My check engine light is coming on when I use my heater.

My check engine light is coming on when I use my heater. When I turn on my heater the temperature drops and my check engine light comes on. I turn off the heat and let the car idle and the light turns off, but the temp goes up to about 175 degrees. I'll drive the car and the temperature will drop and then I will park it and the problem seems to go away. What would cause this?
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 206

Total answers/comments: 1

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bert [Entry]

"Joshua,

When the car cools off, check the coolant fluid level. If it is low, add fluid.

It would make sense that your engine would cool down when you use the heater as you are dissipating more heat than the engine and radiator alone.

The only way to really know why you get the check engine light is to put an OBD reader on the vehicle. If you go an auto parts store, usually they will put a reader on your car for you and tell you the problem.

175 degrees is about right for that car.

Frank"