Coolant Test

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations, refer to OEM COLOR CODING

Inspection 

1. • Change in color of coolant may indicate that incorrect coolant may have been added to the system. Use of incorrect coolant degrades the corrosion protection. The addition of Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant or Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant to the Motorcraft® Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant may cause the color to appear light green. Addition of Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant may cause the color to appear light orange. The addition of Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant or Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant to the Motorcraft® Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant may cause the color to appear light green to murky green-brown. The addition of Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant, however, may not change the color or appearance of yellow-colored coolants. Detection of contamination with Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant is determined by the presence of nitrite. If contamination with Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant is suspected, test the coolant with the 3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit. Follow the nitrite testing directions in the kit to determine if nitrite is present in the system. If nitrite is present, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and the relevant Motorcraft® Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to: Powertrain Secondary Cooling System Flushing - Without Fuel Contamination .
   • A darker yellow with the presence of debris could indicate a commercially available stop leak may have been used and could result in loss of coolant flow to critical parts of the engine. If sediment is present in the coolant sample, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to: Powertrain Secondary Cooling System Flushing - Without Fuel Contamination .
   • A light or reddish brown color indicates that rust may be present in the cooling system. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to: Powertrain Secondary Cooling System Flushing - Without Fuel Contamination .
   • An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of fuel is entering the system. Install a new fuel cooler. For additional information, refer to FUEL CHARGING AND CONTROLS - 6.7L POWER STROKE DIESEL Flush the cooling system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to: Powertrain Secondary Cooling System Flushing - With Fuel Contamination .
   • A reddish or milky pink color could indicate that transmission fluid is entering the cooling system. Install a new transmission fluid cooler. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION COOLING Flush the cooling system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. Refer to: Powertrain Secondary Cooling System Flushing - With Fuel Contamination .
   1. Inspect the coolant color:

2. For the shaded area, drain the quantity listed and fill the cooling system with undiluted Motorcraft® Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. For the unshaded area, drain the quantity listed and fill the cooling system with distilled water.

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

3. For the shaded area, drain the quantity listed and fill the cooling system with undiluted Motorcraft® Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. For the unshaded area, drain the quantity listed and fill the cooling system with distilled water.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY