Inspection and Verification
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
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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
Quick connect couplings
Gaskets
O-rings
Coolant outlet connector
Radiator
Pressure relief cap
Coolant pump
Heater core (wet floor or coolant odor in vehicle)
Coolant crossover manifold assembly
Oil cooler
Degas bottle
Transmission fluid cooler
Cylinder block core plugs
Cylinder head core plugs
Block heater (if equipped)
EGR cooler
Cracked or damaged:
Hoses
Tubes
Hose clamps
Coolant outlet connector
Radiator
Pressure relief cap
Cooling fan
Fan clutch
Coolant pump
Degas bottle
Transmission fluid cooler
Oil cooler
Coolant crossover manifold assembly
Cylinder block core plugs
Cylinder head core plugs
Block heater (if equipped)
EGR cooler
Radiator seals
Radiator air deflectors
Cooling fan stator
Cooling fan stator seals
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 coolantInoperative or damaged:
Electronically actuated fan clutch
Electronically actuated fan clutch controller
Wiring or connectors
ECT sensor
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor - If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
- Test the coolant. 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.