2001 Ford Focus Overheating

2001 FORD FOCUS
120,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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MINOVAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I forgot to put water in my car and I took a 2 hour trip. The engine begin to give a burnt smell and it also began to smoke. I filled it with water and the smell and smoke stopged. the moment the smoke stopoed the temperature gauge began to tell me that the vehicle is starting to overheat. Did I ruin a sensor, thermostat or waterpump. Should I drain it and fill it with coolant. If so, is there a particular coolant I should add or does it matter.
Feb 19, 2009 at 12:03 AM
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BMRFIXIT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 19,053 POSTS
Coolant will for sure help cool the engine quicker
but if you are having an overheating issue need to check t thermostat
do a coolant pressure test
check coolant fans
check and make sure you coolant level full
Feb 19, 2009 at 7:05 PM
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