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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 2359 (Engine Cooling System (Hybrid)) >> General Procedures >> Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding >> Material >> Filling and Bleeding without RADIATOR REFILLER

Filling and Bleeding without RADIATOR REFILLER

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan 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, 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 your community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
  1. Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the top of the engine coolant outlet.
    Fig 1: Locating Engine Coolant Outlet
    G06272355Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Fill the degas bottle to the COLD FILL RANGE line.
    NOTE: Make sure the coolant flows from the radiator through the upper radiator hose and fills the engine.
    • 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.
  3. Close the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve.
  4. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 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 to the cold fill range line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
  5. Turn the heater to the MAX position
  6. Start the engine and run at 2,500 to 3,000 rpm for 30 seconds. Let idle at 1,000 rpm for 1 minute. Repeat this 7 or 8 times or 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 to the cold fill range line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
  7. Repeat step  6 if necessary.
  8. 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.
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