Pinpoint Test B : The Engine Overheats: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Lincoln MKT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Normal Operation

The engine cooling system maintains engine temperatures during operation. Correct coolant flow through the engine, radiator and remainder of cooling system passages and components is essential to maintaining a correct engine temperature.

Engine coolant flows primarily from the engine to the radiator circuit and back to the coolant pump. Coolant is sent from the coolant pump through the engine block and cylinder heads. Separate circuits from the engine also feeds the heater core and turbochargers (if equipped) with coolant. The coolant pump circulates the coolant. For 3.7L Ti-VCT and 3.5L GTDI engines, the coolant pump is operated by engine rotation through the timing chain sprocket. For 2.0L GTDI engines, the coolant pump is operated by engine rotation through the accessory drive belt pulley. The coolant thermostat is a control valve actuated by coolant temperature. When the thermostat is closed, coolant flow bypasses the radiator circuit and returns to the coolant pump. When the thermostat is opened, coolant is allowed to flow through the radiator circuit in order to transfer engine-generated heat to the outside air.

Engine overheating generally occurs when there is a disruption in the ability to control either coolant flow at the correct rate, the inability to transfer heat from the engine through the coolant (including low coolant) or an inability to transfer engine-generated heat to the outside air through the radiator.

For coolant flow diagrams, refer to Engine Cooling .

DTC P1285 (Cylinder Head Overtemperature Condition) - Indicates an engine overheat condition was sensed by the CHT sensor
DTC P1299 (Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active) - Indicates an engine overheat condition was detected by the CHT sensor. A failure mode effects management strategy called fail-safe cooling was activated to cool the engine.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

Radiator
Thermostat
Low coolant level
External engine coolant leak
Airlock in system
Pressure relief cap installation
Restricted airflow through the A/C condenser/radiator
Internal engine coolant leak
Coolant condition/concentration
Non-OEM engine enhancement components
Electric cooling fan
engine temperature gauge
CHT sensor
Heater core
Coolant pump
Coolant flow restriction
Missing engine vent hose check valve or incorrect orientation of check valve