Pinpoint Test B: Insufficient, Erratic, Or No Heat
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- B1 CHECK FOR CORRECT ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
- Key in OFF position.
- Check the engine coolant level when the engine is hot and cold.
- Is the engine coolant at the correct level (hot/cold) in the radiator coolant recovery reservoir?
Yes: GO to B2.
No: GO to B3.
- B2 CHECK FOR HOT WATER TO THE HEATER CORE INLET HOSE WARNING: The heater core hoses will become too hot to handle and may cause serious burns if the system is working correctly.
- Key in ON position.
- With the engine running, allow the engine to reach a normal operating temperature.
- Feel the heater core inlet hose.
- Is the heater core inlet hose too hot to handle?
Yes: GO to B4.
No: REFER to ENGINE COOLING .
- B3 CHECK THE COOLANT SYSTEM INCLUDING THE RADIATOR CAP FOR LEAKS
- Fill the engine cooling system to the specified level.
- Pressure check the engine cooling system; refer to ENGINE COOLING . It is not necessary to check components separately at this time.
- Does the engine cooling system, including the radiator cap, hold pressure?
Yes: GO to B4.
No: PRESSURE TEST the heater core. REFER to the COMPONENT TESTS . REPAIR as necessary.
- B4 CHECK THE HEATER CORE OUTLET HOSE FOR HOT WATER
- Key in ON position.
- With the engine running, allow the engine to reach a normal operating temperature.
- Feel the heater core outlet hose.
- Is the heater core outlet hose warm or hot?
Yes: GO to PINPOINT TEST E .
No: TEST the heater core for a plugged or partially plugged condition. REFER to the COMPONENT TESTS .