COOLING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION / NOTICE / HINT

CAUTION:

Be sure that the ignition switch is off when working near the fan or radiator grille sub-assembly. With the ignition switch ON, the fan may automatically start to operate if the engine coolant temperature becomes high and/or the air conditioning is turned on.

PROCEDURE

  1. INSPECT FOR COOLANT LEAK

    CAUTION:

    Do not remove the radiator cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator assembly are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.

    1. Remove the radiator cap sub-assembly.

    2. A104596C01

      *a

      Radiator Cap Tester

      Fill the radiator assembly with engine coolant, and then install a radiator cap tester.

    3. Warm up the engine.

    4. Pump the radiator cap tester to 137 kPa (1.4 kgf/cm2, 19.9 psi), and then check that the pressure does not drop.

      • If the pressure drops, check the hoses, radiator assembly and engine water pump assembly for leaks.

      • If there are no signs of external engine coolant leaks, check the heater core, cylinder block and cylinder head.

    5. Remove the radiator cap tester.

    6. Install the radiator cap sub-assembly.

  2. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL IN RESERVOIR TANK

    1. A322538C01

      *A

      except Tropic Spec

      *B

      for Tropic Spec

      *a

      Full Line

      *b

      Low Line

      Check that the engine coolant level is between the low line and full line when the engine is cold.

      If the engine coolant level is low, check for leaks and add engine coolant to the full line.

      Note:

      Do not substitute plain water for engine coolant.

  3. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY

    CAUTION:

    Do not remove the radiator cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator assembly are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.

    1. Remove the radiator cap sub-assembly.

    2. Check if there are any excessive deposits of rust or scale around the radiator cap sub-assembly and radiator filler hole. Also, the engine coolant should be free of oil.

      If excessively dirty, replace the engine coolant.

    3. Install the radiator cap sub-assembly.