Cooling System: Description and Operation
Engine Cooling
Component Location
Radiator
The radiator:
^ is a crossflow-type with an aluminum core and two glass-filled nylon end tanks.
^ is equipped with automatic transmission fluid cooler which is an integral part of the RH end tank.
With the introduction of a new radiator braze process:
^ there is no approved service method for repairing radiator core leaks.
^ due to the type of flux used during brazing, the two component epoxy materials previously used will not adhere to the aluminum radiator core.
^ if the radiator core leaks, a new radiator must be installed.
Do not use caustic cleaning solutions or copper/brass radiator cleaning agents on aluminum radiators. Internal cleaning of the aluminum tubes can be accomplished with sonic cleaning equipment. Rinse the core with clean water when completed. Do not use a metal brush to clean an aluminum core. Use only horsehair, bristle or nylon brushes.
Coolant Recovery System
The coolant recovery system:
^ aids in maintaining the correct amount of coolant in the radiator.
^ has a low coolant level warning sensor, located in the radiator coolant recovery reservoir which alerts the driver of a low coolant condition by illuminating a CHECK COOLANT indicator in the instrument cluster.
Engine Cooling Fan Motor
WARNING: Keep hands and other objects clear of the engine cooling fan motor. The engine cooling fan motor is mounted behind the radiator and can operate any time the ignition is switched on. Be sure the ignition is off when working in the engine cooling fan motor area.
The engine cooling fan motor is controlled during vehicle operation by the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. The engine cooling fan motor operates under the following conditions:
^ when the engine coolant temperature reaches 105°C (221°F).
^ when the A/C is turned on.
Fan Blade
WARNING: Do not attempt to straighten or repair a fan blade. Install a new fan shroud assembly if hub or blades are damaged.
Damage to the vehicle or personal injury may result.
Thermostat and Housing
The water thermostat:
^ ensures rapid engine warm-up by restricting coolant flow at lower operating temperatures.
^ also assists in keeping the engine operating temperature within predetermined limits.
Water Pump
The water pump:
^ is a conventional design.
^ is driven by the accessory drive belt.
Coolant
CAUTION: Some vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-S, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color). Others are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A ( in Oregon VC-7-B) meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan. Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level in the degas bottle.
When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and clean, drinkable water.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
^ Add Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (CXC-10 in Canada, VC-5 in Oregon) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A or Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (VC-7-B in Oregon) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A. Do not mix coolant types.
^ Do not add or mix orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-2 or equivalent, meeting specification WSS-M97B44-D. Mixing coolant may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
^ Do not add alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
^ Do not mix with recycled coolant unless it meets the requirements for Ford specifications ESE-M97B44-A or WSS-M97B51-A1. Not all coolant recycling processes meet these Ford specifications; use of such a coolant may harm the engine and cooling system components.