Engine Cooling: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE: Early build vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Late build vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the coolant. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTE: If cooling system stop leak pellets are used, Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant may darken from yellow to golden tan.

NOTE: During normal vehicle operation, Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant may change color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.

The cooling system components are the:

block heater (if equipped).
radiator.
bypass tube.
pressure relief cap.
degas bottle.
radiator draincock.
coolant pump.
coolant temperature indicator sender unit.
thermostat housing.
auxiliary coolant flow pump, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL article for removal and installation and CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS - HYBRID article for diagnostics.

The degas bottle has 2 reservoirs and 2 pressure relief caps. The front (larger) reservoir and pressure relief cap are part of the engine cooling system. The rear (smaller) reservoir and pressure relief cap are part of the Motor Electronics Cooling System (MECS). The 2 reservoirs are separate and both cooling systems are independent of each other. For information on the MECS , refer to TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION COOLING - HYBRID article.

Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, maintain the engine coolant 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. A coolant concentration of 50% will provide freeze point protection down to -37°C (-34°F).

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

NOTE: If cooling system stop leak pellets are used, Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant may darken from yellow to golden tan.

Add Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant or Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Use the same type of coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.
Do not add or mix different coolant types. Mixing coolants degrades 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.
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles equipped with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant or Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.