Component Tests and General Diagnostics
WARNING:SCALDING HOT COOLANT, WATER OR STEAM
NEVER remove the radiator cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury and/or damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the radiator, use extreme care when removing the radiator cap from a hot radiator. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap and turn it slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are certain all the pressure has been released, press down on the radiator cap (with a cloth), turn, and remove.
COOLING FAN OPERATION HAZARD
To avoid the possibility of personal injury or damage to the vehicle, do not operate the engine with the hood open until the fan has first been examined for possible cracks and separation.
UNEXPECTED COOLING FAN OPERATION
The electric cooling fan will operate whenever the key is ON and the coolant is hot (above 102°C [216 °F]), even though the engine may not be RUNNING. Avoid placing hands, clothing, tools, or other objects in the fan blades at any time. The fan blade will also operate if the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is disconnected.
CAUTION
Corrosion Damage/Cooling System Requirements
This engine has aluminum components and requires a special corrosion inhibiting coolant to avoid cooling system damage.
PROCEDURES
1. Turn engine OFF.
2. Check engine coolant level.
3. Connect Rotunda cooling system pressure-tester to degas bottle nipple and de-aeration hose. Install pressure test pump to the quick-connect fitting of the test adapter.
NOTE: If the plunger of the pump is depressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading will result.
4. Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
5. 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.
6. If 89 kPa (13 psi) cannot be reached, replace pressure relief cap. If more than 124 kPa (18 psi) shows on gauge replace pressure relief cap.
7. Pressurize the engine cooling system as in Step 4 (using a pressure relief cap that operates within the specified upper and lower pressure limits). Observe the gauge reading for approximately two minutes. Refer to Specifications. Pressure should not drop during this time.
^ If the system holds pressure, proceed to Step 8.
^ If the pressure drops, check for leaks at the engine to heater core hoses, engine-to-radiator hoses, water valve hose (if applicable), water hose connection gasket, radiator and heater core or other system components and connections. Also refer to Service Procedures, if a leak cannot be located in cooling system. Any leaks which are found must be corrected and system rechecked.
8. Release system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check engine coolant level and replenish, if necessary, with the correct engine coolant mixture.