205 1.6 automatic 1992 a warning light come on

[Theflyingpostman]

Can someone tell me what is the red light on the left of a fuel gauge the icon it looks like a exhaust overheating or blocked? the car is too old to have a diagnostic tool. What is wrong?
thanks
Fab.

[GiveMeABreak]

Can you put a photo up of the light? Given the age of the vehicle, it could mean something entirely different for the year, but we may have a better idea once we see what it is.

[Theflyingpostman]

The year is 1992, the icon is number 12.

[myglaren]

Hot Cat?

[Theflyingpostman]

If it is hot is that means the CAT are blocked? I find it runs fine no sluggish. Yesterday it was a quite warm day end up in traffic jam. The light come on then it go away when is cool or cold engine start. Is this warning me the CAT are hotter? because of warm weather and traffic with stop and start for 2 miles but I can't understand it never happen to me the year before.

[doctle]

No temperature gauge so maybe it means engine is hot or too hot

[xantia_v6]

I am fairly sure that is the engine overheat warning, which would normally indicate a serious problem, commonly low coolant level or failed radiator cooling fan.

[white exec]

I am fairly sure that is the engine overheat warning, which would normally indicate a serious problem, commonly low coolant level or failed radiator cooling fan.

The photo is not very clear, but if that symbol includes a radiator fan (on the right) it would be an engine overheat light.
A cat overheat symbol is usually just a symmetrical 'sausage' with heat lines.

[myglaren]

I am fairly sure that is the engine overheat warning, which would normally indicate a serious problem, commonly low coolant level or failed radiator cooling fan.

The photo is not very clear, but if that symbol includes a radiator fan (on the right) it would be an engine overheat light.
A cat overheat symbol is usually just a symmetrical 'sausage' with heat lines.

If you zoom in on it, that is what it is Chris.

[GiveMeABreak]

The year is 1992, the icon is number 12.

Yes, so that is actually called 'Autodiagnostics'

The vehicle had an earlier rudimentary diagnostics system.

The symbol later evolved into the more common Engine Symbol:

As depollution systems evolved this could lead to confusion. For example, Catalytic converters and particle filters. The particle filter symbol more commonly in use today in Diesels is the picture of the exhaust with dots inside to indicate clogging:

[Theflyingpostman]

I have just found the fan it won't switch on when the engine overheating, I am deaf that why I did not hear the fan! I think it is sensor somewhere on the thermostat coolant system is not working or poor dirty connector. Thanks for few helpful tips.

[white exec]

I don't have a wiring diagram for your 205, but as well as the sensor, likely to be at least one relay, maybe a dropper resistor (for fan slow speed), and certainly a fan motor fuse. Fan motor itself could be the issue, but this is easily tested with a 12v supply.
Best to check the circuit diagram for the car.

[Theflyingpostman]

Just bought a Haynes manual book to look the diagram. Thanks

[Theflyingpostman]

I have found the issue it was a fan motor, it won't turn over when I connect the battery but if I spin free the fan with my hand, it go round but judder then it lose the speed and it stops. Now is fixed after purchase a used fan motor.