Pinpoint Test 1: Loss Of Coolant

PINPOINT TEST 1 - LOSS OF COOLANT

PINPOINT TEST 1	LOSS OF COOLANT
STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL NOTE: Allow the engine to cool before checking the engine coolant level. Key OFF. Visually check the engine coolant level at the coolant recovery reservoir. Is the engine coolant level within specification?	Yes	Go to step 2.
1		No	Refill the engine coolant as necessary. Refer to 2.5L 4-CYLINDER article in Engine . Refer to 3.0L V6 article in Engine . Refer to 4.0L V6 article in Engine Go to step 6.
2	CHECK THE RADIATOR CAP Perform the Radiator Cap Test. Is radiator cap OK?	Yes	Go to step 3.
2		No	Replace the damaged radiator cap. Test the system for normal operation.
3	CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR INTERNAL LEAK Key OFF. Inspect the engine coolant in the radiator coolant recovery reservoir for signs of transmission fluid or engine oil. Is engine oil or transmission fluid evident in coolant?	Yes	If engine oil is evident: check and repair engine as necessary. If transmission fluid is evident, repair or replace the radiator as necessary.
3		No	Go to step 4.
4	CHECK THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION FOR COOLANT Remove the oil level dipsticks from the engine and the transmission. Is coolant evident in oil or transmission fluid?	Yes If engine oil is evident: inspect the cooling system.	If engine oil is evident: check and repair engine as necessary. If coolant is in transmission, repair or replace the radiator as necessary.
4		No	Go to step 5.
5	PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM Pressure test the engine cooling system. Does the engine cooling system leak?	Yes	Repair or replace leaking components. Test the system for normal operation.
5		No	The cooling system is operational. See ENGINE COOLING SYMPTOM CHART .
6	CHECK THE COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury and/or damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the radiator, use extreme care when removing the radiator cap from a hot radiator. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap and turn it slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are certain all the pressure has been released, press down on the radiator cap (with a cloth), turn and remove. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the radiator cap. Inspect the radiator cap for foreign material between the sealing gasket and the diaphragm. Is the radiator cap OK?	Yes	Go to step 7.
6		No	Clean or replace the radiator cap. Test the system for normal operation. Go to step 1.
7	CHECK THE COOLANT RECOVERY RESERVOIR NOTE: The engine must be cool when coolant is added to the coolant recovery reservoir. Add coolant to the coolant recovery reservoir until fluid is between the coolant fill level marks. Visually check the coolant recovery reservoir for leak. Does the coolant recovery reservoir leak?	Yes	Replace the coolant recovery reservoir. Test the system for normal operation.
7		No	Perform the cooling system pressure test. Repair as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.