Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
Inspection and VerificationWARNING: 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, add coolant if needed. If there is engine coolant in the engine oil, the cause must be corrected and the oil changed or major component damage can occur. Some vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color). Others 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). Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) has a clear or pale yellow color this indicates a higher water content than required
1. Verify the customer s concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition
Visual Inspection Chart
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply
3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
4. Inspect the coolant condition.
a. Inspect the coolant color:
^ If Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A has a clear, light green or blue color, this indicates a higher water content than required.
^ If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) has a clear or pale yellow color, this indicates a higher water content than required.
^ Dark brown could indicate unauthorized stop leak may have been used. Use cooling system stop leak pellets meeting Ford specification 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 Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant or Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant.
^ The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
^ An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system.
^ A milky brown color may indicate that engine oil is entering the cooling system. If engine oil is suspected, the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine.
b. 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 -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 concentration is 60/40%.
^ Minimum concentration is 40/60%.
c. Adjust coolant concentration 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) and go to GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures