Inspection and Verification
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
CAUTION:
Check the coolant level, engine oil and transmission fluid. Top off the coolant if needed. If there is engine coolant in the engine oil or transmission fluid, the cause must be corrected and oil/fluid changed or major component damage can occur.
CAUTION:
Some vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color). Others are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE:
The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
- Verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
- Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply. See VISUAL INSPECTION CHART .VISUAL INSPECTION CHART
Mechanical Electrical - Leaks
- Restricted airflow through the condenser/radiator
- Damaged hoses
- Loose/damaged hose clamps
- Damaged water gasket
- Damaged head gaskets
- Damaged intake manifold gasket
- Damaged coolant pump
- Damaged radiator
- Damaged Gades bottle
- Damaged heater core
- Damaged cylinder head temperature sensor
- Damaged wiring
- Electric cooling fans
- If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
- Inspect the coolant condition. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION .
- Verify the cooling system is correctly filled and bled. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
- If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). GO to SYMPTOM CHART .