LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.0 3, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 873 (Engine Cooling System -- F250-F550 Super Duty) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Engine Cooling >> Pinpoint Tests >> Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. A1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL 
    NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level.
    • Key in OFF position.
    • WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can release forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
    • Visually check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle.
    • Is the engine coolant level within specification? 
    • Yes  : GO to A2.
    • No  : ADJUST the engine coolant as necessary. GO to A2.
  2. A2 CHECK THE DEGAS BOTTLE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP 
      WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
    • Inspect the pressure relief cap for foreign material between the sealing gasket and the diaphragm.
    • Is pressure relief cap OK? 
    • Yes  : GO to A3.
    • No  : CLEAN or INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation. GO to A3.
  3. A3 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR AN INTERNAL LEAK 
    • Key in OFF position.
    • WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can release forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
    • Inspect the engine coolant in the degas bottle for signs of transmission fluid or engine oil.
    • Is oil or transmission fluid evident in coolant? 
    • Yes  : If engine oil is evident, GO to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION . If transmission fluid is evident, REPAIR or INSTALL a new radiator as necessary.
    • No  : GO to A4.
  4. A4 CHECK THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION FOR COOLANT 
    • Remove the oil level and transmission fluid level indicators.
    • Is coolant evident in oil/fluid? 
  5. A5 PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM 
    • Pressure test the engine cooling system. Refer to COMPONENT TESTS .
    • Does the engine cooling system leak? 
    • Yes  : REPAIR or INSTALL new components. TEST the system for normal operation.
    • No  : The cooling system is operational. GO to SYMPTOM CHART .