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Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. 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

  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 

    INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation.

  3. 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 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, INSTALL a new radiator as necessary.

    No 

    GO to A4

  4. A4 CHECK THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION FOR COOLANT 
    • Remove the oil level dipsticks from the engine and the transmission.
    • Is coolant evident in 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. Refer to RADIATOR, COOLING FAN AND SHROUD . REPAIR the transmission as necessary, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION .

    No 

    GO to A5

  5. A5 PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM 
    • Pressure test the cooling system. Refer to PRESSURE TEST .
    • Does the engine cooling system leak? 

    Yes 

    REPAIR or INSTALL new components if leaking. TEST the system for normal operation.

    No 

    The cooling system is operational. GO to SYMPTOM CHART 

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