2000 Ford Contour SVTFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Cooling System Flushing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
ITEM SPECIFICATION

Item Specification
Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush VC-1 ESR-M14P7-A

    All vehicles 

    WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
  1. Drain the cooling system. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .

    2. Vehicles equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine 

  2. Remove the bolts, thermostat housing cover and thermostat.
    Fig 1: Removing Bolts, Thermostat Housing Cover And Thermostat With Torque Specifications (4.0L SOHC)
    G03948359Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    3. Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (2V) engine 

  3. Remove the bolts, thermostat housing cover and thermostat.
    Fig 2: Removing Bolts, Thermostat Housing Cover And Thermostat With Torque Specifications (4.6L (2V))
    G03948360Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    4. All vehicles 

  4. Install the thermostat housing cover without the thermostat.
  5. Using a suitable cooling system flushing tool, flush the engine and radiator.
    • Use cooling system flush.

    6. Vehicles equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine 

    NOTE: Prior to installing the thermostat, inspect the thermostat housing cover gasket and install a new gasket if necessary.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.