Inspection and Verification
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
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, coolant can change color. 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 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 fail-safe cooling 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
Oil cooler (may leak internally or externally)
Transmission fluid cooler (may leak internally or externally)
Transmission fluid heater coolant control valve
Radiator
Pressure relief cap
Coolant pump
Cabin heater coolant pump
Heater core (wet floor or coolant odor in vehicle)
Lower intake manifold
Degas bottle
Cylinder block core plugs
Cylinder head core plugs
Block heater (if equipped)
Cracked or damaged:
Hoses
Tubes
Hose clamps
Thermostat housing
Lower intake manifold
Oil cooler (may leak internally or externally)
Transmission fluid cooler (may leak internally or externally)
Transmission fluid heater coolant control valve
Radiator
Pressure relief cap
Cooling fan
Coolant pump
Cabin heater coolant pump
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 coolantInoperative or damaged:
Electric cooling fan
Wiring, connectors, relays or modules
CHT sensor - If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
- Inspect the coolant condition.
- Inspect the coolant color.
- A darker color with the presence of debris could indicate a commercially available stop leak may have been used and could result in loss of coolant flow to critical parts of the engine. If sediment is present, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and the appropriate concentrated antifreeze/coolant. REFER to: Specifications . REFER to: Engine Cooling System Flushing .
- A light or reddish brown color indicates that rust may be present in the cooling system. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and the appropriate concentrated antifreeze/coolant. REFER to: Specifications . REFER to: Engine Cooling System Flushing .
- An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. For engine diagnosis, REFER to: Engine . Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and the appropriate concentrated antifreeze/coolant. REFER to: Specifications . REFER to: Engine Cooling System Flushing .
- A milky brown color may indicate that engine oil is entering the cooling system. Pressure test the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Pressure Test . If engine oil is suspected, the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine. For engine diagnosis, REFER to: Engine . Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and the appropriate concentrated antifreeze/coolant. REFER to: Specifications . REFER to: Engine Cooling System Flushing .
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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.
If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the Coolant/Battery Refractometer. Maintain the coolant concentration. REFER to: Specifications .
- Adjust coolant range and level if necessary:
- If coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only.
- If the engine coolant tests too weak, remove some of the engine coolant and add the appropriate concentrated antifreeze/coolant until the readings are within acceptable levels. REFER to: Specifications .
- If the engine coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add distilled water until the readings are within acceptable levels.
- Inspect the coolant color.
- 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.