Why Is My Ingersoll Rand 185 Engine Temperature Lamp Staying On?
Troubleshooting Tips to Prevent Overheating
If the engine temperature lamp on your Ingersoll Rand 185 portable air compressor is staying on, it’s a clear sign something’s not right—and ignoring it could lead to serious engine damage. This guide covers the most common causes and solutions for models P185A-SJD, P185A-WJD, XP175A-SJD, and XP175A-WJD so you can fix the issue fast, no service call required.
Common Causes of an Engine Temperature Warning (And How to Fix Them)
1. Dirty Cooler
- Symptoms: The cooler is clogged with dirt, causing overheating.
- Fix: Clean the exterior of the cooler to restore proper airflow.
2. Operating Pressure Too High
- Symptoms: The unit is running at an excessive pressure level.
- Fix: Reduce the pressure to specification to prevent overheating.
3. Recirculation of Cooling Air
- Symptoms: Hot air is being pulled back into the cooling system.
- Fix: Ensure the side doors are closed to maintain proper airflow.
4. Ambient Temperature Above 125°F (52°C)
- Symptoms: The compressor is operating in extreme heat conditions.
- Fix: This temperature is above the unit's spec limit; cooling assistance may be needed.
5. Loose Wire Connection
- Symptoms: The engine temperature lamp remains on due to an electrical fault.
- Fix: Check all wiring and repair or replace any loose connections.
6. Broken Engine Fan Belt
- Symptoms: The cooling fan is not spinning properly, leading to overheating.
- Fix: Replace the fan belt set to restore proper function.
7. Malfunctioning Circuit Board
- Symptoms: The engine temperature lamp stays on despite normal operating conditions.
- Fix: Replace the circuit board if it's malfunctioning.
8. Other Potential Causes
- Dirty Operating Conditions: Excessive dust, debris, or contaminants can contribute to overheating.
- Unit Out of Level >15 Degrees: The compressor should be operated on level ground to ensure proper cooling.
👉 Check out the other posts in our IR 185 troubleshooting series, where we cover:
- Unit is Shut Down and Won't Turn On
- Unit Won't Shut Down
- Won't Start/Run
- Engine Temperature Lamp Staying On
- Engine Temperature Lamp Staying Off
- Engine Oil Pressure Lamp Staying On
- Engine Oil Pressure Lamp Staying Off
- Alternator Lamp Staying On
- Alternator Lamp Staying Off
- Excessive Temperature of Compressor Oil
- Engine RPM Down
- Too Much Vibration
- Low CFM
- Short Air Filter Life
- Too Much Oil in Air
- Oil in Air Filter
- Oil Seal Leak
- Will Not Unload
- Safety Valve Issues