Otis Singleton
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a well-designed car that is unlikely to overheat, even in high ambient temperatures. However, if the temperature warning light comes on, it is important to pull over as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid ruining the engine. There are several potential causes for overheating, including a faulty coolant temperature sensor, a bad water pump, a stuck thermostat, a broken engine cooling fan, a broken thermostatic fan clutch, or a blown head gasket. These issues can be electrical or mechanical in nature, and it is recommended to get a mechanic to perform an inspection.
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What You'll Learn
- Overheating engine: extremely dangerous, don't drive, pull over and turn off electrical units
- Faulty coolant temperature sensor: constant readings of coolant temperature are sent to the engine control unit
- Bad water pump: leaks, bad bearings, or a rotted impeller can cause problems with the water pump
- Stuck thermostat: acts as a dam for the coolant, preventing circulation when the engine is cold
- Broken engine cooling fan: deployed when coolant needs extra help, or when initiated by the engine control unit
Overheating engine: extremely dangerous, don't drive, pull over and turn off electrical units
An overheating engine is extremely dangerous and requires immediate action to prevent damage to the engine and to ensure your safety.
If you are driving and notice that your Mitsubishi Mirage's engine is overheating, it is imperative that you pull over and stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause severe and permanent damage to the engine, and you may ruin the engine completely.
If you are unable to pull over immediately, you should turn off any non-essential electrical units, such as the radio, and turn your heat on high. This will help funnel some of the hot engine air into the cabin and away from the engine.
Once you have pulled over, turn off the vehicle. Do not open the hood immediately, as this can put you at risk of burns or injuries from steam or smoke. Allow the engine to cool down naturally for at least 15 minutes, and keep an eye on the temperature gauge to ensure it returns to the normal range.
While you wait, you can plan your next steps. You may need to call a tow truck or roadside assistance to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop. You can also use this time to inspect the engine for any visible issues, such as leaks, once it has cooled down sufficiently.
To prevent engine overheating, it is important to regularly check and maintain your vehicle's cooling system, including the coolant levels and the condition of the radiator and hoses.
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Faulty coolant temperature sensor: constant readings of coolant temperature are sent to the engine control unit
An overheating engine is extremely dangerous and can ruin the engine completely. As soon as the temperature warning light comes on, you should pull over. If there is no place to safely pull over, turn off your radio and other electrical units, and turn your heat on full blast to funnel some of the hot air out of the engine and into the cabin. As soon as you can safely pull over, do so, and then book a mechanic to perform an inspection.
The temperature warning light may be triggered by a faulty coolant temperature sensor. The temperature sensor takes constant readings of the coolant temperature and sends that information to the engine control unit. Based on the temperature of the coolant, the engine control unit adjusts the ignition timing, the fuel injector pulse, and the operation of the electric cooling fan.
If the coolant temperature sensor notices that the coolant temperature is getting too high, the engine control unit will initiate the cooling fan to reduce the temperature. However, if the sensor is faulty, it may not be able to accurately detect the coolant temperature, leading to incorrect adjustments by the engine control unit. This can result in an overheating engine, triggering the temperature warning light.
Other potential causes of the temperature warning light include a bad water pump, a stuck thermostat, a broken engine cooling fan, a broken thermostatic fan clutch, or a blown head gasket. The water pump is responsible for keeping the coolant circulating throughout the engine. The thermostat acts as a dam for the coolant, preventing it from circulating when the engine is cold, allowing it to warm up quickly. The engine cooling fan is deployed when the coolant needs extra help in reducing the temperature. The thermostatic fan clutch is used in older vehicles and engages the engine cooling fan using a bi-metallic spring that tightens with increased temperature. Finally, the head gasket keeps coolant from entering the engine's oil and combustion chamber; if it blows, coolant can seep in and cause damage to the engine and other components.
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Bad water pump: leaks, bad bearings, or a rotted impeller can cause problems with the water pump
The water pump is responsible for keeping the coolant cycling throughout the engine of a Mitsubishi Mirage. After the coolant transfers its heat energy to the air, the water pump recirculates it around the engine so that it can absorb more heat. The most common water pump problems are leaks, bad bearings, or a rotted impeller. These issues can cause the engine to overheat, which is extremely dangerous.
Leaking coolant on the engine that drips to the ground is an indicator of a leaking water pump. For minor leaks, you’ll notice a white trail of residue where it drips down the front of the engine, tinged with the colour of your coolant. The leak may never reach the ground because the heat from the engine dries the coolant on the metal surfaces. Coolant leaks allow air into the cooling system, creating air pockets where hot spots can occur and damage other components.
The bearings within the water pump allow the impeller to spin smoothly. Over time, these bearings can wear out or fail – often due to tension from a misaligned or overtightened belt – leading to noise, leaks, or a seized pump. Constant exposure to fluctuating temperatures can cause the metal components of the water pump to expand and contract, leading to stress fractures and eventual failure. A failing water pump can produce a variety of noises, such as whining or grinding, due to bearing failure or an impeller rubbing against the pump housing.
The water pump’s seals are prone to wear and degradation over time, leading to coolant leaks. Such leaks not only reduce the cooling system's efficiency but also can cause overheating and further damage to the water pump and surrounding components. A low coolant level, caused by a leaking water pump, can result in an inoperative heater. A water pump that isn’t providing proper coolant circulation can also keep the heater from working.
