Pinpoint Test C: The Engine Does Not Reach Normal Operating Temperature
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Lincoln MKT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
- C1 CARRY OUT INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION
- Carry out the Inspection and Verification procedure.
- Were any concerns found?
- Yes : REPAIR as needed. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to C2.
- C2 CHECK FOR DTC P0125 or P0128
- Check for DTC P0125 or P0128.
- Is DTC P0125 or P0128 present?
- Yes : GO to C3.
- No : The cooling system is operational. If an inoperative engine coolant temperature gauge is suspected, CHECK the engine coolant temperature gauge operation. REFER to INFORMATION CENTER - INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES article. If an inoperative climate control system is suspected, CHECK the climate control system operation. REFER to HVAC - CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS article. If any other PCM DTCs are retrieved, REFER to ENGINE CONTROLS - ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS article.
- C3 CHECK THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN OPERATION
- Allow the engine to cool.
- Make sure the A/C switch is OFF (if equipped).
- Start the engine.
- Check the electric cooling fan.
- Is the electric cooling fan on all the time?
- Yes : DIAGNOSE the electric cooling fan operation. REFER to the INTRODUCTION - GASOLINE MODELS article.
- No : GO to C4.
- C4 CHECK THE COOLANT LEVEL
- Visually check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle.
- Is the engine coolant level within specification?
NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the coolant level.- Yes : INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to PINPOINT TEST A to diagnose a coolant leak.