Inspection and Verification
| WARNING | Never remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine and/or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, use extreme care when removing the pressure relief cap from a hot degas bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly one turn (counterclockwise). Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth). |
| CAUTION | Check the coolant level and engine oil, top off the coolant if needed. If there is engine coolant in the engine oil, the cause must be corrected and oil changed or major component damage can occur. |
| CAUTION | Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in California and Oregon VC-7-B, in Canada VC-7-C) or equivalent (yellow color). Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types. |
Note. The degas bottle has 2 reservoirs and 2 pressure relief caps. The front (larger) reservoir and pressure relief cap is part of the engine cooling system. The rear (smaller) reservoir and pressure relief cap is part of the motor electronics cooling system. The 2 reservoirs are separate and both cooling systems are independent of each other.
- Verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
- Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply. VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical Leaks Restricted airflow through the condenser/radiator Damaged hoses Loose/damaged hose clamps Damaged coolant gasket Damaged head gaskets Damaged intake manifold gasket Damaged coolant pump Damaged radiator Damaged degas bottle Damaged heater core Damaged engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor Damaged wiring Damaged or obstructed electric cooling fan/shroud
- If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
- Inspect the coolant condition: Inspect the coolant color. If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in California and Oregon, VC-7-B, in Canada, VC-7-C) or equivalent (yellow color) 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 WSS-M99B37-B6 except as noted in ES-F6SE-19A511-AA. 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 Gold Engine Coolant. An iridescent sheen on the surface 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»(ref-232214) . A milky brown color may indicate that engine oil is entering the cooling system. If 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»(ref-232214) . A milky brown color in the engine oil may indicate that coolant is entering the oil. If coolant 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»(ref-232214) . If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the Battery/Antifreeze tester. The freezing point should be in the range -45°C (-50°F) to 23°C (-10°F). If the vehicle is driven in cold climates less than -37°C (-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. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary: If the coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only. If the coolant tests weak, add straight engine coolant until the readings are within acceptable levels. If the coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add water until the readings are within acceptable levels.
- If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(ref-232208-S22228994682006051600000) .
- Verify the cooling system is correctly filled and bled. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-232208-S29468430532006051600000) .
Symptom Chart
| Condition | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of engine coolant | Radiator. Thermostat housing assembly. Coolant control valve. Transmission oil cooler. Coolant pump seal. Radiator hoses. Heater hoses. Heater core. Engine gaskets. Degas bottle. | GO to PINPOINT TEST A . |
| The engine overheats | Thermostat. Airlock in the system. Coolant pump. Internal engine coolant leak. Radiator. Radiator airflow obstruction. Cooling fan(s). Cooling fan wiring. Pressure relief cap. | GO to PINPOINT TEST B . |
| The engine does not reach normal operating temperature | Thermostat. | GO to PINPOINT TEST C . |
| The block heater does not operate correctly | Block heater power cable. | DISCONNECT the power cable from the heater. |
| Block heater. | CHECK the resistance in all 3 power cable circuits. If the resistance is greater than 5 ohms in any circuit, INSTALL a new power cable. If the resistance is less than 5 ohms in all three circuits, INSTALL a new block heater. | |
| Noisy cooling fan operation | Foreign particle contamination. | NOTE: Make sure key is in the OFF position and the cooling fan has stopped rotating before servicing. REMOVE the contaminants from the cooling fan and shroud. CHECK for normal operation. |
| The electric cooling fan(s) is inoperative/does not operate correctly | Circuitry. Cooling fan motor. Relay. | GO to PINPOINT TEST D . |
| NOTE |
|---|
| Make sure key is in the OFF position and the cooling fan has stopped rotating before servicing. REMOVE the contaminants from the cooling fan and shroud. CHECK for normal operation. |
SYMPTOM CHART
PINPOINT TEST A: LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT
- A1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level. Key in OFF position. Visually check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle (front reservoir). Is the engine coolant level within specification? Yes : GO to A2. No : FILL the engine coolant as necessary. GO to A6 .
- A2 CHECK THE DEGAS BOTTLE ENGINE COOLANT PRESSURE RELIEF CAP 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. Inspect the engine coolant pressure relief cap for foreign material between the sealing gasket and the diaphragm. Is the pressure relief cap OK? Yes : GO to A5 . No : CLEAN or INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation. GO to A3.
- A3 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR AN INTERNAL LEAK 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. Key in OFF position. Inspect the engine coolant in the degas bottle (front reservoir) for signs of engine oil. Is oil evident in the coolant? Yes : If engine oil is evident, REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-232214) . No : GO to A5 .
