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2020 Ford Escape Coolant Leak & Overheating - DIY Fixes?

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Laura J. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:28 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape Titanium

Hi everyone, I'm having some trouble with my 2020 Ford Escape Titanium, which has the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. It's got about 60,000 miles on it.

Over the past few weeks, I've noticed the coolant reservoir getting low, and I've had to top it off a couple of times. Yesterday, the temperature gauge started creeping up towards the red, and I could smell a sweet, syrupy odor, which I know is coolant. I pulled over and let it cool down, but I'm worried about driving it much more.

I've looked around the engine bay, but I can't pinpoint an obvious leak. Does anyone know of common leak points on these 2020 Escapes? Are there any DIY steps I can take to find the leak or temporarily fix it before I can get it into a shop? I'm hoping to avoid a huge repair bill if it's something simple.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:28 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're dealing with a significant coolant leak on your 2020 Ford Escape, and the sweet smell confirms it's definitely coolant. Overheating can lead to serious engine damage, so it's good you pulled over quickly.

Here are common leak points and diagnostic steps for your Escape:

  1. Visual Inspection:
    • Radiator: Check the fins and tanks for any wet spots or residue.
    • Hoses: Inspect all radiator hoses (upper and lower), heater hoses, and smaller bypass hoses for cracks, bulges, or wetness, especially near clamps.
    • Water Pump: Look for coolant stains or drips directly below the water pump pulley area. This is a very common failure point on many modern engines.
    • Thermostat Housing: The plastic thermostat housing can crack or its gasket can fail, leading to leaks.
    • Coolant Reservoir: Check the reservoir itself for cracks and the cap for proper sealing.
    • Under the Vehicle: Place a large piece of cardboard under the engine overnight to catch any drips and help pinpoint the general area.
  2. Pressure Test (Recommended): The most effective DIY method to find a leak is a cooling system pressure test. You can rent or buy a pressure tester kit from most auto parts stores.
    • Attach the tester to the radiator cap opening.
    • Pump it up to the recommended pressure (usually around 15-20 psi, check your owner's manual or service data).
    • Watch the gauge; if it drops, you have a leak. Listen for hissing sounds and look for drips.
  3. Coolant Type: Your 2020 Ford Escape requires Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant (Ford Specification WSS-M97B44-D). Do not mix different types of coolant, as this can cause corrosion and damage.
  4. OBD Codes: If your temperature gauge went high, your vehicle likely stored diagnostic trouble codes. Common codes related to overheating or coolant issues include:
    • P0117: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
    • P0128: Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature) - though this usually indicates a stuck-open thermostat, not a leak.
    • Other codes might indicate a misfire due to coolant entering a cylinder, which is a more severe issue.
  5. When to See a Shop: If you can't locate the leak, if the leak is from a major component like the water pump or radiator, or if you suspect internal engine damage (e.g., white smoke from exhaust, coolant in oil), it's crucial to take your Escape to a qualified mechanic immediately. Driving with an overheating engine can lead to blown head gaskets or a cracked engine block, resulting in very expensive repairs.
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