Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Materials 

Draining 

1. WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure, refer to Safety Warnings in General Information. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

   Refer to: Engine Cooling System Health and Safety Precautions .

2. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .

3. Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

4. NOTE: Be prepared to capture escaping fluid.

   Use the General Equipment: Hose Clamp Remover/Installer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Filling 

1. Use the General Equipment: Hose Clamp Remover/Installer

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

2. Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

3. NOTE: Remove the 2 bolts from the SOBDMC/ TCM coolant expansion tank and raise the front of the reservoir to about a 30 degree angle. This will speed the initial fill process and ensure adequate initial fill volume.

   Angle: 30 °

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

4. NOTE: Verify that all of the SOBDMC/ TCM electrical connections are fully engaged. This is to avoid any fluid spillage into the connector openings.

   Fill the coolant expansion tank until air bubbles stop entering the tank from the SOBDMC/ TCM.

   Material: Motorcraft ® Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant / VC-3DIL-B (WSS-M97B44-D2)

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

5. Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Bleeding 

1. Place transmission selector in park.
2. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal and START button until the ready to drive indicator is illuminated.
   NOTE: The gas engine may or may not start.

   Confirm the SOBDMC/ TCM coolant pump is running by feeling for vibration at the pump.

3. Watch for air bubbles in the coolant expansion tank for the SOBDMC/ TCM. Add coolant to the coolant expansion tank if the level falls below the MIN mark. Bleeding is complete when bubbling stops.

   Material: Motorcraft ® Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant / VC-3DIL-B (WSS-M97B44-D2)

4. Turn off ignition. Check and fill the coolant expansion tank until the coolant level is between the MIN and MAX marks.

   Material: Motorcraft ® Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant / VC-3DIL-B (WSS-M97B44-D2)

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 if necessary.