Cooling System Pressure
| Complete cooling system maximum pressure | 150 kPa (21.7 psi) |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief cap | 120 kPa (17.4 psi) to 150 kPa (21.7 psi) |
| Radiator pressure test (removed from the vehicle) | 138 kPa (20 psi) |
Thermostat Opening Temperatures
| Starts to open | 80°C-84°C (176°F-183.2°F) |
|---|---|
| Fully open | 97°C (206.6°F) |
Fail Safe Cooling
A strategy called Fail Safe Cooling is built into the PCM that will control the engine if it starts to overheat.
Fail Safe Cooling has two modes: A 'Closed Loop' mode that relies on CHT sensor and an 'Open Loop' mode that relies on ECT sensor. When the engine starts to overheat, the decision to go into closed loop or open loop mode is made based on sensor availability and sensor failures. Closed loop mode takes priority over open loop. The reason is that a good CHT sensor is able to reliably track engine block temperature at all times, while the ECT sensor will fail to do so when the engine coolant is dumped.
Closed Loop Mode
Stage 1 of the strategy commences if the engine starts to overheat. The CHT sensor transmits a signal to the PCM , which moves the temperature gauge pointer into the red zone.
If the engine is not switched off and the temperature continues to rise, the Powertrain Check Lamp is illuminated. This indicates to the driver that the engine is approaching critical limits and should be stopped. At this point DTC P1285 is set in the PCM which can be retrieved using a scan tool.
Stage 2 of the strategy commences if the lamp and temperature gauge are ignored by the driver. The PCM will start to control the engine by cutting out 2 cylinders and restricting load. The RPM will be limited below 3, 000 RPM initially then will slowly be ramped down with time to as low as 800 RPM. Simultaneously the MIL illuminates. This indicates that long term engine damage can occur and vehicle emissions will be affected. At this point DTC P1299 is set in the PCM which can be retrieved using a scan tool.
Air is drawn into the deactivated cylinders. This helps to control the temperature of the engine internal components. The deactivated cylinders are alternated to allow even cooling of all the cylinders.
Note. If the driver is using a high percentage of throttle travel (for example, an overtaking maneuver) when the PCM starts engine deactivation (Stage 2), the deactivation will be delayed for 10 seconds.
Note. After 2-cylinder operation has begun, the engine will not revert to 4-cylinder operation, even if the temperature should fall, until the ignition is switched off and then on again.
Note. The MIL can only be extinguished by using a scan tool after the fault has been rectified and the DTC cleared.
Stage 3 of the strategy will commence if the engine temperature continues to rise. This results in the engine being totally disabled before major engine damage or seizure occurs. The Powertrain Check Lamp will begin to flash, indicating to the driver that the engine will be switched off after 30 seconds. This allows the driver time to choose a suitable parking place.
Open Loop Mode
This mode is entered when the ECT sensor indicates a high engine temperature that is rising at a dangerously high rate, much faster than expected based on current engine running conditions. This mode can also be entered when all sensors used in Fail Safe Cooling determination are failed.
When this mode is activated, the PCM will restrict load, and restrict engine speed to below 3000 RPM, then start ramping engine speed down slowly to as low as 800 RPM and hold the speed there.
At the same time, the PCM will also move the temperature gauge pointer into the red zone and the P1285 code is set.
If the engine is not switched off after a short period of time, the engine will be totally disabled before major engine damage or seizure occurs, The Powertrain Check Lamp will begin the flash, indicating to the driver that the engine will be switched off. The P1299 Code is set.
If the driver decides to restart the vehicle, it will be restarted but with the P1299 still set the engine speed is limited to 800 RPM. This mode can only be reset by clearing the DTC using a diagnostic scan tool.
Possible Sources
- Coolant hoses or tubes
- Hose clamps
- Thermostat O-ring seal or gasket
- Coolant pump O-ring seal or gasket
- Thermostat housing
- Radiator
- Pressure relief cap
- Coolant pump leaking from weep hole
- Heater core
- Engine gaskets (may leak internally or externally)
- Degas bottle
- Transmission fluid heater coolant control valve
- Transmission fluid cooler coolant control valve
- Transmission fluid cooler - warmer (may leak internally or externally)
- Cylinder block core plugs
- Cylinder head core plugs
- Block heater (if equipped)
- Low coolant level
- External engine coolant leak
- Airlock in system
- Pressure relief cap installation
- Restricted airflow through A/C condenser/radiator
- Internal engine coolant leak
- Transmission fluid cooler
- Turbocharger
- Coolant condition/concentration
- Non-OEM engine enhancement components
- Electric cooling fan
- CHT sensor
- ECT sensor
- Radiator
- Thermostat
- Coolant pump
- Coolant flow restriction
| DTC | Description | Fault Trigger Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| P0217 | Engine Coolant Overtemperature Condition | Sets in the PCM when an engine overheat condition was sensed by the CHT sensor or the ECT sensor. |
| P1299 | Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active | Sets in the PCM when an engine overheat condition was sensed by the CHT sensor or the ECT sensor. A failure mode effects strategy called fail-safe cooling was activated to cool the engine. |
DTC FAULT TRIGGER CONDITION
- Low coolant level
- Thermostat
- Temperature gauge
- ECT
- CHT
| DTC | Description | Fault Trigger Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| P0125 | Insufficient Coolant Temp for Closed Loop Fuel Control | Sets in the PCM when the CHT sensor or the ECT sensor has not achieved the required temperature level to enter closed loop operating conditions within a specified amount of time after starting the engine. |
| P0128 | Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temp Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature) | Sets in the PCM when the thermostat monitor has not achieved the required engine operating temperature within a specified amount of time after starting the engine. |
DTC FAULT TRIGGER CONDITION
Thermostat
Install a new thermostat only after at least one of the following tests and checks have been carried out
- Pinpoint Test B or C
- Thermostat Visual Inspection
Filling
Filling and Bleeding with a Vacuum Cooling System Filler
Pinpoint Test C
- Filling and Bleeding without a Vacuum Cooling System Filler
Coolant Pump
| Name | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated (U.S.) VC-3-B (U.S.) | WSS-M97B44-D |
MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
Cooling Module
Special Tool(s)/General Equipment
Hose Clamp Remover/Installer
Cooling Fan Motor and Shroud
Special Tool(s)/General Equipment
Hose Clamp Remover/Installer
Degas Bottle
| Fluid Suction Gun |
|---|
| Hose Clamp(s) |
| Locking Pliers |
SPECIAL TOOL DESCRIPTION
Radiator
| Hose Clamp Remover/Installer |
|---|
| Knife |
SPECIAL TOOL DESCRIPTION
Thermostat Housing
Special Tool(s)/General Equipment
Hose Clamp Remover/Installer