← Coolant loss on all engines
Symptoms · 3.2 Power Stroke (Transit)
3.2 Power Stroke (Transit): losing coolant
2 documented failures on this engine list this among their signs. They are ordered from the most widespread down. Each one shows the signs in its record's own words, how to tell it from the others, the usual fix and any recall or bulletin.
Not sure which engine you have, or want the recalls for your exact truck? Check your VIN: it names the engine and lists the campaigns for that model year. Whether a recall is still open on your VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls.
aggregated
How widespread: Very common
How it shows up
- coolant loss without an external leak (cooler leaks internally)
- white smoke / coolant in the exhaust on advanced cases
Its other signs
- engine overheating with no obvious cause
- MIL with EGR-related DTCs
How to tell it apart
- check for unexplained coolant loss and pressure-test with the EGR circuit in mind
- look for exhaust white smoke at idle after warm-up (cooler leaking into the exhaust path)
- verify VIN coverage against 18M06 / 19B03 / 21M03 before paying for a cooler
Usual fix
EGR cooler replacement (updated part); on field-action VINs the replacement may be covered
Recalls and bulletins
21M0318M06TSB 16-0146
Root cause, parts and sources →
aggregated
How widespread: Common
How it shows up
- recurring low coolant in the degas bottle
- coolant odor / traces at the EGR or oil cooler area
Its other signs
- overheating with no visible external leak
How to tell it apart
- pressure-test cold and hot; inspect the EGR cooler and oil cooler before condemning external hardware
- check the oil for coolant contamination
- trace the degas bottle level history - intermittent loss with no puddle points internal
Usual fix
EGR cooler / oil cooler replacement per the found path, fresh coolant, level re-check
Recalls and bulletins
SSM 48543
Root cause, parts and sources →
Other symptoms on the 3.2 Power Stroke (Transit)
Hard start, long crank or no-startLoss of power, limp mode or derateOverheating or temperature creeping upOil leak, oil consumption or rising oil level
Everything on the 3.2 Power Stroke (Transit)Its recalls and bulletins