If you’re experiencing bad water pump symptoms, it can be due to corrosion. Inside the pump, contaminated or improperly mixed coolant can contribute to corrosion on the impeller. On the exterior, corrosion can cause issues with the belt slipping on the pulley. Visible corrosion or significant scaling on the water pump or surrounding components can indicate a failing pump, often due to improper coolant use or leaks that allow air into the system.
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Stuck thermostat: acts as a dam for the coolant, preventing circulation when the engine is cold
A thermostat is a small but vital component that plays a significant role in the health and efficiency of a vehicle's engine. It acts as a valve that regulates the flow of coolant (also known as antifreeze) between the engine and the radiator. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the engine operates within an ideal temperature range. Modern engines are designed to run at a specific temperature range, typically around 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit (90 to 104 degrees Celsius). This temperature is optimal for engine efficiency, combustion, and overall performance.
When the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed, acting as a dam for the coolant and preventing its circulation. This helps the engine warm up quickly, which is essential for efficient combustion and reduced emissions. However, if the thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, it can lead to serious issues. By preventing coolant from flowing to the radiator, a stuck-closed thermostat can cause the engine to overheat, potentially resulting in severe engine damage.
Overheating is the most common symptom of a failing thermostat. Corrosion, aging, or contaminated fluids can cause the thermostat to get stuck in the closed position. If the engine overheats, it is not safe to continue driving, as it can lead to complete engine failure and put the driver at risk. Therefore, it is crucial to pull over as soon as possible and turn off electrical units to prevent further damage.
While less common, another issue with thermostats is when they get stuck in the open position. In this case, the coolant circulates continuously, even when it's not needed, leading to overcooling of the engine. As a result, the engine operates below its optimal temperature range, causing reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear on engine components. Additionally, the car's indicators and fault codes will be triggered, and you may not get any hot air in the cabin when the heater is turned on.
To prevent thermostat issues, regular maintenance, such as coolant changes and inspections, is essential. If you suspect any problems with your thermostat, it is crucial to have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle promptly to diagnose and address the issue.
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Broken engine cooling fan: deployed when coolant needs extra help, or when initiated by the engine control unit
An overheating engine is extremely dangerous and can ruin the engine completely. It is not safe to drive a vehicle with an overheating engine. As soon as the temperature warning light comes on, you should pull over. If there is no place to safely pull over, turn off your radio and other electrical units, and turn your heat on high. This will funnel some of the hot engine air into the cabin. As soon as you can safely pull over, do so, and then book a mechanic to perform an inspection.
The engine has a cooling fan that is deployed when the coolant needs some extra help. When the coolant temperature sensor notices that the coolant temperature is getting too high, the engine control unit (on newer vehicles) will initiate the cooling fan to reduce the temperature. The coolant temperature sensor takes constant readings of the coolant temperature and sends that information to the engine control unit. Based on the temperature of the coolant, the engine control unit adjusts the ignition timing, the fuel injector pulse, and the operation of the electric cooling fan.
The radiator fan blows outside air across thin fin tubes filled with hot coolant. If the fin tubes are clogged on the outside of the radiator, air can’t flow past them and the radiator fan can’t do its job to cool down the tubes. If you see bugs or dirt clogging the fins, hose down the radiator with a garden hose and spray nozzle. If that doesn’t solve the overheating problem, check the condition of the radiator coolant. With the engine cold, remove the radiator cap and examine the coolant. If what you see after twisting off the radiator cap looks brown, muddy, rusty, or has debris floating in it, you’ve most likely got a clogged radiator. Before replacing the radiator cap, you can try cleaning the radiator. Put the radiator cap back on and see if the overheating is stopped. If that still doesn’t do the trick, the system is likely so corroded and clogged that the only option left is to replace the radiator.
If the fans do not come on, the car will overheat, and fuses will blow. You may need to replace the cooling/radiator fan motor. Most late-model cars and trucks use electric radiator fans. To cycle the fans on and off, the computer relies on signals from the engine coolant temperature sensor mounted at the top of the engine. When the computer registers that the coolant temperature sensor reading has risen above a certain point, it turns on the radiator fans. However, if the engine coolant temperature sensor fails, the computer never turns on the radiator fans, leaving the engine to overheat.
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Frequently asked questions
An overheating engine is extremely dangerous and can ruin the engine completely. As soon as the temperature warning light comes on, pull over. If there is no place to safely pull over, turn off your radio and other electrical units, and turn your heat on high. As soon as you can safely pull over, book a mechanic to perform an inspection.
There is no temperature gauge on the Mitsubishi Mirage. Instead, there is a temperature warning light that will come on when the engine is already hot enough to potentially cause damage. This light is a thermometer on a background of wavy lines. If it's blue or green, you’re safe to drive. If it’s red, stop the car – you’re overheating.
There are several possible causes, including a faulty coolant temperature sensor, a bad water pump, a stuck thermostat, a broken engine cooling fan, a broken thermostatic fan clutch, or a blown head gasket.
If you ignore the temperature warning light and continue driving, you may ruin the engine completely and put yourself at risk.
