Cooling System Bleeding
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.
- Fill cooling system at degas bottle with 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. Turn heater controls to maximum and set air discharge to instrument panel vents. Turn blower to high. Pause several minutes for circulation. Start engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at instrument panel vents. If air discharge remains cool and coolant temperature gauge does not move, coolant level is low. Stop engine and allow it to cool. Top off coolant as necessary.
- Start engine and allow it to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from instrument panel vents. Coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stable reading in middle of range. Upper radiator hose should feel hot to touch. Stop engine and allow it to cool. Check for coolant leaks. Top off coolant as necessary.