1. Visually inspect the cooling system.
2. Inspect the ground under the vehicle.

Is there coolant visible on the ground?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 2

Inspect the cooling system for proper pressure retention.

Does the cooling system maintain the correct pressure?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 3

Inspect for a leaking radiator.

Does the radiator leak?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

Repair or replace the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement .

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 5

System OK

Inspect for a leaking coolant recovery reservoir or surge tank.

Is there a leak in the reservoir or surge tank?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

Replace the coolant recovery reservoir or surge tank. Refer to one of the following procedures:

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 7

System OK

Inspect for any loose or damaged radiator hoses or connections.

Are any radiator hoses or hose connections damaged?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

Reseat the clamps and hoses. If needed, replace the hoses and the clamps. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 9

System OK

Inspect for a water pump gasket leak.

Is there a leak at the water pump gasket?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

Replace the water pump gasket. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 11

System OK

Inspect for a water pump seal leak.

Is there a leak at the water pump seal?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 13

System OK

Inspect the radiator filler cap.

Is the radiator filler cap damaged?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

Replace the radiator filler cap.

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 15

System OK

Inspect cylinder head gasket for leaks.

Is the cylinder head gasket leaking?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 16

Replace the cylinder head gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side or Cylinder Head Replacement - Right Side in Engine Mechanical - 8.1L.

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 17

System OK

Inspect the cylinder head and the cylinder block.

Is the cylinder head or cylinder block cracked?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

Replace or resurface the cylinder head or the cylinder block as needed.

Is there still a loss of coolant?

Go to Step 19

System OK

Inspect for a leaking heater core.

Is the heater core leaking?

Go to Step 20

System OK

Repair or replace the components as needed in order to repair the leak.

Is there still a loss of coolant?

--

System OK