Cooling System Filling & Bleeding
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- On 3.9L engines, remove engine coolant fill cap. See Fig 1. On 3.0L engines, open engine air bleed. See Fig 2. On all engines, open heater air bleed. See Fig 3. Add coolant to degas bottle, allowing system to equalize until no more coolant can be added.
- On 3.0L engines, close engine air bleed when coolant begins to escape. On all engines, replace degas bottle cap. Care must be taken to ensure accessory drive belt does not become contaminated with engine coolant. Leave heater air bleed open. On 3.9L engines, add as much coolant as possible to engine coolant fill and replace engine coolant fill cap. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- On all models, start engine and allow it to idle. Place heater control to MAX position. Close heater air bleed when a steady stream of coolant begins to escape. Once heater air bleed is closed, allow engine to idle for 5 minutes. Add coolant to degas bottle as needed to maintain cold fill MAX mark. Reopen heater air bleed to release any trapped air and close it again.
- Maintain engine speed of 2000 RPM (3.9L) or 1500 RPM (3.0L) for 3-5 minutes or until hot air comes from heater. Allow engine speed to return to idle and verify hot air is still coming from heater. Set heater temperature setting to 75°F (24°C) and allow vehicle to idle for 2 minutes. Turn ignition off and allow engine to cool. After engine has cooled, add coolant to degas bottle to bring level to cold fill MAX mark.
CAUTION:
If after running engine, air discharge remains cool and engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, engine coolant level is low and must be filled. Stop engine, allow engine to cool and repeat the following procedure.
NOTE:
Heater air bleed remains open during this procedure.