Visual Inspection Chart
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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- If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.
- Inspect the coolant condition.
- Inspect the coolant color.
- If Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant has a clear or pale color, this indicates higher water content than required. Test the engine coolant freezing point range with 300-ROB75240. Maintain the coolant concentration within 48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -34° C and -37° C (-30° F and -34° F). If the vehicle is driven in cold climates less than -36.7° C (-34° F), it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration to get adequate freeze protection. Recommended coolant concentration is 48/52 to 50/50 (freeze protection -34° C to -37°C [-30° F to -34°F]) engine coolant to distilled water.
- Discoloration of Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant may indicate that incorrect coolant may have been added to the system. Use of incorrect (green or yellow) coolant degrades the corrosion protection of Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Addition of Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant may cause the color to appear a murky green-brown color. The addition of Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant, however, may not change the color or appearance of the orange colored coolant. Detection of contamination with Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant is determined by the presence of nitrite. If contamination with Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant is suspected, test the coolant with 328-2050-62291. Follow the nitrite testing directions in the kit to determine if nitrite is present in the system. If nitrite is present, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- A darker color with the presence of debris could indicate a commercially available stop-leak may have been used and could result in loss of coolant flow to critical parts of the engine. If sediment is present in the coolant sample, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- 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 distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. For engine diagnosis, REFER to ENGINE , Symptom Chart: Engine Performance. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- A milky brown color may indicate that engine oil is entering the cooling system. Pressure test the cooling system. Refer to ENGINE COOLING . If engine oil is suspected, the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine. For engine diagnosis, REFER to ENGINE , Symptom Chart: Engine Performance. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with 300-ROB75240. Maintain the coolant concentration within 48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -34° C and -37°C (-30° F and -34° F). If the vehicle is driven in cold climates less than -36.7° C (-34° F), it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration to get adequate freeze protection. Recommended coolant concentration is 48% to 50% (freeze protection -34° C to -37° C [-30° F to -34° F]) engine coolant to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
- Adjust coolant range and level if necessary:
- If coolant is low, add Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze-Coolant Prediluted.
- If the engine coolant tests too weak, remove some of the engine coolant and add Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze-Coolant Concentrated until the readings are within acceptable levels.
- If the engine coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add distilled water until the readings are within acceptable levels.
- 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 Symptom Chart.