For two summers in a row, this van has overheated when the temperature outside is hot. Mechanics have replaced the thermostat and the fan clutch, flushed the coolant system. I even took it to the Ford dealer to thoroughly investigate the problem(supposedly). It will overheat after only driving a few minutes, especially if the air conditioner is in use. Twice, the van has completely lost power at the same time it was overheating. It has also flashed the oil pressure warning light twice during overheating. Finally, the service engine soon warning came on. So, like the dutiful responsible automobile owner that I am, it was promptly taken back to the mechanic. Once again, they agreed that the van was overheating, but could not find the problem. Oh, and did I mention that the Ford warranty had just expired 4 days prior? Now that the weather has cooled down a bit, the problem is not occuring, but who knows what untold damage has been done to the engine because no one can seem to figure out what is ailing this poor contraption. We have even placed a bumper sticker on it that reads, "ask me about my pain". The only thing we have tried with limited success is turning the heater on when it overheats, which I must say is quite unpleasant in August when it's between 80 and 90 degrees outside. Oh, another thing that adds insult to injury is that every time it overheats, the greenish coolant fluid boils out and bestows a most foul, noxious odor into the interior of the vehicle that smells like a cross between dead fish and rotten eggs. Yummy, huh? Does anyone anywhere have a clue? Please help me.
For two summers in a row, this van has overheated when the temperature outside is hot. Mechanics have replaced the thermostat and the fan clutch, flushed the coolant system. I even took it to the Ford dealer to thoroughly investigate the problem(supposedly). It will overheat after only driving a few minutes, especially if the air conditioner is in use. Twice, the van has completely lost power at the same time it was overheating. It has also flashed the oil pressure warning light twice during overheating. Finally, the service engine soon warning came on. So, like the dutiful responsible automobile owner that I am, it was promptly taken back to the mechanic. Once again, they agreed that the van was overheating, but could not find the problem. Oh, and did I mention that the Ford warranty had just expired 4 days prior? Now that the weather has cooled down a bit, the problem is not occuring, but who knows what untold damage has been done to the engine because no one can seem to figure out what is ailing this poor contraption. We have even placed a bumper sticker on it that reads, "ask me about my pain". The only thing we have tried with limited success is turning the heater on when it overheats, which I must say is quite unpleasant in August when it's between 80 and 90 degrees outside. Oh, another thing that adds insult to injury is that every time it overheats, the greenish coolant fluid boils out and bestows a most foul, noxious odor into the interior of the vehicle that smells like a cross between dead fish and rotten eggs. Yummy, huh? Does anyone anywhere have a clue? Please help me.
- Susan F., Asheville, NC, US