I just got home with my new Scion after a 500 mile drive from dealership. The next day when I start up the tC the low engine coolant temp idiot light came on and stayed on. I decided not to drive it as I did not know what it meant until I just looked it up. What would cause this and why would it be a problem for the temp to be low? Thanks Matt

 

The cause of the light coming on is the engine not being at operating temperature yet. This is a reminder to not rev the snot out of your engine. Once the engine has reached operating temperature the light will turn off. I would be concerned if the light stayed on for more than 1-2 miles. This of course depends on the outside temperature and how long you allowed the car to idle before driving off. My light will go out after a mile or so. 2013 tC with 17000 miles.

 

The light turns off when engine temperature reaches 130F, but normal operating temperature is 177-188F. Just because the light went off, it doesn't mean you're in the clear it start giving it hell, give it some more time.

 

I hate that light. Why do we not get a temp gauge. Car guy in me was very disappointed. There's a reason it's green tho. So u don't freak out n not drive ur car lol.

 

Hugger, Russian, Dutch - thanks for the quick replies...had me concerned for a minute when I got a brand new car with an "idiot" light on the first day I pull it out of the garage. New one to me. But that makes sense - i haven't driven it to see how long it takes to go off so I will have to keep you posted. Matt

 

In fact, on the Section 2-2 of the 2014 Owners manual comes the "Indicators & warning lights" portion with the full explanation.

But I 100% agreed with HOOdedDutchman that is very disappointed don't have an actual temp. gauge, instead of this idiot light...

 

Yeah, that and you should always let your vehicle warm up before driving. I've been doing that since my first car.

 

I had the same question when I first got mine. Wish it was a gauge like everyone else does.

 

I think synthetic oils help your engine warm up faster so we just start and drive off in the first 10 seconds no matter what temperature. In the extreme cold we make sure to drive and accelerate slowly for the first few minutes.

What I find odd is our 2011 tC coolant light comes on anytime the vehicle has been parked for two hours no matter what the ambient temperature is.