Engine Cooling

Special Tool(s)

	3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit 328-2050-62291 or equivalent
	Coolant/Battery Refractometer 300-ROB75240 or equivalent
	D-Gas Adapter 300-OTC-014-R1068
	Radiator Tester STN12270 or equivalent
	UView® Combustion Leak Tester UVU560000-R or equivalent
	Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware or equivalent scan tool

Principles of Operation

Engine coolant flows primarily from the engine to the radiator circuit and back to the coolant pump. Coolant is sent from the coolant pump through the engine block and cylinder heads. A separate circuit from the engine also feeds the heater core with coolant. The coolant pump is operated by engine rotation through the accessory drive belt pulley. The coolant thermostat is a control valve actuated by coolant temperature. When the thermostat is closed, coolant flow bypasses the radiator circuit and returns to the coolant pump. When the thermostat is opened, coolant flows through the radiator circuit to transfer engine-generated heat to the outside air.

The degas bottle removes air from the cooling system, allows for coolant expansion and system pressurization, replenishes coolant to the cooling system and serves as the location for service fill.

The cooling fan draws air through the radiator to help cool the system coolant as it passes through the radiator.

The thermostat monitor is a function of the PCM and is designed to verify correct thermostat operation. The monitor executes once per drive cycle and has a monitor run duration of 300-800 seconds. If a malfunction occurs, DTC P0125 or P0128 is set and the MIL is illuminated.

For engine specific information, refer to Engine Cooling .

Inspection and Verification

 WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: The engine cooling system is filled with Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTICE: Always fill the cooling system with the manufacturer's specified coolant. Chemically flush the cooling system if a non-specified coolant has been used. Refer to Cooling System Flushing . Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTE: During normal vehicle operation, Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant may change color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.

NOTE: Vehicles have the pressure relief cap on the degas bottle and no radiator cap.

1. Verify the customer concern.

2. Visually check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle when the engine is cold.

3. Make sure the pressure relief cap is installed correctly.

4. Record any cooling system DTCs retrieved. Refer to the PCM DTC Chart in this section for DTC descriptions.

5. NOTE: Take note of any coolant odor or steam coming from cooling system components.

   If the engine coolant is filled correctly and no DTCs associated with fail-safe cooling are retrieved, verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.

6. NOTE: For the coolant flow diagram, refer to Engine Cooling .

   Visually inspect for obvious signs of any mechanical or electrical damage.

  Visual Inspection Chart

7. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.

8. Inspect the coolant condition.
   1. Inspect the coolant color.
      • Discoloration may indicate that incorrect coolant may have been added to the system. Use of incorrect (green or yellow in color) coolant degrades the corrosion protection of Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Addition of Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant may cause the color to appear to be a murky green-brown color. The addition of Motorcraft® Premium Gold Coolant, however, may not change the color or appearance of the orange colored coolant. Detection of contamination with Premium Gold Engine Coolant is determined by the presence of nitrite. If contamination with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant is suspected, test the coolant with the 3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit. Follow the nitrite testing directions in the kit to determine if nitrite is present in the system. If nitrite is present, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to Cooling System Flushing .
      • A darker orange with the presence of debris could indicate a commercially available stop leak may have been used and could result in loss of coolant flow to critical parts of the engine. If sediment is present in the coolant sample, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to Cooling System Flushing .
      • 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 distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to Cooling System Flushing .
      • An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. For engine diagnosis, refer to Section 303-00 . Flush the cooling system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to Cooling System Flushing .
      • A milky brown color may indicate that engine oil is entering the cooling system. Pressure test the cooling system. Refer to the Component Tests in this section. If engine oil is suspected, the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine. For engine diagnosis, refer to Section 303-00 . Flush the cooling system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to Cooling System Flushing .
   2. If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the Coolant/Battery Refractometer. The coolant concentration should be maintained within 48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -34°C (-30°F) and -37°C (-34°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. Recommended coolant concentration is 48/52 to 50/50 (freeze protection -34°C (-30°F) and -37°C (-34°F)) engine coolant to distilled water.
      • Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
      • Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
   3. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary:
      • If coolant is low, add Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Prediluted.
      • If the engine coolant tests too weak, remove some of the engine coolant and add Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated until the readings are within acceptable levels.
      • If the engine coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add distilled water until the readings are within acceptable levels.

9. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause and test the system for normal operation before proceeding to the next step.

10. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

    If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).

11. NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove-out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM .

    If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM :
    • check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
    • check the scan tool connection to the VCM .
    • refer to Section 418-00 , No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool.

12. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
    • verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
    • verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
    • refer to Section 418-00 to diagnose no response from the PCM.

13. Carry out the network test.
    • If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Section 418-00 .
    • If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.

14. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics PCM.

15. If the DTCs recovered are related to the concern, go to the PCM DTC Chart. For all other PCM DTCs, refer to Section 303-14 .

16. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart .

DTC Chart

 PCM DTC Chart

Symptom Chart

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test A: Loss of Coolant

Normal Operation

The engine cooling system is a closed system providing for coolant expansion and contraction as well as changes in pressure as coolant warms and cools with engine operation. Various gaskets, seals, hoses and clamps contain coolant within the cooling system and keep other fluids and contaminants from entering the cooling system.

Coolant loss can be attributed to external or internal leaks anywhere within the cooling system.

For engine specific information, refer to Engine Cooling .

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
• Coolant hoses or tubes
• Hose clamps
• Thermostat O-ring seal
• 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)
• Oil filter adapter (5.8L engine) (may leak internally or externally)
• Oil cooler (5.8L engine) (may leak internally or externally)
• Degas bottle
• Cylinder block core plugs
• Cylinder head core plugs
• Block heater (if equipped)
• ECT sensor (5.8L engine)

PINPOINT TEST A: LOSS OF COOLANT

 WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Pinpoint Test B: The Engine Overheats

Normal Operation

The engine cooling system maintains the engine temperature during operation. Correct coolant flow through the engine, radiator and remainder of cooling system passages and components is essential to maintaining a correct engine temperature.

Engine coolant flows primarily from the engine to the radiator circuit and back to the coolant pump. Coolant is sent from the coolant pump through the engine block and cylinder heads. A separate circuit from the engine also feeds the heater core with coolant. The coolant pump, operated by engine rotation through the accessory drive belt pulley, circulates the coolant. The coolant thermostat is a control valve actuated by coolant temperature. When the thermostat is closed, coolant flow bypasses the radiator circuit and returns to the coolant pump. When the thermostat is opened, coolant flows through the radiator circuit to transfer engine-generated heat to the outside air.

Engine overheating generally occurs when there is a disruption in the ability to control either coolant flow at the correct rate, the inability to transfer heat from the engine through the coolant (including low coolant) or an inability to transfer engine-generated heat to the outside air through the radiator.

For engine specific information, refer to Engine Cooling .

• DTC P0217 Engine Coolant Overtemperature Condition
• DTC P1285 Cylinder Head Overtemperature Condition
• DTC P1299 Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
• Low coolant level
• External engine coolant leak
• Air lock in system
• Pressure relief cap installation
• Restricted airflow through the A/C condenser/radiator
• Internal engine coolant leak
• Coolant condition/concentration
• Accessory drive components
• Non-OEM engine enhancement components
• Electric cooling fan
• Engine temperature gauge
• ECT sensor (5.8L engine)
• CHT sensor
• Heater core
• Coolant pump
• Radiator
• Thermostat
• Coolant flow restriction

PINPOINT TEST B: THE ENGINE OVERHEATS

 WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Pinpoint Test C: The Engine Does Not Reach Normal Operating Temperature

Normal Operation

The engine cooling system maintains engine temperature during operation. Correct coolant flow through the engine, radiator and remainder of cooling system passages and components is essential to maintaining a correct engine temperature.

