Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Engine Cooling








Special Tool(s)

Inspection and Verification
1. Verify the customer concern.





2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
4. Inspect the coolant condition.
1. Inspect the coolant color.
^ If Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-2, or equivalent, meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D has a clear or light orange 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 ESE-M99B37-B5 except as noted in ES-F6SE-19A511-AA 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 Orange Specialty Coolant.
^ 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 either engine oil or transmission fluid is entering the cooling system. If transmission fluid is suspected the cause may be a leaky radiator. Pressure test the cooling system. If engine oil is suspected, the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine.
^ If transmission fluid is contaminated with engine coolant, the cause may be a leaky radiator. Pressure test the cooling system.
2. If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the Battery/Anti-Freeze 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 coolant concentration is 60/40
^ Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60
3. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary.
^ If coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only.
^ If the engine coolant tests 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 is not visually evident, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures