Engine light after overheating

Hey everyone,

I purchaced a 98 GU Patrol 2.8l 2 days ago from Perth. I was driving up to Karratha when the car jolted and the check engine light came on. I pulled over straight away and checked the water and coolant levels and they were pretty much empty. I filled it up with water (I stupidly had no coolant) and drove 40k at 60kph to the next roadhouse where I refilled the water and put coolant in.

The engine light is still on although the car is no longer overheating. I don't think its the head / head gasket as the radiator wasn't pulling any air through and there was no oil in the coolant or vice versa.

I'm now in Carnarvon and there are no mechanics available on a Sunday.

I just want to know why the engine light is still on and if I've damaged the engine if anyone can help.

Thanks in advance,

Mel

Sorry Mel but not sure of the answer, maybe loose connection or fried a sensor but that's just guessing, hopefully one of the knowledgeable ones will see your post and help.

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Is the check engine light on solid or does it flash/blink?

If it's on solid it normally means water in the fuel.

I would start by replacing or draining the fuel filter

The check engine light is on solid. How would the water get in there? I'll give it a go tomorrow.

I forgot to mention that the little bit of water and coolant that remained was spraying out the overflow and was boiling.

Thanks for your replies

I had this with my 2.8 recently, the water spewing out part of it anyway.

This is what I did to mine to sort it,the disclaimer is that I have no idea if the AUS ones are the same, but here goes.

The coolant was disappearing approx every 200 miles on a long run and when it was under load, with the temp gauge going all over the place.If I was pootling about,the coolant stayed the same.

So in panic, I thought head gone, but it would do it all the time,surely? The top header tank on mine is ,in effect,part of the coolant system, the tank underneath is the overflow, the water was spewing out of the top tank and into the bottom tank, then being forced from that one. The bottom pipe into the rad was always cold,no matter how hot the engine,indicating a knackered thermostat. I took that out,it was a Nissan one so assume came in the car.Swapped it over for a new one, changed the top water tank lid for a new one, end of problem,not lost a drop since.

The stat on the 2.8 is located down the bottom left hand side of the engine block as you look at it, it is an absolute b`stard to change.

Could be similar on yours mate.

Also, on mine,the electric air con fan kicks at at temperature,sort of like an emergency fan.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by melsampson

The check engine light is on solid. How would the water get in there? I'll give it a go tomorrow.

I forgot to mention that the little bit of water and coolant that remained was spraying out the overflow and was boiling.

Thanks for your replies

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That doesn't sound good you might need to get the cooling system looked at.

How did you go with draining the fuel filter? was there any water?

If the CEL is still on you will need to get the codes read, I'm guessing it will be code DTC 28 that comes up.

Double check you have no coolant leaks or air lock and the electric cooling fan at the front of the radiator comes on as soon as the air conditioning is turned on.

Good luck with it.

had the same issue, overheating will trigger the engine light, means nothing, just needs resetting & will pose no more issues

Thank you all for your replies, there was a crack on the overflow bottle and it had the wrong cap on it which is why the engine light came on. We're taking he car to a mechanics to have a proper look over it, hopefully there's nothing else wrong. Fingers crossed !!