Two questions: Check engine code mystery, and contaminated engine coolant

Asked by dwdoty Aug 20, 2013 at 06:31 PM about the Ford Ranger

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2003 Ford Ranger, 2.3L 4 cyl. 2WD reg. cab, w/AC.  137,000 miles  Model so plain it doesn't appear on any list. 1st question:  Why do I get a "cruise control circuit open" code when I don't have cruise control?  2nd question:  Engine coolant looks extremely contaminated after overheating (pegged the guage twice) while towing a small, but over recommended weight, trailer for 650 miles over 17 hours, with stops to cool off.  Unsure if contamination started before overheating.  Coolant is dark, rusty, with some sheen of oil, no droplets.  Coolant was flushed and replaced one year ago.  Blown head gasket?  Warped head?  Other possibilities?  Is a definitive diagnosis possible?  Truck overheats now just slightly, and only when under some load, like going up long hills.

1 Answer
795

Sean answered 10 years ago

Anything's possible, but could check oil next time it's changed to see if there's possible coolant in the oil. That could tell you more. Also, did you use the correct coolant (just asking, some don't know that normal, green coolant and red, dexcool coolant could cause issues from corrosion)?

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