•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of recycled engine coolantsection).
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system(s) are under pressure; steam and hot liquid can
come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and distilled water to the cooling
system(s) by following these steps:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Engine and secondary cooling system refill procedure
The following procedure should be used when refilling the engine or
secondary cooling systems after it has been drained or become extremely
low.
1. Remove the pressure relief cap from the engine or secondary coolant
reservoir as previously outlined.
2. Slowly add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water to the
coolant reservoir until the coolant level is within the COLD FILL RANGE
as listed on the reservoir.
3. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
4. Start and run the engine at 2,000 rpm for 2 minutes.
5. Shut engine off, and remove the pressure relief cap as previously
outlined.
6. If required, add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water to the
coolant reservoir until the coolant level is within the COLD FILL RANGE
as listed on the reservoir.
7. Engine cooling system: Repeat Step 3 until the coolant level has
stabilized (is no longer dropping after each step) AND the upper radiator
hose at the radiator is warm to the touch (indicating that the engine
thermostat is open and coolant is flowing through the radiator).
Secondary cooling system: Repeat Step 3 until the coolant level has
stabilized (is no longer dropping after each step) AND the lower
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passenger side of the secondary radiator is warm to the touch
(indicating secondary thermostat is open and coolant is flowing
through the entire system).
8. Reinstall the pressure relief cap. Shut the engine off and let it cool.
9. Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle
the next few times (with the engine cool).
10. If necessary, add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water to the
coolant reservoir until the coolant level is within the COLD FILL RANGE
as listed on the reservoir. After any coolant has been added, check the
coolant concentration. SeeEngine and secondary cooling system
coolantearlier. If the concentration is not 50/50 (protection to
–34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may
take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of coolant and distilled water
to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Coolant additives
At specific mileage intervals of 15,000 miles (24,000 km), as listed in the
scheduled maintenance informationchapter, the coolant additive
should be checked. The optional message center, if equipped, will also
display the messageCHECK COOLANT ADDITIVEat this time. The
purpose of checking is to verify the correct concentration (freeze point
protection) and additive strength (corrosion inhibitor) levels of the
coolant for maximum engine performance and protection. Three
products are available for ensuring the life and health of the coolant: two
test kits and a coolant inhibitor additive:
•Rotunda 328-00007 (Matthew’s Water CoolCheck) – Evaluates water
quality (hardness, chloride, and pH) for 50/50 mixture of coolant and
distilled water. Use distilled water. If distilled water is unavailable,
water meeting the requirements of Rotunda 328-00007, is sufficient
for vehicle use. Using water that fails to meet the requirements can
lead to coolant passage scaling and degrade the engine’s durability and
performance.
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