sounds like a bad sensor. You will need to (or find someone someone to) hook up and read it with a scanner to make sure. It's not common, but not unheard of either.

Sounds like it's sending your engine into limp mode.

 

[B22-2023]

I checked coolant level and it is below the min line, but by only about 1/2 inch.

I’d look into why it is so low.

I had it this same level on my 23 WT last month, due to draining and not fully refilling coolant, and my displayed in degrees F temps (coolant and oil) were noticeably up and hotter. No warnings though. Topped off to max and it runs like normal.

It’s strange you lost coolant so fast on a 23, hope it’s not in the oil.

 

[bronkster]

I'd agree it sounds like a bad sensor. You will need to (or find someone someone to) hook up and read it with a scanner to make sure. It's not common, but not unheard of either.

Sounds like it's sending your engine into limp mode.

Hi, I am new here so I apologize if this subject has been discussed before. When I started my 2023 Bronco Wildtrak today, I immediately got an engine light on with a message that engine coolant is over temperature. I found this strange since I just started the vehicle after it has been inactive for 14 hours, seems it would need more time to get that hot. I drove around the block and engine is running rough. I checked coolant level and it is below the min line, but by ogulnly about 1/2 inch. I also checked underneath and no signs of any leaking. Do you think the sensor is sending me a valid message and that is why the engine is running rough? Or could the same thing happen if I have a bad sensor? I am afraid to drive the car as I do not want to risk any engine damage. Has anyone experienced this issue? Also, there are no "bars" over the temp gauge. Normally there are bars there that show on a scale the temp.

Thank you all for the replies. The scan came back with 2 error codes: P0118 Sensor 1 Circuit High, and P0201 Injector Circuit/Open Cylinder 1. The car ran fine before this happened, so I doubt both the temp sensor and fuel injector themselves are at fault. I think these are wiring issues or connector issues. I live in a rural area and I see some evidence of rats or squirrel droppings and chewed acorns. AI search tells me to not drive to the dealer, even short distance, so I'll have the car towed in. Can't believe that even a small amount below the coolant min level increased your temp so much. Good to know - I will check regularly and keep near max level.

 

[bronkster]

Update: Took car to dealership. A rodent chewed through a wiring harness. The estimate is $8,000 in parts and labor, not counting sales tax. Whoa!

 

[Strizzo]

Update: Took car to dealership. A rodent chewed through a wiring harness. The estimate is $8,000 in parts and labor, not counting sales tax. Whoa!

damn, that seems excessive. Sometimes insurance will cover things like this.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

damn, that seems excessive. Sometimes insurance will cover things like this.

That type of damage is what comprehensive coverage is for.

 

[Strizzo]

That type of damage is what comprehensive coverage is for.

Its certainly worth checking into. I know someone who had their land cruiser totaled by insurance due to a leaking sunroof that corroded the main wiring harness. At first they were going to pay to have toyota replace the whole harness, then they decided it was too much and just totaled it.

 

[raptorusmaximus]

wanna borrow my soldering iron???

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