General Over heating

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General Over heating

Kier

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Hello, I've got a problem with my 1.2 2001 Punto.

I got into the car to go to college today, and noticed that there was a light flashing on the dashboard, I'm not sure what the symbol means.

The light is just under the speedo (near where it says the kph), and is orange, I've had a quick look though my Haynes manual, but cant find anything in there.

I also cant find a picture of the dashboard on Google to show where abouts the light is, if someone could that would be great.

When I was driving to college, I noticed that the temp. was at the highest, with the red light on, last time I had this problem it was the head gasket, so I'm hoping its not this, as I cant afford to get it fixed again.

I had a look at the oil level, and it appears to be in the middle of the min and max, I will double check later though (Dont know if it makes a difference if the engine is warm).

I also checked the water level, however, when I took the cap off, it started hissing at me, and steam coming out, I'm putting this down to the fact the car was over heating, but the water also looked rather dirty, and looked like it had bits in (not sure what they are).

Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be? Mainly the symbol on the dashboard I'm looking for.

Thank you for any help.
 
Sounds like headgasket to me. If not you'll be lucky as even overheating once normally kills them.

Describe the symbol more or draw it and post a pic. Could be the EML but not sure from what you've said.
 
Last edited:
Managed to get a picture of it.
 

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if youre at college, then ask in the mechanics department, the might read it for you, im always doing it for other students.
And you shouldn't remove the expansion bottle cap unless its cold or you can nip the top radiator hose together, this quick test shows the system isnt under too much pressure and it wont scald your hands or face.
 
Thanks 1383matt, we dont have a mechanics department, at least I dont think so, if we do its not at the campus that I'm at.
 
Right, my step dad has just had a look at it, the water that was in there is now no longer there, and there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust, which I remember happening last time, so looks like its the head gasket again.

As I had this fixed on the 31st of Jan 2008 (Or around then, thats when the invoice is dated), it shouldn't have gone again, I've done 8,000 miles since then, which as far as I know is ALOT less than what it should have lasted.

Does anyone know where I stand? It cost me £300 to get it fixed last time, which I cant afford, and dont feel that I should have to pay that much again as its only lasted 14 months and 8,000 miles.
 
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