Engine coolant flows primarily from the engine to the radiator circuit and back to the coolant pump. Coolant is sent from the coolant pump through the engine block and cylinder heads. A separate circuit from the engine also feeds the heater core with coolant. The coolant pump, operated by engine rotation through the accessory drive belt pulley, circulates the coolant. The coolant thermostat is a control valve actuated by coolant temperature. When the thermostat is closed, coolant flow bypasses the radiator circuit and returns to the coolant pump. When the thermostat is opened, coolant flows through the radiator circuit to transfer engine generated heat to the outside air.

Concerns of engine inability to reach normal operating temperature typically occur when the rate of coolant flow through some coolant circuits (radiator, heater core) is more than expected given the conditions, or when the cooling fans operate all of the time. Heat is not allowed to build in the engine because a heat exchanger is removing too much heat, including the radiator, heater core and engine oil cooler (5.8L engine). In addition, perceived concerns that the engine does not reach normal operating temperature can be related to a low coolant level or trapped air which does not allow for hot coolant to be available at the heater core, an inoperative climate control system, or for concerns perceived or related to an incorrect engine temperature gauge indication.

For vehicle/engine specific information, refer to Engine Cooling .

• DTC P0125 Insufficient Coolant Temp for Closed Loop Fuel Control
• DTC P0128 Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temp Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
• Low coolant level
• Thermostat
• Engine temperature gauge
• Engine cooling fan always on
• ECT sensor (5.8L engine)
• CHT sensor

PINPOINT TEST C: THE ENGINE DOES NOT REACH NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE

 WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Component Tests

Cooling System Pressure Test

 WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Vehicles have the pressure relief cap on the degas bottle and no radiator cap.

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Check the engine coolant level. Adjust the coolant level as necessary.

3. Attach the Pressure Test Kit to the degas bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install a pressure test pump to the quick connect fitting of the test adapter.

4. NOTICE: Do not pressurize the cooling system beyond the maximum pressure listed in the specifications table in this section or cooling system components may be damaged.

   NOTE: If the plunger of the pressure tester is pressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading results.

   Slowly press the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained. If the pressure reading exceeds the maximum cap pressure listed in the specifications table, install a new pressure relief cap.

5. If the system does not hold pressure, remove the pressure relief cap and wash in clean water to dislodge all of the foreign material from the gasket. Check the sealing surface in the filler neck of the degas bottle for nicks or cuts. Install the pressure relief cap.

6. Pressurize the engine cooling system as described in Step 4. Observe the gauge reading for approximately 2 minutes. Pressure should not drop during this time. If the pressure drops , inspect for leaks and repair as necessary.

7. If no leaks are found and the pressure drops, the pressure relief cap may be leaking. Install a new pressure relief cap and retest the system.

8. If no leaks are found after a new pressure relief cap is installed, and the pressure drops, the leak may be internal to the engine. Inspect the coolant for engine oil and the engine oil for coolant. Refer to Section 303-00 to diagnose the engine.

9. Release the system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check the coolant level and adjust as necessary.

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

Thermostat Visual Inspection

1. Remove the thermostat.

2. Examine the thermostat for signs of damage including:
   • Valve not fully seated (light visible through the valve)
   • Foreign material lodged in the main valve
   • Bent or broken frame or flange
   • Bent or broken spring
   • Bent or broken valve or valve stem
   • Wax leaking from wax reservoir or a bulge in the reservoir
   • Any other damage or distortion

3. NOTICE: If no damage is found during the inspection, do not attempt to open the thermostat using hot water or other heat sources. This method is not an accurate way of testing the function of the thermostat and may damage the thermostat.

   If damage is found during the inspection, remove any foreign material or broken pieces and install a new thermostat.

Radiator Leak Test, Removed From Vehicle

NOTICE: Never leak test an aluminum radiator in the same water that copper/brass radiators are tested in. Flux and caustic cleaners may be present in the tank and they will damage aluminum radiators.

NOTE: Clean the radiator before leak testing to avoid contamination of tank.

Leak test the radiator in clean water with air pressurized to the maximum pressure listed in the Specifications table.