Tribute DX 4WD V6-3.0L DOHC (2002)
Heater Core Case: Testing and Inspection
Heater Core Pressure Test
HEATER CORE PRESSURE TEST
Use the radiator/heater core pressure tester to carry out the pressure test.
WARNING: Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless and dangerous. If it is necessary to operate the engine with the vehicle in a closed area
such as a garage, always use an exhaust collector to vent the exhaust gases outside the closed area. Failure to follow these instructions may
result in personal injury.
NOTE: Testing of returned heater cores reveals that a large percentage of heater cores are good and did not require installation of a new heater core. If
a heater core leak is suspected, the heater core must be tested by following the Heater Core Plugged Component Test, refer to HEATER CORE
PLUGGED; before following the Heater Core Pressure Test. Carry out a system inspection by checking the heater system thoroughly as follows:
1. Inspect for evidence of coolant leakage at the heater water hose to heater core attachments. A coolant leak in the heater water hose could follow
the heater core tube to the heater core and appear as a leak in the heater core.
CAUTION: Spring-type clamps are installed as original equipment. Installation and overtightening of non-specification clamps can cause leakage
at the heater water hose connection and damage the heater core.
2. Check the integrity of the heater water hose clamps.
NOTE: Due to space limitations, a bench test may be necessary for pressure testing.
3. Drain the coolant from the cooling system. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING
for 2.0 L Zetec engine, or COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING, for 3.0 L (4V) engine).
4. Disconnect the heater water hoses from the heater core. For additional information, refer to HEATER HOSE - 2.0 L ZETEC or HEATER HOSE -
3.0 L DURATEC (4V).
5. Install a short piece of heater water hose, approximately 101 mm (4 inches) long on each heater core tube.
6. Fill the heater core and heater water hoses with water and install plug and adapter from the radiator/heater core pressure tester in the heater water
hose ends. Secure the heater water hoses, plug and adapter with hose clamps.
7. Attach the pump and gauge assembly from the radiator/heater core pressure tester to the adapter.
8. Close the bleed valve at the base of the gauge. Pump 241 kPa (35 psi) of air pressure into the heater core.
9. Observe the pressure gauge for a minimum of three minutes.
10. If the pressure drops, check the heater water hose connections to the core tubes for leaks. If the heater water hoses do not leak, remove the heater
core from the vehicle and carry out the bench test, refer to HEATER CORE BENCH TEST.
