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Home › Ford › 2003 › ZX2 Standard › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 256 (Engine Cooling System) › Diagnosis And Testing › Engine Cooling › Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Windstar. 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 coolant 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 meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color). Others are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M99B37-5 (except as noted in ES-F65E-19A511-AA) darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
  1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
  2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
    Fig 1: Visual Inspection Chart
    G01308156Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
  4. Inspect the coolant condition.
    1. Inspect the coolant color:
      • If Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (green color) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A has a clear, light green or blue color, this indicates higher water content than required.
        • NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M99B37-5 (except as noted in ES-F65E-19A511-AA) darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
      • If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (yellow color) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 has a clear or pale yellow color, this indicates higher water content than required.
      • Dark brown could indicate unauthorized stop leak may have been used. Use Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M99B37-B5 (except as noted in ES-F6SE-19A511-AA) only.
      • A light or reddish brown color indicates that rust may be present in the cooling system. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of water and Premium Engine Coolant or Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Refer to ENGINE AND RADIATOR FLUSHING .
      • An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. For additional information on engine diagnosis, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
      • A milky brown color may indicate that either engine oil or transmission fluid is entering the cooling system. If transmission fluid is suspected the cause may be a leaky radiator, pressure test the cooling system. For additional information, refer to COMPONENT TESTS . If engine oil is suspected, the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine. For additional information on engine diagnosis, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
      • If transmission fluid is contaminated with engine coolant the cause may be a leaky radiator, pressure test the system. For additional information, refer to the COMPONENT TESTS .
    2. If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the Battery/Anti-Freeze Tester. The freezing point should be in the range -50°F to -10°F. If the vehicle is driven in cold climates less than -34°F, it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration to get adequate freeze protection.
      • Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40.
      • Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60.
    3. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary:
      • If coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only.
      • If the engine coolant tests too weak, add straight engine coolant until the readings are within acceptable levels.
      • If the engine coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add water until the readings are within acceptable levels.
  5. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). Go to SYMPTOM CHART .
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