Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding: Draining

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

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.

NOTE: 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. Using contaminated coolant may result in damage to the engine or cooling system components.

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: Always fill the cooling system with the manufacturer's specified coolant. Chemically flush the cooling system if a non-specified coolant has been used. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING in this service information. 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.

NOTE: Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING article.
Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one-half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
Remove the 7 retainers and the LH splash shields.

Fig 1: Locating LH Splash Shields Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock.
- Open the draincock and allow to drain.
- Close the draincock after draining.