For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: The cooling system is losing coolant either internally or externally.
1 | Inspect the coolant level. Is the coolant at the correct level? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4
2 | Fill the cooling system to the correct level. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling . Is the action complete? | Go to Step 5 | --
3 | If the engine is suspected to have a coolant leak into a cylinder, the coolant can hydraulically lock the engine. Does the engine crankshaft rotate? | Go to Step 6 | Repair the engine no crank condition. Refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate in Engine Mechanical 3.6L, or Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate in Engine Mechanical 6.0L
4 | Engine overheating can cause a loss of coolant. Is the engine overheating? | Repair the engine overheating condition. Refer to Engine Overheating | Go to Step 7
5 | Extended operation with a low coolant level can cause engine internal component failure. Is the engine knocking? | Repair the engine knock. Refer to Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed for 3.6L engine or Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed for 6.0L engine. | Go to Step 8
6 |

1. Idle the engine at normal operating temperature.
2. Inspect for heavy white smoke coming out of the exhaust system.

Is a heavy white smoke present from the exhaust pipe?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

7 | Coolant in the exhaust system creates a distinctive, burning coolant odour in the exhaust. Condensation in the exhaust system can cause an odourless white smoke during engine warm up. Does the white smoke have a burning coolant type odour? | Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Combustion Chamberfor 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Combustion Chamber for 6.0L engine. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oil for 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Engine Oil for 6.0L engine. | Go to Step 10
8 | With the engine idling, inspect the coolant recovery reservoir. Does the coolant recovery system discharge coolant while the engine is idling? | Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Combustion Chamber for 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Combustion Chamber for 6.0L engine. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oil for 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Engine Oil for 6.0L engine. | Go to Step 11
9 | Visually inspect the hoses and hose retaining clamps at the following locations:

• | Coolant bypass.

• | Coolant reservoir.

• | Heater core.

• | Coolant bypass valve.

• | Radiator.

Are any of the hoses leaking.

Repair or replace the leaking component. Refer to the appropriate repair.

Go to Step 12

10 | Visually inspect the following components:

• | Coolant pressure cap.

• | Core plugs.

• | Cylinder head gaskets.

• | Engine block.

• | Intake manifold.

• | Radiator.

• | Thermostat housing.

• | Water pump.

Are any of the listed components leaking?

Repair or replace the leaking component. Refer to the appropriate repair.

Go to Step 13

11 |

1. Pressure test the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing.
2. With the cooling system pressurized, visually inspect the components listed in steps 11 and 12.

Are any leaks present?

Repair or replace the leaking component. Refer to the appropriate repair.

Go to Step 14

12 | Pressure test the coolant pressure cap. Refer to Pressure Cap Testing. Does the coolant pressure cap hold pressure? | Go to Step 13 | Replace the coolant pressure cap.
13 | Inspect for the following conditions:

• | A coolant smell inside of the vehicle.

• | Coolant in the HVAC module drain tube.

• | Coolant on the vehicle floor covering near the HVAC module.

Is coolant present?

Replace the heater core. Refer to Heater Core Replacement.

Go to Step 15

14 | Inspect the underside of the engine oil fill cap for a gray/white milky substance. Is there a milky substance on under the oil fill cap? | Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Combustion Chamber for 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Combustion Chamber for 6.0L engine. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oilfor 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Engine Oil for 6.0L engine | Replace the coolant pressure cap.
15 | Inspect the engine oil level indicator for a gray/white milky substance. Is there a milky substance on the engine oil level indicator? | Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Combustion Chamberfor 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Combustion Chamberfor 6.0L engine. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oilfor 3.6L engine, or Coolant in Engine Oilfor 6.0L engine. | Replace the coolant pressure cap.