Cooling System Quick Connect Fittings - Leaks

Article No.
96-17-17

08/12/96

^ HEATER - LACK OF HEAT - COOLANT LOSS DUE TO HEATER HOSES NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED AT QUICK - CONNECT FITTINGS - VEHICLES WITH 5.8L ENGINE AND BUILT FROM 5/29/96 THROUGH 6/13/96

^ COOLING SYSTEM - COOLANT LOSS DUE TO HEATER HOSES NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED AT QUICK - CONNECT FITTINGS - VEHICLES WITH 5.8L ENGINE AND BUILT FROM 5/29/96 THROUGH 6/13/96

^ COOLING SYSTEM - HEATER HOSES NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED AT QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS - VEHICLES WITH 5.8L ENGINE AND BUILT FROM 5/29/96 THROUGH 6/13/96

^ COOLING SYSTEM - OVERHEAT - COOLANT LOSS DUE TO HEATER HOSES NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED AT QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS - VEHICLES WITH 5.8L ENGINE AND BUILT FROM 5/29/96 THROUGH 6/13/96

LIGHT TRUCK:
1996 ECONOLINE

ISSUE:
No heat, overheat, or coolant loss may occur on some vehicles. This may be due to heater hoses not properly connected at their quick-connect fittings.

ACTION:
Reattach the heater hose quick-connect fittings properly. Be sure to check the hose fittings when doing any cooling system service. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION:
CHECK FOR PROPER CONNECTION ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. ALSO, HEATER HOSE BLOW-OFFS (DISCONNECTS) CAN OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WARM AND THE COOLING SYSTEM IS PRESSURIZED CAUSING HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT TO BE EXPELLED FROM THE VEHICLE.

1. Have the vehicle in a location which will not be damaged by coolant spilling.

2. Open the hood.

3. If the heater hose(s) is disconnected, go to Step 4. If connected, grasp the heater hose end of the heater hose-to-cowl tube connection and pull with moderate force. The connection should not come off, but may have a little play in it.

4. If the hose is off or comes off the cowl tube while pulling on it, try reinstalling the hose. It may lock (click noise will be heard) in place with additional force.

5. If the hose does not lock in place, pull the end of the hose up so the connection is pointing skyward and carefully pry the white locking barbs upward and inward. A large bladed screwdriver works well for this.

6. Reinstall the hose end on the cowl tube.

7. If the hose is still not locking in place, make sure that the white ears have fully expanded in the black housing. The ears can be popped out with a small bladed screwdriver. This is a difficult procedure for the inboard hose connection, but is helped by rotating the hose on the cowl tube so that you can see each locking ear

8. Once the connection is locked in place, it will not come apart. Top off the coolant level as required. Close hood.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

961717A Reconnect Heater Hoses 0.4 Hr.
As Outlined (Includes
Refilling Coolant)

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
18472 36

OASIS CODES: 208000, 208300, 208999, 402000