This gage measures the temperature of the vehicle's engine coolant.

If the pointer moves into the shaded area, your engine is too hot, the CHK GAGE message will appear and a chime will sound to alert you to the engine coolant temperature gage. See Check Gage Message for more information. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road and stop your vehicle, be sure the air conditioning is off, let the engine idle for a few minutes, then turn off the engine.

On vehicles with the 2.2L engine, under severe conditions - hot ambient temperature, steep grades and towing - your vehicle may experience more transaxle shifting to avoid engine coolant overheating. This is temporary and normal under these conditions. This does not require engine or transaxle service.

If your engine control system detects a failure in the engine coolant temperature circuit, the malfunction indicator lamp light will come on. The coolant gage may read all the way hot or cold. The engine cooling fan will be turned on to protect the engine and transaxle. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information.

Notice: Driving with the engine coolant temperature gage indicator in the shaded area could cause your vehicle to overheat. Your vehicle could be damaged, and it might not be covered by your warranty. Never drive with the engine coolant temperature gage indicator in the shaded area.