Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford RV Cutaway, 2005 Ford Econoline, 2005 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

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 CHECK THE 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.

NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level.
- Carry out the pressure relief cap test. Refer to PRESSURE TEST .
- Is pressure relief cap OK?
- Yes : GO to A3.
- No : INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation.
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.
- Key in OFF position.
- 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.
- No : GO to A4.
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 engine, GO to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION . If coolant is in transmission, INSTALL a new radiator.
- 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 .