Engine High Temperature Warning
 

5 minutes into my drive home I realised the temperature gauge was at 12 o'clock, the red light on and the "High Temperature" message. A few seconds later the message disappeared and the gauge dropped instantly to normal 9 o'clock, and stayed there for the rest of the journey, about 15 minutes.

A blip? The initial signs of a failing thermostat? Any ideas?

My first thought would be an airlock following such an incident:shrug:

I've just remembered there was a bang or pop seconds before I saw the warning. I assumed it was something falling out a tree onto the roof, but could it be connected?

When she is cool see what the coolant level looks like in the expansion tank - is it normal ?

A slight hiss and no sign of any coolant through the top (you can't see anything through the side where the min max is, which means there's nothing there or the plastic is too opaque to see if there is).

Look straight down into the tank when the lid is off, you can see the max setting, it's a lot lower than most folk think.

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Coolant level: clarification
 

Maintaining the correct coolant level couldn't be simpler and it doesn't involve the fins! ;)

1. When the engine is stone cold remove the expansion tank cap
2. Top-up the coolant until it covers the tab marked MIN and just reaches, but does not obliterate, the tab marked MAX.
3. Refit the expansion tank cap. Do not over-tighten it.

In the past, references to the fins have misled owners into overfilling the cooling system, experiencing coolant ejection and then panicking about head gasket failure. :o The MIN and MAX markings are the only guide that is necessary.

Tenesmus; you've indicated that your expansion tank is empty. You need to fill it to the MAX marker and urgently investigate the reason for the coolant loss. Begin by checking inside the 'V'.

Simon

Thanks chaps. I haven't had a chance to do anything except top it up to just above the MIN (didn't take much) and put the container in the boot.

I'll be disappointed if it's the thermostat (assuming that's why you mentioned checking in the V), it's already been replaced twice.

Give the man a cigar. With the help of a bright torch you can clearly see the colourful puddles. Thanks for the help.

I had one replaced in 2016, the next in 2020, now it'll be another. Fortunately they are pretty cheap.