Antifreeze serves multiple purposes in a 2001 Ford Escape engine. As the name implies, it prevents the engine's cooling system from freezing in sub-zero temperatures, but more importantly, antifreeze removes heat from the Escape's engine, preventing it from overheating. As with all vehicular fluids, the antifreeze breaks down over time, which means you must replace it periodically. The first step to replacing it is draining the antifreeze from the Escape's cooling system. Anyone with basic auto-repair skills can drain the antifreeze from a 2001 Ford Escape.
Instructions
1. Verify the engine is cold before doing anything else. It's best to let the engine sit, not running, for eight hours before working on the cooling system.
2. Open the coolant recovery tank by removing the lid from the tank by hand.
4. Place the rag over the jaws of the pliers to prevent the pliers from damaging the plastic petcock. Turn the petcock counterclockwise to open it and allow the coolant to drain into the drop pan.
3. Slide the drain pan underneath the Escape's radiator. Climb underneath with the rag and pliers. Locate the petcock on the bottom rear outer edge of the radiator and center the drain pan directly below the petcock.
