Engine coolant warning light

2017 SUBARU FORESTER
65,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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T.J. BURKE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi,

I am looking for help for the vehicle listed above 2.5i Limited.

After a car accident five months ago, I finally got my car back and fixed. Drive it for the first time and the engine coolant warning light started going on for a few minutes then off. The repair shop said they checked coolant levels before releasing it to me and everything was fine.

Any reason for the light coming on and off, aside from low coolant levels? Could it be because the car hasn’t been driven for five months?

Do I need to go through the hassle of taking it back to these guys (I’ve had a number of other issues with these guys over five months) or should I drive it a little more to get the engine used to being run again?
Apr 15, 2022 at 9:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

The first thing I recommend is to confirm the vehicle isn't low on coolant. See pic 1 below.

Even if the reservoir is full, when the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and make sure it is full as well.

If the coolant is full, I recommend returning it. I'm not sure how bad the accident was, but it could be a wiring issue.

Let me know what you find when checking the coolant. Remember, do not open the radiator cap when the engine is hot or warm. Wait until it fully cools off.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Apr 15, 2022 at 9:20 PM