Filling and Bleeding without RADIATOR REFILLER

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: 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.

To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:

Add the correct coolant type to the engine cooling system. Early build vehicle (built before July 6, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Late build vehicle (built on or after July 6, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant. Mixing different coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the original coolant. Do not mix any type of coolants.
Do not add alcohol, methanol or brine, or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow the community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.

NOTE: Stop-leak style pellets/products must not be used as an additive in this engine cooling system. The addition of stop-leak style pellets/products can clog or damage the cooling system, resulting in degraded cooling system performance and/or failure.

2.5L engine

Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the back of the engine coolant outlet.

Fig 1: Locating Degas Bottle Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

3.0L engine
Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the top of the coolant pump housing.

Fig 2: Locating Degas Bottle Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

2.5L and 3.0L engines
Fill the degas bottle to the MAX fill line.
NOTE: Make sure the coolant flows from the radiator through the upper radiator hose and fills the engine. When full, coolant should flow from the bleed hole.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
Close the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve.
Start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes (3.0L), 30 minutes (2.5L) or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
NOTE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Allow the engine to cool and repeat step 3 if necessary.
Start the engine and turn the heater to the MAX position.
Run the engine at 2,500 rpm for 10 minutes.
NOTE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Repeat step 8 if necessary.
Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.
WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

3.5L engine
Open the degas bottle cap and fill the degas bottle to the MAX fill line.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
Close the degas bottle cap.
Start the engine and let idle for 10 minutes or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
NOTE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Repeat step 13 if necessary.
Start the engine and turn the heater to the MAX position.
Idle engine until the fan turns on, indicating the thermostat is fully open.
1. Increase engine speed to 2,500 rpm for 30 seconds.
2. Idle engine for 2 minutes.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 five times.
NOTE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Repeat step 16 if necessary.
Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and fill as necessary.
WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.