Where is the coolant reservoir on a Ford Explorer?

Locating the Coolant Reservoir on a Ford Explorer
The coolant reservoir on a Ford Explorer is typically located at the top of the engine bay. It is a clear or white tank marked with a “Full” line or indicator. Here’s how to locate and add coolant to the reservoir:
1. Locating the Coolant Reservoir: The coolant reservoir tank is the first place to check for a proper engine coolant level. It is usually a clear or white tank located at the top of the engine bay, marked with a “Full” line or indicator.
2. Adding Coolant: If the coolant reservoir tank is low, you can top it off directly. Ensure the engine is cool before opening the reservoir. After topping off the coolant, start the engine and cycle the new coolant through the system.
3. Importance of Coolant Reservoir: The coolant reservoir collects the hot coolant for recycling back into the radiator once it has cooled down. It helps in maintaining the proper coolant level and prevents overheating.
It’s important to note that the exact location of the coolant reservoir may vary slightly depending on the specific model year of the Ford Explorer. Always refer to the vehicle’s manual for the most accurate information.

What are the symptoms of low coolant?

Low coolant makes it harder to drive in hot weather and sub-zero temperatures. Low coolant also causes your engine to burn fuel more quickly. You will notice symptoms such as poor fuel economy, a loss of acceleration, and the car’s high-temperature gauge getting close to the red if your car is low on coolant.

Why is my coolant low in the radiator but not the reservoir?

One common cause of the coolant reservoir being full but the radiator low on coolant is a blown head gasket. Combustion gasses from one of the cylinders leaks into the cooling system, and forces coolant from the engine into the reservoir. Once the reservoir fills up, the rest goes overboard through the overflow outlet.

How do I find my engine coolant?

Checking and Adding Engine Coolant
Open the hood and locate the engine coolant reservoir. It is often a translucent white color, and has hose(s) connecting it to the radiator. The reservoir has a fill range marked on the side. If your engine is cold, the coolant level should be up to the cold fill line.

What happens if coolant reservoir is empty?

With your coolant reservoir empty, your coolant system can’t draw in extra coolant when it needs it. This can lead to overheating. You can top up the reservoir, but you also need to identify where that coolant went.

Can you just add coolant to the reservoir?

Remove the cap completely. If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water. When coolant rises to the cold fill line, replace cap and tighten it until you feel it click.

Should I pour coolant directly into the radiator?

On all vehicles that have a reservoir you add it to the reservoir, unless it is totally empty, then you can add it to the radiator directly. Once the radiator is full you will want to finish topping it off through the reservoir. If you just need to add because it is loww, then always use the reservoir.

Where is coolant reservoir located?

Where Are the Coolant Reservoirs Located In Your Car? Most of these coolant reservoirs are made from durable plastic and are installed on the upper right hand side of your car’s engine compartment. These are an integral part of a car’s system because they help its entire cooling system.

Why is my coolant reservoir empty but not overheating?

The reservoir will be the first thing to lose coolant because it’s the highest part in the cooling system so if there is any type of leak then the fluid level will drop in it first. If the reservoir itself is leaking then it will not lose any more coolant once the reservoir is empty.

Is the coolant reservoir in the radiator?

A: You can find the typical coolant reservoir in the engine compartment’s front end. It’s usually found over the radiator with hoses attaching the two parts together. In some vehicles, the container sits closer to either the driver’s side or the passenger’s side of the engine bay.

How do I know if my coolant reservoir is full?

On the side of the reservoir, it has an L(low) and F(full) markings, and as the tank is translucent, you can see your coolant level without opening the cap.