- A4 CHECK THE ENGINE OIL FOR COOLANT Remove the oil level indicator from the engine. Is coolant evident in the oil? Yes : If coolant is in the engine, REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-232214) . No : GO to A5.
- A5 PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM Pressure test the engine cooling system. Refer to the «COMPONENT TESTS»(ref-232208-S00639331362006051600000) . Does the engine cooling system leak? Yes : REPAIR or INSTALL new components. TEST the system for normal operation. No : The cooling system is operational. GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(ref-232208-S22228994682006051600000) .
- A6 CHECK THE DEGAS BOTTLE 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. NOTE: The engine must be cool when coolant is added to the degas bottle. Add engine coolant to the degas bottle (front reservoir) until fluid is between the coolant fill level marks. Does the degas bottle leak? Yes : INSTALL a new degas bottle. TEST the system for normal operation. No : CARRY OUT the cooling system pressure test. REFER to the «COMPONENT TESTS»(ref-232208-S00639331362006051600000) . REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
PINPOINT TEST B: THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
- B1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine and/or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, use extreme care when removing the pressure relief cap from a hot degas bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly one turn (counterclockwise). Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth). Key in OFF position. Check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle (front reservoir). Is the engine coolant OK? Yes : GO to B2. No : FILL the engine coolant at the degas bottle (front reservoir). GO to «PINPOINT TEST A»(ref-232208-S09585616192006051600000) .
- B2 CHECK THE COOLANT CONDITION Check the coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. Is the coolant condition OK? Yes : GO to B3. No : FLUSH the engine cooling system. REFER to «ENGINE AND RADIATOR FLUSHING»(ref-232208-S09061398382006051600000) . TEST the system for normal operation.
- B3 CHECK FOR AN AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION Inspect the A/C condenser core and radiator for obstructions such as leaves or dirt. Is there an obstruction? Yes : REMOVE the obstruction. CLEAN the A/C condenser core and radiator. TEST the system for normal operation. No : GO to B4.
- B4 CHECK THE THERMOSTAT OPERATION Key in START position. Start the engine and allow the engine to run for 10 minutes. Key in OFF position. Feel the upper and lower radiator hoses. Are the upper and lower radiator hoses cold? Yes : INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation. No : GO to B5.
- B5 CHECK THE COOLING FAN OPERATION Carry out the cooling fan diagnostic tests. Refer to «INTRODUCTION- HYBRID ESCAPE»(ref-235202) article to diagnose the cooling fan system. Is the cooling fan operation OK? Yes : GO to B6. No : GO to «PINPOINT TEST D»(ref-232208-S11040970382006051600000) .
- B6 CHECK COOLANT PUMP OPERATION Visually inspect coolant pump for rotation and damage. Is coolant pump OK? Yes : REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-232214) for diagnosis and testing of the engine. No : INSTALL a new coolant pump.
PINPOINT TEST C: THE ENGINE DOES NOT REACH NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE
- C1 CHECK THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE Key in START position. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle for 10 minutes. Key in OFF position. Feel the upper and lower radiator hoses. Are the upper and lower radiator hoses cold? Yes : INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation. No : REFER to «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND PANEL ILLUMINATION»(ref-232265) for diagnosis and testing of the engine coolant temperature gauge.
Pinpoint Test D: The Electric Cooling Fan(s) Is Inoperative/Does Not Operate Correctly
Refer to COOLING FAN for schematic and connector information.
Note. Before carrying out the following test, diagnose any PCM DTCs.
Scheme 38
Scheme 39
Scheme 40
Scheme 41
- D1 CHECK OPERATION OF THE ELECTRIC COOLING FANS IN OFF, LOW, MEDIUM AND HIGH Key in ON position. Connect the diagnostic tool. Using the diagnostic tool, command the cooling fans ON in low, medium and high speeds and then OFF. Does the LH only cooling fan work in low, do both cooling fans work in medium and high and do both fans turn OFF when commanded? Yes : The cooling fans are operating correctly. No : If one fan is always inoperative, GO to D2. If the RH fan is inoperative in medium or high speed only, GO to D5 . If the LH fan is always on, CARRY OUT the relay component test on the low speed relay. If the relay tests OK, REPAIR circuit 538 (GY/RD) for a short to voltage. TEST the system for normal operation. If the RH fan is always on, GO to D7 .
- D2 CHECK CIRCUIT 57 (BK) FOR AN OPEN Key in OFF position. Disconnect: LH Cooling Fan Motor C1074 or RH Cooling Fan Motor C1077. Measure the resistance between LH cooling fan motor C1074-3 or RH cooling fan motor C1077-3, circuit 57 (BK) and ground. Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes : GO to D3. No : REPAIR circuit 57 (BK) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation.
