Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge in the engine cooling system is located in the instrument cluster and only works when the ignition is on.
At high ambient temperatures, the pointer may approach the red sector boundary. However, if the pointer is too close to the red sector or even enters it, you should stop the car and find out the reason for such a high temperature, which may be as follows.
- low fluid level in the engine cooling system (there are leaks),
- the ventilation holes between the radiator fins are clogged with dirt or there is too much scale built up inside the radiator.
- the electric fan of the cooling system does not work.
- the thermostat is faulty,
- the ignition is not adjusted correctly.
CAUTION: Operating an overheated engine (the temperature gauge needle is constantly in the red sector of the scale) can lead to serious mechanical damage.
Coolant level
The coolant level in the expansion tank is checked on a cold engine at least once a week. After the first 2,500 km of run, then every 10,000 km of run, but at least once every two years, the percentage composition and level of the coolant, the condition of the hoses and the absence of leaks at their joints should be checked.
The coolant level in the expansion tank is visible through its transparent walls and should be at the height of the "max" mark. If necessary, add coolant to the system through the filler neck of the expansion tank.
ATTENTION
1. When removing the expansion tank cap on a hot engine, you should first unscrew it to the first stop, release the pressure in the system and after a few seconds remove the cap completely.
2. In case of significant shortage of coolant, it is prohibited to add cold coolant (antifreeze or water) to a hot engine.
3. If the engine cooling system has an electric fan controlled by a thermal switch, the ignition must first be turned off.
Replacing the coolant
Every two years of vehicle operation, it is necessary to flush the cooling system from scale and replace the coolant.
Information for this article was taken from the website: FORDBOOK