Pinpoint Test C: The Engine Does Not Reach Normal Operating Temperature

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. 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.

C1 CARRY OUT INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION
- Carry out the INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION procedure in this service information.
- Were any concerns found?
  YES
  
  REPAIR as needed. TEST the system for normal operation.
  
  No
  
  GO to C2 .
C2 CHECK FOR DTC P0125 or P0128
- Check for DTC P0125 or P0128.
- Is DTC P0125 or P0128 present?
  YES
  
  GO to C3 .
  
  No
  
  The cooling system is operational. If an inoperative engine coolant temperature gauge is suspected, CHECK the engine coolant temperature gauge operation. REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER & WARNING CHIMES -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article. If an inoperative climate control system is suspected, CHECK the climate control system operation. REFER to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION & DIAGNOSTICS -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ (HYBRID) article. If any other PCM DTCs are retrieved, REFER to ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS - FUSION HYBRID, MILAN HYBRID & MKZ HYBRID article.
C3 CHECK THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN OPERATION
- Allow the engine to cool.
- Make sure the A/C switch is OFF.
- Start the engine.
- Check the electric cooling fan.
- Is the electric cooling fan on all the time?
  YES
  
  DIAGNOSE the electric cooling fan operation. REFER to the INTRODUCTION -- FUSION HYBRID, MILAN HYBRID & MKZ HYBRID article.
  
  No
  
  GO to C4 .
C4 CHECK THE COOLANT LEVEL
- Visually check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle.
- Is the engine coolant level within specification?
  YES
  
  INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation.
  
  No
  
  GO to PINPOINT TEST A to diagnose a coolant leak.