Normal Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The engine cooling system maintains engine temperatures during operation. Correct coolant flow through the engine, radiator and remainder of cooling system passages and components is essential to maintaining a correct engine temperature.

Engine coolant flows primarily from the engine to the radiator circuit and back to the coolant pump. Coolant is sent from the coolant pump through the engine block and cylinder heads. A separate circuit from the engine also feeds the heater core with coolant. The coolant pump, operated by engine rotation through a sprocket driven by the timing chain, circulates the coolant. The coolant thermostat is a control valve actuated by coolant temperature. When the thermostat is closed, coolant flow bypasses the radiator circuit and returns to the coolant pump. When the thermostat is opened, coolant is allowed to flow through the radiator circuit in order to transfer engine-generated heat to the outside air.

Engine overheating generally occurs when there is a disruption in the ability to control either coolant flow at the correct rate, the inability to transfer heat from the engine through the coolant (including low coolant) or an inability to transfer engine-generated heat to the outside air through the radiator.

For engine specific information, refer to ENGINE COOLING in the Description and Operation portion of this service information.

DTC P0217 (Engine Coolant Overtemperature Condition) - Indicates an engine overheat condition was sensed by the Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor.
DTC P1285 (Cylinder Head Overtemperature Condition) - Indicates an engine overheat condition was sensed by the CHT sensor.
DTC P1299 (Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active) - Indicates an engine overheat condition was detected by the CHT sensor. A failure mode effects management strategy called fail-safe cooling was activated to cool the engine.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

Low coolant level
External engine coolant leak
Airlock in system
Pressure relief cap installation
Restricted airflow through the A/C condenser/radiator
Internal engine coolant leak
Coolant condition/concentration
Accessory drive components
Non-OEM engine enhancement components
Electric cooling fan
Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor
Heater core
Coolant pump
Coolant flow restriction