What is the temperature light on the Ford EcoSport?
The temperature light is the engine coolant temperature warning light, alerting you that the engine is overheating or its coolant temperature is outside the normal range.
In the EcoSport, this warning appears on the instrument cluster as a thermometer icon or a coolant warning. It typically lights up when coolant level is low, a cooling system fault exists, or the engine temperature rises beyond safe limits. Ignoring it can cause serious engine damage, so take prompt, safe action when it appears.
What the symbol looks like in the EcoSport
The warning is usually a small thermometer icon, sometimes with wavy lines to suggest hot coolant, and it may glow amber or red depending on the model year and instrument cluster design.
Common causes of the temperature light
Before listing the typical causes, note that any coolant-related warning indicates the cooling system isn’t maintaining the engine temperature within the normal range.
- Low coolant level due to leaks or improper filling
- Coolant leaks from hoses, radiator, water pump, or cap
- Faulty thermostat that sticks closed or fails to open
- Cooling fan failure or inadequate airflow through the radiator
- Water pump failure or drive belt issues
- Blocked radiator or obstructed coolant passages
- Head gasket leak or other internal engine issue (less common but possible)
Understanding these common causes helps you assess urgency and decide whether you can safely continue to a repair facility or should stop immediately.
What to do if the temperature light comes on
If you see the light or the temperature gauge climbs toward the red, follow these steps carefully to protect the engine.
- Safely pull over as soon as possible and turn off the engine to let it cool before inspecting anything.
- Once the engine is cool, check the coolant reservoir level. If it’s low, add the recommended coolant until the level is between the min and max marks.
- Inspect for obvious leaks under the vehicle or around hoses and the radiator. Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
- Check for a stuck thermostat or a noisy water pump. If overheating persists after restarting with coolant, seek roadside assistance or a diagnostic check.
- Have the cooling fan operation tested. If the fan does not engage when the engine is hot, there could be a blown fuse, faulty relay, sensor, or fan motor.
Continuing to drive with the temperature light on can cause severe engine damage, including warped components or a blown head gasket. If in doubt, contact roadside assistance or a qualified technician rather than attempting risky repairs yourself.
Prevention and maintenance tips
Proactive maintenance reduces the risk of overheating and false alarms.
- Follow Ford’s recommended coolant service intervals and use the correct coolant type for your EcoSport.
- Keep the radiator, condenser, and surrounding areas free of debris to maintain airflow.
- Regularly inspect hoses, clamps, and the radiator cap for wear or leaks and replace as needed.
- Ensure the cooling fan and related sensors/relays operate correctly; replace faulty components promptly.
Regular cooling-system maintenance helps keep the EcoSport’s engine within its normal operating temperature and reduces the likelihood of unexpected temperature warnings.
Summary
The temperature light on the Ford EcoSport warns of abnormal engine coolant temperature, most often signaling overheating due to low coolant, leaks, or cooling-system faults. Treat it as urgent: safely stop, check coolant, inspect for leaks, and seek service if the warning persists or the engine remains hot. Regular maintenance of the cooling system is the best defense against overheating and false alarms.
What is the most common problem with the Ford EcoSport?
Engine problems are by far the most reported issue for the 2020 Ford EcoSport, with 171 of the 197 complaints on the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website involving either the engine or the engine's cooling system.
What is the temperature warning light on a Ford?
Ford engine coolant temperature warning light
If this light is red, you should stop straight away – without enough coolant, your engine could get so hot that it effectively welds itself together, causing irreparable damage.
What is the coolant warning light on a Ford EcoSport?
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
If a symbol representative of a thermometer in water illuminates the EcoSport's dashboard while on the road, it indicates low or overheated engine coolant. When it's safe to do so, pull over and check your oil coolant level after turning off the car and waiting 10 minutes.
What might cause the temperature warning light to come on?
Your car's temperature warning light is on because your engine is likely overheating, which is most commonly caused by a low coolant level, a faulty thermostat, or a malfunctioning water pump. Other potential causes include issues with the radiator, cooling fans, a bad temperature sensor, or a blown head gasket. When the light comes on, it's crucial to safely pull over, shut off the engine, and let it cool down to avoid serious damage.
This video explains what the engine temperature warning light means: 45sDashboard warning lights YouTube · Nov 3, 2022
Common causes
- Low coolant: A leak or evaporation can cause the coolant level to drop, leading to overheating.
- Faulty thermostat: If the thermostat is stuck closed, it prevents coolant from circulating properly.
- Water pump failure: A broken or failing water pump cannot circulate the coolant through the engine.
- Cooling fan issues: Malfunctioning fans cannot cool the radiator effectively, especially at low speeds or while idling.
- Radiator problems: Clogged radiator passages or blocked fins prevent heat from dissipating.
- Leaking coolant: Leaks from hoses, the radiator, or the water pump will lower coolant levels.
- Faulty temperature sensor: A bad sensor can provide incorrect readings, either indicating a false alarm or failing to warn you when the engine is truly overheating.
- Blown head gasket: This is a more serious issue where the gasket fails, allowing coolant and oil to mix and causing overheating.
What you should do
- Pull over immediately: Find a safe spot to stop the car as soon as possible.
- Shut off the engine: Turn the engine off completely and open the hood to help it cool down faster.
- Do not open the radiator cap: Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as the pressurized hot liquid can cause severe burns.
- Let it cool down: Allow the engine to cool for at least 30 minutes or until it's cool to the touch.
- Check coolant level: Once cool, check the coolant level in the reservoir. If it's low, add the correct type of coolant.
- Seek professional help: If the light comes on again, or if you see a leak, do not continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to diagnose and repair the underlying problem.
