The cooling system needs to be closed tight in order to work properly. If the system is not taking coolant from the reservoir there must be an leak somewhere, possibly a bad radiator cap, leaky radiator, loose hose clamp, leaky water pump, etc. Have the system pressure tested to determine where the problem is.
Radiator coolant.
1) remove radiator cap2) Fill radiator with coolant.3) replace radiator cap4) remove reservior cap5) fill to "fill cold" line6) replace reservior capIf your system not very low or empty you can omit 1-3.
There is no radiator cap on a 1999 Ford Contour. The cap to the coolant overflow reservior is the only way to add something to the radiator.
try replacing your coolant temp/sensor $5.00
Radiator, radiator cap, radiator hoses, water pump, coolant reservior and heater core are the more obvious areas. If you notice coolant in your oil it can be caused by a blown head gasket or damaged coolant sleeve in the head of the enging. If you cannot see any coolant leaks outside of the vehicle, check the floor mats on the interior. If you find coolant there, it more than likely is a heater core.
Drivers side tucked up under the nose, beside the radiator. It is actually hidden there for what purpose I haven't a clue!!
Let the engine cool and press down and twist the radiator cap to the left to remove it. Fill the radiator to the top and reinstall the cap. Check the coolant level in the overflow reservior and fill it to the fill line.
If there's no cap, you have to use the reservior & let radiator draw it in.
The lower radiator hose.
If you mean the low coolant sensor, it is located on the radiator about 3-4 inches below the cap, it screws into the back side of the radiator. There is also a low washer fluid sensor located in the top of the winshield washer reservior.
Check to coolant level in the coolant recovery tank and radiator when engine is cold
The coolant level sensor is faulty.