Cooling System Precautions

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Never remove pressure relief cap while engine is operating or when cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to cooling system or engine, or personal injury. To avoid scalding hot coolant or steam blown out of degas bottle when removing pressure relief cap, wait until engine cools, then wrap a thick cloth around pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while pressure is released from cooling system. When all pressure has been released, still using cloth, turn and remove pressure relief cap.

CAUTION: Coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If coolant is contaminated, it must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (Yellow color). Always fill cooling system with same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.

Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level in the degas bottle. When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water.

Do not add orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-2, or equivalent meeting WSS-M97B44-D. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.

Do not add alcohol, methanol, brine, or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.

NOTE: Addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from Yellow to Golden Tan.

NOTE: Less than 80 percent of coolant capacity can be recovered with engine in vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant should be drained and filled with NEW coolant.