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.

What are the puddles in my driveway or garage floor?

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.

When should my Ford Tempo radiator be cleaned?

Cleaning your car shouldn’t be limited to the parts you can see. Regular cleaning is good for your radiator, too! When you take your Ford Tempo in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.

My Tempo overheated! What can cause that?

Low coolant, a damaged cooling fan, a faulty water pump, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged radiator could all cause your Ford Tempo engine to overheat.

What can cause a Tempo radiator to make boiling or rumbling sounds?

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

Is it bad to have rust on my Tempo radiator?

Yes. Having rust in your Ford Tempo 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.

1985 Ford Tempo Radiator Service

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Schedule Ford Tempo Radiator Service

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 1985 Ford Tempo radiator repair or service today.

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Is It Time for Service on My 1985 Ford Tempo Cooling System?

It can be tough to know when to have your Ford Tempo radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. The radiator is in the cooling system of your car, and it helps your engine temperature stay within a safe range. So, what happens when the radiator isn’t working quite like it should? You guessed it – your engine overheats, and it may even break down completely.

Staying on top of routine radiator maintenance for your 1985 Ford Tempo is a huge factor in the longevity of your engine. 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. Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check at the first sign of one of these issues.

Ford Tempo Coolant Fluid Exchange

What’s included in a radiator repair service? When you come to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we’ll begin your radiator repair with an in-depth inspection of the cooling system in your Ford Tempo. We’ll do a machine-powered coolant exchange on the system, and then we’ll top off or replace the fluids that were removed (like chemicals, lubricants, and sealants). Lastly, we’ll perform a pressure check to look for leaks.

If your radiator is acting up, odds are good that your water pump needs to be checked for proper function, too. The water pump is one part on your 1985 Ford Tempo engine that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. The role of the water pump is to keep coolant circulating in your engine, radiator, and hoses. If it isn’t functioning properly, your engine won’t be able to stay within its optimal temperature range. Our trained technicians can inspect your car’s radiator hoses and pumps to help make sure everything is in working order. When it comes to radiator service and repair, we’re here to give your 1985 Ford Tempo the top-notch service it needs. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Common Ford Tempo Radiator Questions

Take care of your 1985 Ford Tempo radiator and it will last. Check out our top questions and answers about Ford radiators below, and visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care at the first sign of an overheating engine.

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.
What are the puddles in my driveway or garage floor? 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.
When should my Ford Tempo radiator be cleaned? Cleaning your car shouldn’t be limited to the parts you can see. Regular cleaning is good for your radiator, too! When you take your Ford Tempo in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.
My Tempo overheated! What can cause that? Low coolant, a damaged cooling fan, a faulty water pump, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged radiator could all cause your Ford Tempo engine to overheat.
What can cause a Tempo radiator to make boiling or rumbling sounds? There could be air pockets in your Tempo’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).
Is it bad to have rust on my Tempo radiator? Yes. Having rust in your Ford Tempo 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.