Normal Operation
The engine cooling system functions to maintain 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. From the coolant pump, coolant is sent through the engine block and cylinder heads. A separate circuit from the engine also feeds the heater core with coolant. The coolant pump is operated by engine rotation through a pulley which is driven by the accessory drive belt to circulate 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 proper 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 the coolant flow diagrams, refer to ENGINE COOLING in the Description and Operation portion.
- DTC P0217 (Engine Coolant Over Temperature Condition) - Indicates an engine overheat condition was detected by the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Low coolant level
- External engine coolant leak
- Air lock in system
- Pressure relief cap installation
- Restricted airflow through the A/C condenser or radiator
- Internal engine coolant leak
- Coolant condition/concentration
- Accessory drive components
- Non-OEM engine enhancement components
- Cooling fan
- Electronically actuated cooling fan clutch
- Radiator
- Thermostat
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) gauge
- ECT sensor - primary cooling system
- Heater core
- Coolant pump
- Coolant flow restriction
- Engine oil in engine coolant