Filling and Bleeding with Vacuum Cooling System Filler

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before filling the cooling system, evaluate the cooling system condition. For additional information, refer to Cooling System Condition Evaluation . Failure to follow these instructions can damage the cooling system.

NOTE: Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of Motorcraft® Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the cooling system.

NOTE: Coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, corrosion protection and cooling efficiency to the cooling system components. In order to obtain these protections, maintain the coolant at the correct concentration and fluid level. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the cooling system.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:

Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolants degrades the coolant corrosion protection.
Do not add alcohol, methanol or brine, or any coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause cooling system damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not mix with recycled coolant. Use of such coolant may harm the cooling system components.

NOTE: Filling the cooling system with a vacuum cooling system filler is the preferred method.

NOTE: With the engine cold, fill vehicles to within the cold fill range shown on the degas bottle. This fill level allows for coolant expansion. Overfilling the degas bottle may result in damage to the pressure cap, which can cause the cooling system to overheat.

Fig 1: Installing Vacuum Cooling System Filler

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the vacuum cooling system filler and follow the tool manufacturer instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 engine coolant to distilled water.
- For extremely cold climates (less than -37°C [-34°F]):
  - It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%.
  - NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
  - Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
  - A coolant concentration of 60% provides freeze point protection down to -50°C (-58°F).
  - Engine coolant concentration above 60% will decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may damage the engine.
- For extremely hot climates:
  - It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration above 40%.
  - NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
  - Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
  - A coolant concentration of 40% provides freeze point protection down to -26°C (-15F).
  - Engine coolant concentration below 40% will decrease the corrosion and freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may damage the engine.
- Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system and engine protection.