Engine Cooling: Other Ford Escape I

Thermostat

A new thermostat should be installed only after the following electrical and mechanical tests have been carried out.

Thermostat - Electrical Test

Note. The electrical thermostat test is most accurate if carried out indoors at less than 37.8°C (100°F) ambient air. This test may be carried out with or without the hood open and with the engine warm or cold.

1. Check the engine coolant level. Fill as needed.
2. With the ignition OFF, remove the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor harness connector and attach ECT Sensor "T" Cable as a jumper between the powertrain control module and the ECT Sensor. Attach the 73III Automotive Meter to the ECT Sensor "T" Cable. Voltage values (0-5 V) may now be monitored while the sensor retains its connection to the wiring harness. A scan tool may be used to monitor the ECT on vehicles equipped with data link connector (DLC).
3. Place the transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle throughout this test. Allow the engine to run for two minutes, then record the ECT voltage. Record the ECT voltage every 60 seconds. When the ECT voltage trend changes direction or only changes slightly (0.03 volt or less) from the previous reading, record this as the thermostat opening voltage. Use the voltage and corresponding coolant temperature chart listed below. See «ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE»(ref-204619-S32054790652005111200000) . ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE Coolant Temperature °C (°F) ECT (Volts) 22 (71) 3.00 43 (109) 2.01 71 (159) 1.01 82 (180) 0.75 91 (195) 0.059 97 (206) 0.050 105 (221) 0.040
5. If the thermostat opening voltage is greater than 0.75 volt and less than 82°C (180°F), install a new water thermostat.
6. If the thermostat opening voltage is less than 0.75 volt and greater than 82°C (180°F), the water thermostat is good and should not be replaced. GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(ref-204619-S38462139932005111200000) for further instructions.

Thermostat - Mechanical Test

1. Remove the thermostat.
2. Check the thermostat for seating. Hold the thermostat up to a lighted background. Leakage of light around the thermostat valve at room temperature indicates a new thermostat should be installed. Some thermostats have a small leakage notch at one location on the perimeter of the thermostat valve, which is considered normal.
3. Immerse the thermostat in a boiling antifreeze and water mixture.
4. See the General Specifications chart for thermostat opening temperatures. See «GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS CHART»(ref-204619-S37850332892005111200000) .

Filling and Bleeding with RADKITPLUS

1. Using the special tool, install the RADKITPLUS and follow the RADKITPLUS manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.

Filling and Bleeding without RADKITPLUS

To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system

1. Vehicle cooling systems 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.
2. Do not add/mix orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-2 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D. Mixing coolants can degrade the coolant's protection.
3. Do not add alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
4. Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
5. Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.

Note. The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.

1. Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the Gades bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
2. Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air at vents in instrument panel (04320).
3. Start the engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at vents.
4. Start engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose (8260) should feel hot to the touch.
5. Shut the engine off and allow to cool.
6. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
7. Check the engine coolant level in Gades bottle and fill as necessary.

Scheme 34