Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Coolant drain plug

Okay, I've been looking for this thing for a few hours now, could someone give me a more exact location than passenger side of radiator? Also, perhaps a description.

Bottom right (pass) side facing rearward, slotted screwdriver to open, it's about 1/2" diameter.

Take off the lower splash shield which is under the front bumper. You may need a large torx screwdriver or socket.

In the lower passenger corner look for a slotted or cross-slotted plastic plug. You can work a medium long screwdriver in to loosen. It has a retainer, so it doesnt fly out. Have a LARGE pan under the car, and close to the tire. The coolant will splash all over. When done, screw the plug back in snug. It will feel a little "springy", so don't over-tighten. Check for leaks after refill, and tighten more if needed. Good luck.

Al

Do I need to be under the car (and jack it up) or can I reach it from above? Still haven't found it tho, it's frusturating as hell.

Matt

There is no need to jack car. Lie on ground, head in front of pass side front tire, look left and up at rad, flashlight helpful.

How does one get the radiator drain plug out?? On my 99 4 cyl there is a solid support member just aft of the drain plug, with two pwr steering lines blocking access as well. I can't get straight access with a longer screwdriver. My stubby screwdriver wasn't adequate and a simple offset screwdriver didn't work either!

Any suggestions?

I have used vise grips on the outside of the plug to turn the drain plug when difficult access is encountered.

trob:
Not sure about I4, since mine are v6s, but I used a 12" long screwdriver over top of the structural member.

On my son's 95 Zetec there is a hose that is easy to disconnect to drain the system. It is under the coolant bottle near the bottom of the fender well. It is heater hose size, not radiator hose size. On his car it is much easier to disconnect this hose than it is to find the radiator drain.