If the pointer moves towards the RED segment,
this indicates that the engine coolant is
becoming too hot. Should the pointer move
INTO the RED segment and the RED warning
light within the gauge illuminates, severe
engine damage could occur (under these
circumstances, the air conditioning may switch
off and engine performance may reduce in
order to minimize engine load).
Stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and
allow the engine to idle for five minutes in order
to cool down - DO NOT SWITCH OFF. Seek
qualified assistance before continuing.

Is this correct?? I find this to be very odd, if you are overheated, generally speaking, idling the engine just makes it worse...

Any thoughts?

Thanks everyone,

 

Keeps the fan "fanning".

 

interesting.......

 

If you shut it off while it is overheated then all the coolant stops flowing and it just gets hotter and hotter and hotter.
The purpose of the coolant is to remove heat from the engine, stop the flow and...

Now if it is low on coolant then shutting it off right away is what you need to do.

 

Good to know!

 

Yup, keep it running and run your heat while you wait for it to cool down...
I learned that on here a couple years ago! Running the heat will help it cool down faster.

 

bahahahahahahaha! I just went through this 8 times in my first few hours of Disco ownership.
All the above info is true. I had to shut my Disco down as it would not cool down while idling. Now, I do have blown head gasket(s) - at the least.
I found shutting it down would cool it off. As mentioned, my Disco was likely low on coolant as it was leaving the engine (with oil) in a cloud behind me.
You gotta do what is working for you. Try idling, if it doesn't cool down, shut her down. Open the hood to allow the engine to cool better.
I finally did get my Disco home with the heater on full blast. That heater core must be big...
Common sense rules.

Dave K.
Disco noob (but experienced)