Cooling
Radiator
The radiator dissipates engine heat into the air using the cooling fan and airflow.
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Cooling system flow
Interactive — tap a partTap a part to see how it fits in the system.
What it does
- Transfers heat from coolant to the air
- Cools the engine during normal driving and traffic
- Works with the fan, thermostat and pump
When it fails
- Coolant leak at the front of the engine bay
- Overheating in traffic or at high load
- White or rusty coolant stains
- Coolant smell
How to diagnose
- Pressure-test the cooling system to find leaks
- Check for airflow blockage or bent fins
- Check the fan operation at standstill
- Look for oil in the coolant (head gasket)
Maintenance
- Keep the fins clean of debris
- Replace coolant every 2–5 years per the manual
- Use the correct coolant type
- Check hoses for cracks
Use the diagnosis order. When a part fails, confirm each hypothesis with measurements before replacing anything — codes and symptoms overlap.
Related part
Thermostat
A small valve that keeps the engine at operating temperature by controlling coolant flow to the radiator.