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Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. A1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL 
    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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
    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  : FILL the engine coolant as necessary. GO to  A5.
  2. A2 CHECK THE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP 
    WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or 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 that all the pressure has been released, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap.
    • Carry out the pressure relief cap test. Refer to the COMPONENT TESTS .
    • Is pressure relief cap OK? 
    • Yes  : GO to A3.
    • No  : INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation.
  3. A3 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR INTERNAL LEAK 
    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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
    • Key in OFF position.
    • Inspect the engine coolant in degas bottle for signs of engine oil.
    • Is oil evident in coolant? 
  4. A4 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 .
  5. A5 CHECK THE COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM 
    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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
    • Inspect the pressure relief cap for foreign material between the sealing gasket and the diaphragm.
    • Is the pressure relief cap OK? 
    • Yes  : GO to A6.
    • No  : CLEAN or INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation. GO to  A1.
  6. A6 CHECK THE DEGAS BOTTLE 
    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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
    • Add coolant to the degas bottle until fluid is between the coolant fill level marks.
    • Does the degas bottle leak? 
    • Yes  : INSTALL a new degas bottle. TEST the system for normal operation.
    • No  : CARRY OUT the cooling system pressure test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS . REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
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