Pinpoint Test A: Loss Of Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is 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 serious personal injury.

A1 CARRY OUT INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION
- Carry out Inspection and Verification procedure.
- Were any concerns found?

Yes: REPAIR as needed. TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A2.

A2 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level.
- Ignition OFF.
- Visually inspect the engine coolant level at the degas bottle.
- Is the engine coolant level within specifications?

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

A3 PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
- Pressure test the engine cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST .
- Does the engine cooling system leak?

Yes: REPAIR or INSTALL new components. TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A4.

A4 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR AN INTERNAL LEAK
- Inspect the engine coolant in the degas bottle for signs of engine oil.
- Is engine oil evident in the coolant?

Yes: If engine oil is evident, GO to ENGINE for engine diagnosis.
No: GO to A5.

A5 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 . If coolant is in the transmission fluid, INSTALL a new radiator. REPAIR the transmission as necessary. Refer to IN-VEHICLE REPAIR , AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION - AISIN AW21 and AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION - ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (ECVT) for the procedure.
No: GO to A6.

A6 CHECK THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR COMBUSTION GASES
NOTE: Use U-View® Combustion Leak Tester, part No. 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 for engine diagnosis.
No: The cooling system is operational.