Pinpoint Test A: Loss of Engine Coolant: Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, turn and remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth).

NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level.
- Key in OFF position.
- Visually check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle.
- Is the engine coolant level within specification?
- Yes : GO to A2.
- No : REFILL the engine coolant as necessary. GO to A2.
A2 INSPECT THE DEGAS BOTTLE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP
WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, turn and remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth).
- Remove the pressure relief cap.
- Inspect the pressure relief cap for foreign material between the sealing gasket and the diaphragm.
- Test the pressure relief cap. Refer to COMPONENT TESTS .
- Is the pressure relief cap OK?
- Yes : Go to A3.
- No : CLEAN or INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation.
A3 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR INTERNAL LEAK
WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, turn and remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth).
- Inspect the engine coolant in the degas bottle for signs of engine oil.
- Is oil evident in the coolant?
- Yes : If engine oil is evident, REFER to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- No : GO to A4.
A4 CHECK THE ENGINE FOR COOLANT
- Remove the oil level indicator from the engine.
- Is coolant evident in the oil?
- Yes : If coolant is in the engine, REFER to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- No : GO to A5.
A5 PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
- Pressure test the engine cooling system. Refer to the 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 .