A thread from a few months ago reminded me of a recent near disastrous overheating event. The video is the out lap of the first session of test day. If you watch closely all is good until turn 7 when the Alternator warning light comes on (yellow). in turn 10 the red water temp light comes on (240 F) and the water temp gauge (far left) turns red (gauge and warning light change at the same time).
Cause was loss of the accessory drive belt. First indicator of this is the alternator stops functioning. Fortunately engine was fine.
Lessons learned.
- LED warning lights in the center stack are worthless. You could train yourself to check them in the straights but you will not notice them in your peripheral vision.
- LongAcre water pressure warning light is worthless (never lit up). Water pressure is maintained even if the pump is not turning.
- All warning light need to be high and center. I did not see the red warning light but did see the gauge turn red immediately.
- An alternator (charge) warning light is more valuable than you might think. It should go front-center.
Alan