A normal message that could pop up on your dashboard when driving is the refill inverter coolant warning.
It just tells you that you are running out of inverter coolants. Refilling the coolant is a common way to solve this problem.
However, it becomes a problem when the warning message is still there after refilling the coolant. At this point, there is something wrong with your vehicle’s cooling system.
In this article, we have compiled a great guide to a refill inverter coolant warning, meaning, causes, and fixes.
What is Inverter Coolant Warning?
To better understand what an inverter coolant warning is, you have first to understand what an inverter coolant is.
An inverter coolant is majorly used with electric or Hybrid vehicles.
Electric and Hybrid vehicles make use of what is called an inverter. The function of the inverter is to convert DC power to AC power.
You cannot appropriate your EV or Hybrid car without the inverter because it can not run on DC.
However, the inverter comes with its issue. When converting these currents, it generates a lot of heat.
The good news is that car producers have gotten a solution to the heat problem. Coolants are circulated to the inverter with the help of an electric pump. It then collects the excess heat and regulates its temperature.
Now that we understand what an inverter coolant is, we can talk about inverter coolant refill and inverter coolant warning.
A refill inverter coolant warning is a message on your dashboard telling you that you need to refill the inverter coolant.
Sometimes, the warning tells you there’s a problem with the cooling system. You will notice this when the coolant is on max, and the message is still coming up.
Causes of Inverter Coolant Warning
An inverter coolant warning is majorly caused by low coolants or other factors that lead to a low coolant. In some cases, other damaged parts of the vehicle can trigger the warning light.
Some of the causes of faulty indicator lights may include the following.
1. Low coolant
2. Coolant leaks
3. Damaged engine coolants temperature sensor
4. Damaged coolant pumps
5. Failing ECM
How to Fix an Inverter Coolant Warning?
The fix for an inverter coolant warning depends on the cause of the warning message. When fixing this issue, the first thing you need to do is have a proper diagnosis of the cause.
Below are the ways you could fix an inverter coolant warning.
1. Low coolant
Your inverter coolant warning is up primarily because of low coolant. Not enough coolant gets to the inverter, which increases its temperature. In turn, the temperature sensor picks up the heat and sends it to the ECM, which triggers the message.
Solving the issue is relatively easy; you only have to refill the coolant, and the message will go away.
2. Coolant leaks
If you fill your inverter coolant and the message comes up after a while of use, you may face a leak problem. It may be the reason for your low coolant.
When faced with this problem, you can first look under the vehicle to find leaks. If you see leaks under the vehicle, you may need to find out where the leaks are coming from.
There are many places a coolant leak can come from in your vehicle. You can leak from the coolant line, pump, and more. Whichever part of the vehicle is causing the leak, you need to have it replaced.
3. Damaged engine coolants temperature sensor
The engine coolant temperature sensor is responsible for measuring the temperature of the engine and converter. When the sensor is damaged, it might give inaccurate temperature readings or none.
Furthermore, when the sensor is not working correctly, there is no way the ECU can determine if the converter is at the right temperature. When this happens, the ECU may trigger the warning message.
To solve this problem, you will need to change the temperature sensor of your vehicle. Ensure to get a sensor that is the exact specification for your vehicle.
4. Damaged coolant pumps
The coolant pump circulates the coolants from the radiator to the inverter where needed. When the pump is damaged, the coolant will not circulate through the inverter, causing it to overheat.
Also, a damaged coolant pump could cause coolant leaks. Once all this happens due to the overheating inverter, the warning sign will pop up.
The best way to solve this problem is to change the coolant pump. Due to the location and technicality of changing this part, it is best a professional does the replacement.
5. Failing ECM
Another cause of a refill inverter coolant warning is a failing system. As we know, the data collected from the sensors are transferred to the ECM. A malfunctioning ECM could misinterpret these data and send the wrong warning messages.
Any issues could cause the ECM to fail or malfunction. A significant cause could be a wiring issue. You might have to check the wiring harness for corrosion and other damage.
Also, other factors could cause a failing ECM, including software issues, improperly installing a part of the engine system, and more.
Final Thoughts!
Inverter coolants are used only by Electric and Hybrid vehicles, and cannot be used by non-electric vehicles. This is major because of the different components in regular and inverter coolants.
When you see a recurring refill inverter coolant warning do not drive your vehicle. Immediately following our recommended fixes. This will prevent you from further damaging the inverter.
If after trying our recommended fixes the issue continues, you need professional help.
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