Step | Action | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Is there excessive white smoke from the exhaust and/or does the engine run rough? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 2 | ||||||
2 | Road test the vehicle and allow the engine to reach full operating temperature. Does the engine overheat? | Go to Engine Overheating | Go to Step 3 | ||||||
3 | Remove the oil level indicator and inspect. Is there engine coolant or a creamy/milky substance on the engine oil level indicator? | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
4 |
Important: Ensure that the cause of the creamy or milky substance is not caused by short drive cycles or a faulty thermostat. Either of these conditions will cause creamy or milky deposits to form in the engine oil because the engine cannot reach full operating temperature in order to dissipate the condensation/moisture. Does the engine reach full operating temperature during all of the vehicle drive cycles and does the thermostat operate properly? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
5 | Inspect for signs of a coolant leak. Does the vehicle exhibit a coolant leak? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
6 | Repair or replace the leaking component(s) as necessary. Has the repair been performed? | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
7 |
Has the repair been performed? | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
8 | The probable cause of the coolant loss is an engine internal coolant leak. If the spark plug electrodes or the porcelain surrounding the spark plug electrodes exhibit signs of coolant, replace the intake manifold or the applicable cylinder head gasket(s) as necessary. However, any of the following components may be the cause of the engine internal coolant leak:
Replace the leaking component(s) as necessary. Has the repair been performed? | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
9 |
Does the vehicle still exhibit coolant loss? | Go to Step 1 | System OK |
