Engine trouble

1998 FORD CONTOUR
185,666 MILES • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
ALEYVA1977
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The car still starts and drives but the issue is the water is returning to the reservoir. I replaced the thermostat like the mechanic said.
Oct 22, 2019 at 11:51 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

The thermostat is not the issue.

You either have a failed head gasket or a bad water pump not circulating coolant in the engine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump

Is the car overheating?

Roy
Oct 23, 2019 at 12:03 PM
Avatar
ALEYVA1977
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I would say no. Gets hot but no overheating. Got a code P0118, Engine coolant temperature sensor circuits high.
Oct 23, 2019 at 8:15 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, I attached the possible issues for the 118 but it has nothing to do with the coolant backing up. It is warning you the engine is hot only.

Roy
Oct 24, 2019 at 2:39 AM