Inspection and Verification
Powertrain Secondary Cooling System
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 secondary cooling system is filled with Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant.
NOTICE: Always fill the cooling system with the manufacturer's specified coolant. If a non-specified coolant has been used the cooling system must be chemically flushed. Refer to Cooling System Flushing - Without Fuel or Transmission Fluid Contamination . Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.
NOTE: During normal vehicle operation, Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine 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.
1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually check the coolant level at the degas bottle when the system 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 for DTC descriptions. Powertrain Secondary Cooling System
5. NOTE: Take note of any coolant odor or steam coming from cooling system components.
If the system coolant is filled correctly and no DTCs associated with secondary cooling are retrieved, verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
6. NOTE: Refer to the coolant flow diagram in the Description and Operation, Powertrain Secondary Cooling System Powertrain Secondary Cooling System.
Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
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. Evaluate the coolant. Refer to Coolant Test .
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 (Data Link Connector) are provided to the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module).
If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module) :
- check the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module) connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module).
- refer to - 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 Information Bus 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 Information Bus.
- If the network test passes, retrieve and record Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs).
14. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.
15. If the DTCs recovered are related to the concern, go to the PCM DTC Chart. For all other PCM DTCs, refer to Computers and Control Systems. Powertrain Secondary Cooling System
16. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart. Powertrain Secondary Cooling System