Looking for some Mx advice. Its a 2000 ford focus ZTS. Yesterday after some highway driving and then sitting in line at a drive thru, I noticed some steam and the smell of coolant coming from the upper passenger side of the hood. The temp guage was reading normal though. Then when the thermostat would kick the car would run a bit rough at idle. Any ideas what the issue could be? Is the car overheating even though the guage isn't showing that issue?
The coolant is full. I don't think the fan is turning on.
Thanks
Strizzo
UberDork
12/1/12 12:44 p.m.
If the radiator cap is leaking it will boil off coolant, but won't overheat. But you'd be low on coolant
Hal
Dork
12/1/12 1:35 p.m.
The temp gauge is located in the head and does not always indicate coolant temps. When the car is warmed up check to see if a fan is on
Also turn on the AC and turn the HVAC fan to 4. That should force the other fan to turn on.
If the fans do not turn on the fan relay may be dead (common problem). The fan relay is located between the two fans. Pull the connector and check its condition. Frequently it is melted. If that is the case you will need a new relay and connector.
You can search Focaljet Forums for further info.
