Pinpoint Test B: The Engine Overheats

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. 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.

B1 CARRY OUT INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION
- Carry out the INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION procedure.
- Were any concerns found?
- Yes : REPAIR as needed. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to B2.
B2 CHECK FOR DTCs
- Check for DTC P0217.
- Is DTC P0217 present?
- Yes : GO to B3.
- No : Actual engine overheating has not been verified. CHECK the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) gauge operation. REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES . If any other PCM DTCs are retrieved, REFER to ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS - DIESEL ENGINES .
B3 CHECK FOR NON-OEM ENGINE ENHANCEMENT COMPONENTS
- Check the engine for any non-OEM components.
- Are there any non-OEM components on the engine?
- Yes : ADVISE the customer the engine modifications may be causing the engine to overheat.
- No : GO to B4.
B4 CHECK FOR AN AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION
- Check the radiator or A/C condenser for an obstruction such as leaves or cardboard.
- Is an obstruction present?
- Yes : REMOVE the obstruction. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to B5.
B5 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level.
- Ignition OFF.
- Visually check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle.
- Is the engine coolant level within specification?
- Yes : GO to B6.
- No : ADJUST the engine coolant level as necessary. GO to B6.
B6 PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
- Pressure test the engine cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST .
- Does the engine cooling system leak externally?
- Yes : REPAIR or INSTALL new components. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to B7.
B7 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 : For engine diagnosis, REFER to ENGINE - 6.7L DIESEL .
- No : GO to B8.
B8 CHECK THE ENGINE OIL FOR COOLANT
- Remove the oil level indicator from the engine.
- Is coolant evident in the oil?
- Yes : For engine diagnosis, REFER to ENGINE - 6.7L DIESEL .
- No : GO to B9.
B9 CHECK THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR COMBUSTION GASES
- NOTE: Use UView® Combustion Leak Tester part number UVU560000-R 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 : For engine diagnosis, REFER to ENGINE - 6.7L DIESEL .
- No : GO to B10.
B10 CHECK THE COOLING FAN CLUTCH OPERATION
- Ignition OFF.
- Check the cooling fan clutch operation. Refer to the INTRODUCTION - DIESEL MODELS .
- Is the cooling fan clutch operation OK?
- Yes : GO to B11.
- No : INSTALL a new fan clutch. TEST the system for normal operation.
B11 CHECK THE COOLANT PUMP OPERATION
- Start the engine.
- Allow the engine to run for 10 minutes. Place the climate control function selector in the MAX HEAT position. Feel the heater outlet hose.
- Is the heater outlet hose hot?
- Yes : GO to B12.
- No : INSTALL a new coolant pump. TEST the system for normal operation.
B12 CHECK THE THERMOSTAT OPERATION
- Start the engine.
- Allow the engine to run for 10 minutes. Feel the upper radiator hose.
- Is the upper radiator hose hot?
- Yes : CHECK the engine coolant temperature gauge operation. REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES .
- No : GO to B13.
B13 VISUALLY INSPECT THE THERMOSTAT
- Carry out the THERMOSTAT VISUAL INSPECTION in the Component Tests portion.
- Is the thermostat damaged?
- Yes : INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation. If the engine still overheats, INSTALL a new radiator. TEST the system for normal operation.