What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford?

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?

Don’t ignore puddles on your driveway or garage floor. If you see a green, bright orange, or pink fluid puddling under your car (it might be sticky, too), it could be antifreeze that’s leaking out of the engine. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to cats and dogs (and it’s highly toxic to them), so look out for your pets! Repair any leaks as soon as possible, then carefully wash away any remaining fluid that’s left behind on the driveway or garage floor.

Can Ford F-150 radiators be cleaned?

To keep your Ford F-150 radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.

My F-150 overheated! What can cause that?

One of the main reasons your Ford F-150 engine might overheat is because you don’t have enough coolant. Other causes include a clogged radiator, a damaged cooling fan, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty water pump.

Why does the radiator in my F-150 sound like it’s rumbling or boiling?

If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your F-150. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.

There’s rust in my F-150 radiator. Should I be worried?

Yes. Having rust in your Ford F-150 radiator can cause leaks, a reduction in cooling efficiency, and even radiator failure. If rust is left untreated, it can corrode the radiator's cooling passages, causing small cracks or holes that can significantly impact the radiator's ability to function. To help prevent rust from becoming a major issue, it's important to properly maintain your radiator system.

1989 Ford F-150 Radiator Repair & Service

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Schedule Ford F-150 Radiator Service

Don’t let the heat of the moment – or of your engine – get to your head. Schedule a radiator repair or service for your 1989 Ford F-150 today.

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Is It Time for Service on My 1989 Ford F-150 Cooling System?

It can be tough to know when to have your Ford F-150 radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but it's still extremely important. The radiator is in the cooling system of your car, and it helps your engine temperature stay within a safe range. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1989 Ford F-150 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 a good idea to keep your eyes open for any indication that your radiator is failing. You might be driving around (or about to be stranded) with a failing radiator if you see coolant leaks under your car, high engine temperatures, or a dashboard light that indicates low coolant. Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check at the first sign of one of these issues.

Ford F-150 Coolant Fluid Exchange

What does radiator repair include? If you bring your vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start with a comprehensive inspection of your Ford F-150’s cooling system. Then, we’ll move on to a machine-powered coolant exchange. Finally, we’ll refill the flushed sealants, lubricants and chemicals, then do a pressure check to catch any possible leaks.

Radiator problems often go hand in hand with water pump problems. Of all the parts in your 1989 Ford F-150 engine, the water pump is one 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. Let our technicians examine your radiator pumps and hoses to help you stay ahead of any potential engine problems. If you’re about to lose your cool over a too-hot engine, rest assured that we’ll take excellent care of your 1989 Ford F-150 at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Ford F-150 Radiator Q&A

Wondering how to make your 1989 Ford F-150 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 an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford? 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? Don’t ignore puddles on your driveway or garage floor. If you see a green, bright orange, or pink fluid puddling under your car (it might be sticky, too), it could be antifreeze that’s leaking out of the engine. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to cats and dogs (and it’s highly toxic to them), so look out for your pets! Repair any leaks as soon as possible, then carefully wash away any remaining fluid that’s left behind on the driveway or garage floor.
Can Ford F-150 radiators be cleaned? To keep your Ford F-150 radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
My F-150 overheated! What can cause that? One of the main reasons your Ford F-150 engine might overheat is because you don’t have enough coolant. Other causes include a clogged radiator, a damaged cooling fan, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty water pump.
Why does the radiator in my F-150 sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your F-150. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.
There’s rust in my F-150 radiator. Should I be worried? Yes. Having rust in your Ford F-150 radiator can cause leaks, a reduction in cooling efficiency, and even radiator failure. If rust is left untreated, it can corrode the radiator's cooling passages, causing small cracks or holes that can significantly impact the radiator's ability to function. To help prevent rust from becoming a major issue, it's important to properly maintain your radiator system.