Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding: Draining

WARNING: When releasing the system pressure, cover the pressure relief cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of coolant scalding. Failure to follow this instruction can result in personal injury.

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

CAUTION: All vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or equivalent. Always refill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.

NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.

Release the cooling system pressure by slowly turning the pressure relief cap a quarter of a turn.
Remove the pressure relief cap when all the pressure has been released.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Remove the retainers and the engine undershield.

Fig 1: Locating Retainers And Engine Undershield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Drain the coolant into a suitable container.

Fig 2: Locating Radiator Drain Valve

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Open the radiator drain valve to drain the coolant.
Close the drain valve when all the coolant has been drained from the system.
Install the retainers and the engine under shield.

Fig 3: Locating Retainers And Engine Undershield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.