What does the coolant light on my Ford dashboard mean?

Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Can an antifreeze leak wait?

It's better to get it fixed sooner than later. Antifreeze is toxic if consumed, but its smell can attract cats and dogs. Keep your whole family safe by repairing antifreeze leaks ASAP and thoroughly hosing down your parking spot to get rid of any lingering residue on the ground.

When should my Ford Explorer radiator be cleaned?

It could be a good idea to have your Ford Explorer radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.

My Explorer overheated! What can cause that?

If your Ford Explorer engine overheats, it could be because of a clogged radiator, a damaged thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, a malfunctioning water pump, or low coolant levels.

What is making my Explorer radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling?

There could be air pockets in your Explorer’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).

There’s rust in my Explorer radiator. Should I be worried?

Yes. Rust in your Ford Explorer radiator could reduce cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even lead to radiator failure. Left unchecked, rust can damage the radiator's cooling passages causing small holes or cracks in the radiator. Maintain your radiator system to help prevent rust.

2003 Ford Explorer Radiator Repair & Service

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Ford Explorer Radiator Services

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 2003 Ford Explorer radiator repair or service today.

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When to Service Your 2003 Ford Explorer Cooling System

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Ford Explorer radiator serviced, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. As part of your car’s cooling system, your radiator helps keep engine temperature regulated. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Staying on top of routine radiator maintenance for your 2003 Ford Explorer is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. In fact, Ford recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. You might be driving around (or about to be stranded) with a failing radiator if you notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. As soon as you see one of these symptoms, come to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Radiator Repair Service for Your Ford Explorer

What’s included in a radiator repair service? If you bring your vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start with a comprehensive inspection of your Ford Explorer’s cooling system. We then do a machine-powered radiator exchange, replenish flushed chemicals, sealants, and lubricants, and then pressure check for leaks.

Issues with your radiator often coincide with a malfunctioning water pump. The water pump is one part on your 2003 Ford Explorer engine that you can't put off repairing or replacing. This vital part keeps coolant moving through the engine, hoses, and radiator. Without it, your engine won't maintain its optimal temperature. Our technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to ensure everything is operating as it should. From the radiator cap to the heater core, we’re here to give your 2003 Ford Explorer the top-notch service it needs. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Questions About Ford Explorer Radiators

Wondering how to make your 2003 Ford Explorer radiator last as long as possible? Read on for answers to common questions, and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care when your engine shows any signs of a faulty radiator.

What does the coolant light on my Ford dashboard mean? Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.
Can an antifreeze leak wait? It's better to get it fixed sooner than later. Antifreeze is toxic if consumed, but its smell can attract cats and dogs. Keep your whole family safe by repairing antifreeze leaks ASAP and thoroughly hosing down your parking spot to get rid of any lingering residue on the ground.
When should my Ford Explorer radiator be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Ford Explorer radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
My Explorer overheated! What can cause that? If your Ford Explorer engine overheats, it could be because of a clogged radiator, a damaged thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, a malfunctioning water pump, or low coolant levels.
What is making my Explorer radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling? There could be air pockets in your Explorer’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).
There’s rust in my Explorer radiator. Should I be worried? Yes. Rust in your Ford Explorer radiator could reduce cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even lead to radiator failure. Left unchecked, rust can damage the radiator's cooling passages causing small holes or cracks in the radiator. Maintain your radiator system to help prevent rust.