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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1716 (Engine Cooling) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Engine Cooling >> Pinpoint Tests >> Pinpoint Test A: Loss of Coolant >> Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating or hot. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury or damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, use extreme care 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 certain all the pressure has been released, (with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
  1. A1 CARRY OUT INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION 

    Yes  : REPAIR as needed. TEST the system for normal operation.

    No  : GO to A2.

  2. A2 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL 
    NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level.
    • Key in OFF position.

      Visually inspect the engine coolant level at the degas bottle or the coolant expansion tank.

    • Is the engine coolant level within specifications? 

    Yes  : GO to A3.

    No  : ADJUST the engine coolant level as necessary. GO to A3.

  3. A3 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  : If the vehicle is equipped with a coolant expansion tank, GO to A4. If the vehicle is equipped with a degas bottle, GO to  A5.

  4. A4 CHECK THE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP 
    • Carry out the pressure relief cap pressure test. Refer to COMPONENT TESTS .
    • Is the pressure relief cap OK? 

    Yes  : GO to A5.

    No  : INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation.

  5. A5 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR AN INTERNAL LEAK 
    • Inspect the engine coolant in the degas bottle or coolant expansion tank for signs of engine oil or transmission fluid.
    • Is engine oil or transmission fluid evident in the coolant? 

    Yes  : If engine oil is evident, GO to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for engine diagnosis. If transmission fluid is evident, INSTALL a new radiator. REPAIR the transmission as necessary. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation.

    No  : GO to A6.

  6. A6 CHECK THE ENGINE OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID FOR COOLANT 
    • Remove the oil level indicators from the engine and the transmission.
    • Is coolant evident in the oil or transmission fluid? 

    Yes  : If coolant is in the engine oil, GO to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION . If coolant is in the transmission fluid, INSTALL a new radiator. REPAIR the transmission as necessary. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.

    No  : GO to A7.

  7. A7 CHECK THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR COMBUSTION GASES 
      NOTE: Use U-View® Combustion Leak Tester part number 560000 or equivalent.
    • Using a cooling system combustion gas leak tester, following the instructions supplied with the tester, check the coolant for combustion gases.
    • Are combustion gases present? 

    Yes  : GO to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for engine diagnosis.

    No  : The cooling system is operational.