Cooling System Pinpoint Test 1: Loss Of Coolant

LOSS OF COOLANT - PINPOINT TEST REFERENCE

PINPOINT TEST 1		LOSS OF COOLANT
STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or 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 personal injury. NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level. Key OFF. Visually check the engine coolant level at the coolant recovery reservoir. Is the engine coolant level within specification?	Yes	Go to next step.
1		No	Refill the engine coolant as necessary. See ENGINE COOLANT REPLACEMENT 2.3L--> for 2.3L engine. See ENGINE COOLANT REPLACEMENT 3.0L--> for 3.0L engine. See ENGINE COOLANT REPLACEMENT 4.0L--> for 4.0L engine. Go to step 5.
2	CHECK THE RADIATOR CAP WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or 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 personal injury. Perform the Radiator Cap Test. See RADIATOR CAP INSPECTION 2.3L--> for 2.3L engine. See RADIATOR CAP INSPECTION 3.0L--> for 3.0L engine. See RADIATOR CAP INSPECTION 4.0L--> for 4.0L engine. Is radiator cap OK?	Yes	Go to next step.
2		No	Replace the damaged radiator cap. Test the system for normal operation.
3	CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR INTERNAL LEAK Key OFF. Inspect the engine coolant in the radiator coolant recovery reservoir for signs of transmission fluid or engine oil. Is engine oil or transmission fluid evident in coolant?	Yes	If engine oil is evident: See COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION 2.3L--> for 2.3L engine. See COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION 3.0L--> for 3.0L engine. See COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION 4.0L--> for 4.0L engine. If transmission fluid is evident, repair or replace the radiator as necessary. See RADIATOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION 2.3L--> for 2.3L engine. See RADIATOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION 3.0L--> for 3.0L engine. See RADIATOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION 4.0L--> for 4.0L engine.
3		No	Go to next step.
4	CHECK THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION FOR COOLANT Remove the oil level dipsticks from the engine and the transmission. Is coolant evident in oil or transmission fluid?	Yes	If coolant is in engine: See COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION 2.3L--> for 2.3L engine. See COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION 3.0L--> for 3.0L engine. See COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION 4.0L--> for 4.0L engine. If transmission fluid is evident, repair or replace the radiator as necessary. See RADIATOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION 2.3L--> for 2.3L engine. See RADIATOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION 3.0L--> for 3.0L engine. See RADIATOR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION 4.0L--> for 4.0L engine. See AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLER TUBES REMOVAL / INSTALLATION .
4		No	Go to next step.
5	PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM Pressure test the engine cooling system. See RADIATOR PRESSURE TEST INSPECTION 2.3L--> for 2.3L engine. See RADIATOR PRESSURE TEST INSPECTION 3.0L--> for 3.0L engine. See RADIATOR PRESSURE TEST INSPECTION 4.0L--> for 4.0L engine. Does the engine cooling system leak?	Yes	Repair or replace leaking components. Test the system for normal operation.
5		No	The cooling system is operational. See SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - ENGINE COOLING .