On air-conditioned models, a condenser is installed in front of the radiator. All models have a separate expansion tank. The cooling system thermostat is located in the water pump housing on 4-cylinder models, or at the inlet on the left side of the cylinder block on 5-cylinder models.
The system functions as follows. When the engine is cold, the thermostat is closed and the water pump pumps water through the internal channels, then through the bypass hose and heater circuit, over the thermostat capsule, and back to the water pump inlet. This water cycle cools the cylinder bores, combustion surfaces and valve seats. However, when the coolant reaches a certain temperature, the thermostat starts to open. The coolant is now fed through the top hose to the top of the radiator. As it passes through the radiator, the water is cooled by the airflow as the car moves, if necessary by the enhanced action of the electric cooling fan. Finally, the coolant returns to the water pump through the bottom hose and open thermostat.
The electric cooling fan is controlled by a thermal switch located at the base of the radiator. Additionally, on some fuel injected 4-cylinder engines, the thermal switch is located near the injectors in the cylinder head. The water temperature is checked by a sensor in the cylinder head.
Warning: The electric cooling fan may operate even if the ignition is turned off when the coolant temperature is fluid in the radiator (and cylinder head on some models) reaches a certain value. Therefore, use extreme caution when working near fan blades.
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