- D3 CHECK CIRCUIT 1822 (LB) FOR VOLTAGE Key in ON position. Measure the voltage between LH cooling fan motor C1074-1, circuit 538 (GY/RD) or RH cooling fan motor C1077-1, circuit 229 (RD/OG) and ground. Is the voltage greater than 10 volts? Yes : INSTALL a new cooling fan motor. TEST the system for normal operation. No : GO to D4.
- D4 CHECK CIRCUIT 1822 (LB) OR 1823 (YE/BK) FOR VOLTAGE Key in OFF position. Disconnect: LH Low Speed Cooling Fan Relay/RH High Speed Cooling Fan Relay. Key in ON position. Measure the voltage between high speed cooling fan relay pin 30, circuit (LH) 1822 (LB)/(RH) 1823 (YE/BK) and ground. Is the voltage greater than 10 volts? Yes : (RH) REPAIR circuit 229 (RD/OG) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation. (LH) CARRY OUT the relay component test on the low speed cooling fan relay. If the relay tests OK, REPAIR circuit 538 (GY/RD) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation. No : REPAIR circuit 1822 (LB) or 1823 (YE/BK) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation.
- D5 CHECK CIRCUIT 1823 (YE/BK) FOR VOLTAGE Key in OFF position. Disconnect: Medium Speed Cooling Fan Relay or High Speed Cooling Fan Relay. Key in ON position. Measure the voltage between high speed cooling fan relay pin 30, circuit 1823 (YE/BK) and ground. Is the voltage greater than 10 volts? Yes : (High) CARRY OUT the relay component test on the high speed cooling fan relay. If the relay tests OK, REPAIR circuit 229 (RD/OG) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation. (Medium) CARRY OUT the relay component test on the medium speed cooling fan relay. If the relay tests OK, GO to D6. No : REPAIR circuit 1822 (LB) or 1823 (YE/BK) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation.
- D6 CHECK CIRCUIT 3829 (LB/BK) FOR AN OPEN Key in OFF position. Disconnect: RH Cooling Fan Resistor. Measure the resistance between medium speed cooling fan relay pin 87, circuit 3829 (LB/BK) and RH cooling fan resistor, circuit 3829 (LB/BK). Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes : CARRY OUT the relay component test on the RH cooling fan resistor. If the resistor tests OK, REPAIR circuit 229 (RD/OG) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation. No : REPAIR circuit 3829 (LB/BK) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation.
- D7 CHECK CIRCUIT 229 (RD/OG) FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE Key in OFF position. Disconnect: RH Cooling Fan Resistor. Disconnect: High Speed Cooling Fan Relay. Disconnect: RH Cooling Fan Motor C1077. Key in ON position. Measure the voltage between RH cooling fan motor C1077-1, circuit 229 (RD/OG) and ground. Is voltage present? Yes : REPAIR circuit 229 (RD/OG) for a short to voltage. TEST the system for normal operation. No : CARRY OUT the relay component test on the medium and high speed cooling fan relays. If the relay tests OK, REPAIR circuit 3829 (LB/BK) for a short to voltage. TEST the system for normal operation.
Scheme 42
Pressure Test
- Turn the engine OFF.
- Remove the cowl vent screen. Refer to «BODY SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-232266) .
- Check the engine coolant level. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-232208-S29468430532006051600000) .
- Connect the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to the degas bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install a pressure test pump to the quick connect fitting of the test adapter.
- Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
- If the pressure relief cap does not hold pressure, remove and wash the pressure relief cap in clean water to dislodge all foreign particles from the gaskets. Check the sealing surface in the filler neck.
- If 120 kPa (17.4 psi) cannot be reached, carry out the pressure relief cap component test. If more than 150 kPa (21.7 psi) shows on the gauge, install a new pressure relief cap.
- Pressurize the engine cooling system as described in Step 4 (using a pressure relief cap that operates within the specified upper and lower pressure limits). Observe the gauge reading for approximately 2 minutes. Refer to «GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-232208-S09920949892006051600000) . Pressure should not drop during this time.
- Release the system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check the engine coolant level and replenish, if necessary, with the correct engine coolant mixture. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-232208-S29468430532006051600000) .
Radiator Leak Test, Removed From the Vehicle
| CAUTION | Never leak test an aluminum radiator in the same water that copper/brass radiators are tested in. Flux and caustic cleaners can be present in the cleaning tank and they will damage aluminum radiators. |
Note. Always install plugs in the oil cooler fittings before leak testing or cleaning any radiator.
Note. Clean the radiator before leak testing to avoid contamination of the tank.
- Leak test the radiator in clean water with 138 kPa (20 psi) air pressure.