Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE: The engine cooling system is filled with Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the manufacturer's specified coolant. Chemically flush the cooling system if a non-specified coolant has been used. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTE: During normal vehicle operation, Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant may change color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.

Verify the customer concern.
Visually check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle when the system is cold.
Make sure the pressure relief cap is installed correctly.
Record any cooling system Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) retrieved. Refer to PCM DTC Chart for DTC descriptions.
NOTE: Take note of any coolant odor or steam coming from cooling system components.

If the system coolant is filled correctly and no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) associated with overheating are retrieved, verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.

Visually inspect for obvious signs of any mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical	Electrical
Leaks or weeps at: Hoses Tubes Clamp joints Gaskets O-rings Thermostat housing Transmission fluid cooler EGR valve EGR cooler Oil cooler Radiator Pressure relief cap Coolant pump Coolant manifold Cylinder head outlet connection Heater core (wet floor or coolant odor in vehicle) Degas bottle Cylinder block core plugs Cylinder head core plugs Block heater (if equipped) Cracked or damaged: Hoses Tubes Hose clamps Thermostat housing Transmission fluid cooler EGR valve EGR cooler Oil cooler Radiator Radiator air deflectors Pressure relief cap Electric cooling fan Cooling fan Coolant pump Coolant manifold Cylinder head outlet connection Degas bottle Cylinder block core plugs Cylinder head core plugs Block heater (if equipped) Restricted airflow through the A/C condenser/radiator Drive belt loose, worn or installed incorrectly Broken or weak drive belt tensioner Excessive white or light gray exhaust smoke (may have burnt coolant odor) Coolant in engine oil Coolant in transmission fluid Engine oil in coolant Transmission fluid in coolant	Inoperative or damaged: Electric cooling fan Cooling fan Wiring, connectors, relays or modules ECT sensor

Mechanical

Electrical

Leaks or weeps at:
Hoses
Tubes
Clamp joints
Gaskets
O-rings
Thermostat housing
Transmission fluid cooler
EGR valve
EGR cooler
Oil cooler
Radiator
Pressure relief cap
Coolant pump
Coolant manifold
Cylinder head outlet connection
Heater core (wet floor or coolant odor in vehicle)
Degas bottle
Cylinder block core plugs
Cylinder head core plugs
Block heater (if equipped)
Cracked or damaged:
Hoses
Tubes
Hose clamps
Thermostat housing
Transmission fluid cooler
EGR valve
EGR cooler
Oil cooler
Radiator
Radiator air deflectors
Pressure relief cap
Electric cooling fan
Cooling fan
Coolant pump
Coolant manifold
Cylinder head outlet connection
Degas bottle
Cylinder block core plugs
Cylinder head core plugs
Block heater (if equipped)
Restricted airflow through the A/C condenser/radiator
Drive belt loose, worn or installed incorrectly
Broken or weak drive belt tensioner
Excessive white or light gray exhaust smoke (may have burnt coolant odor)
Coolant in engine oil
Coolant in transmission fluid
Engine oil in coolant
Transmission fluid in coolant

Inoperative or damaged:
Electric cooling fan
Cooling fan
Wiring, connectors, relays or modules
ECT sensor

If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
Evaluate the coolant condition. REFER to: Coolant Test .
If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause and test the system for normal operation before proceeding to the next step.