WARNING:
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not put coolant in the windshield washer reservoir. If sprayed on the windshield, coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The cooling system is under pressure. Steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when you loosen the cap slightly.
WARNING:
Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark. |
When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of the coolant at the intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance information. See
Scheduled Maintenance.
Note:
Make sure that the coolant level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the coolant reservoir.
Note:
Coolant expands when it is hot.The level may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within 48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C). Check the coolant concentration using a refractometer. We do not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test strips for measuring coolant concentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING:
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury. |
Note:
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable.Do not use coolant or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle location.
Note:
Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants, or additives as they can cause damage to the engine cooling or heating systems.Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification to avoid plugging the small passageways in the engine cooling system. See
Capacities and Specifications - 6.7L Diesel.
Do not mix different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using an incorrect coolant may harm the engine or cooling system components and may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:
Coolants marketed for all makes and models may not be approved to our specifications and may cause damage to the cooling system.Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, immediately add prediluted coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery reservoir when the engine is cool. Add prediluted coolant to the maximum level. For all vehicles which have a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator, follow these steps to add engine coolant:
- Turn the engine off and let it cool.
- Slowly unscrew the cap. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
- Slowly fill the coolant reservoir with prediluted engine coolant to within the minimum and maximum range on the engine coolant reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator until the coolant is visible and the radiator is almost full. If you add coolant to bring the level within the minimum and maximum range when the engine is not cold, the system may remain under filled.
- Replace the coolant reservoir cap and turn it clockwise until you feel a strong resistance.
- Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive your vehicle. If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant level to the proper level.
Note:
If prediluted coolant is not available, use the approved antifreeze concentrate diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Capacities and Specifications - 6.7L Diesel.
Using water that has not been deionized may contribute to deposit formation, corrosion or plugging of the small cooling system passageways. If you have to add more than
1.1 qt (1 L) of engine coolant per month, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
In case of emergency, you can add a large amount of water without prediluted coolant in order to reach a vehicle service location. On arrival do the following:
- Drain the cooling system.
- Chemically clean the cooling system. We recommend Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush.
- Refill with prediluted coolant as soon as possible.
Water alone, without prediluted coolant, can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant substitute:
- Alcohol.
- Methanol.
- Brine.
- Any coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or non-specified additives to the coolant. These can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the coolant.
Engine and Secondary Cooling System Refill Procedure
Perform this procedure when refilling the engine or secondary cooling systems after it has been drained or become extremely low:
- Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
- When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
- Step back when the pressure releases.
- When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn the cap counterclockwise and then remove it.
- Slowly add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoir until the coolant level is within the minimum and maximum range as listed on the reservoir.
- Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
- Start and run the engine at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes.
- Shut the engine off, and remove the pressure relief cap as previously outlined.
- If required, add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoir until the coolant level is within the minimum and maximum range as listed on the reservoir.
- Engine cooling system: Repeat steps 5 through 9 until the coolant level has stabilized and 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.
- Check the secondary cooling system. Repeat steps 1 through 10 until the coolant level has stabilized and is no longer dropping after each step and the lower passenger side of the secondary radiator is warm to the touch, indicating secondary thermostat is open and coolant is flowing through the entire system.
- Check the coolant level in both systems before you drive your vehicle the next few times.
- If necessary, add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoirs until the coolant level is within the minimum and maximum range as listed on the reservoir. After you add coolant, check the coolant concentration.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled coolant as an approved recycling process is not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in an appropriate manner.Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
- It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%.
- A coolant concentration of 60% provides improved freeze point protection.Coolant concentrations above 60% decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the coolant and may cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
- You can decrease the coolant concentration to 40%.
- Coolant concentrations below 40% decrease the freeze and corrosion protection characteristics of the coolant and may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine protection.
Coolant Change
Follow the specific mileage intervals, as listed in the scheduled maintenance information, to change the coolant. The information display may display a message to change coolant at this time. Add prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification. See
Capacities and Specifications.
Engine-driven Cooling Fan
Your vehicle may have an engine driven cooling fan drive also called a fan clutch. This fan drive changes the fan speed to match the vehicle’s changing cooling air flow requirements. Fan speed, fan noise level and fuel consumption all will increase based on the driving conditions that include trailer towing, hill climbing, heavy loads, high speed and high ambient temperature, individually or in combination.
The fan drive is designed to provide the minimum fan speed and resulting minimum fan noise and fuel consumption required to meet the ever-changing vehicle cooling air flow requirements. You can hear the amount of fan noise increasing and decreasing as the engine power requirements and vehicle driving conditions change as you drive. This is normal to the operation of your vehicle. You may also hear high levels of the fan when the engine is first started and should normally decrease after driving for a short time.