What color of coolant does Ford use?
Ford vehicles typically use a yellow or orange-colored coolant, also known as antifreeze. This coolant is designed to protect the engine and cooling system from corrosion, overheating, and freezing. The specific color of the coolant can vary depending on the Ford model and year, but the yellow and orange hues are the most common.
Understanding Ford's Coolant Requirements
Ford recommends using a high-quality, ethylene glycol-based coolant that meets the Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D. This specification ensures the coolant is compatible with the materials and components used in Ford's cooling systems. Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to damage or premature wear of the engine and cooling system.
Types of Ford Coolant
- Yellow Coolant: This is the most common type of Ford coolant, used in many older Ford models. It is a conventional, ethylene glycol-based coolant that provides basic protection against corrosion and freezing.
- Orange Coolant: Ford has also used an orange-colored, extended-life coolant in some newer models. This coolant is designed to last longer than the traditional yellow coolant, providing up to 5 years or 150,000 miles of protection.
- Other Coolant Colors: In some cases, Ford may use a different colored coolant, such as green or blue, but these are less common and typically found in specialized applications or limited-production models.
It's important to always refer to your Ford owner's manual or consult with a Ford-certified technician to determine the correct coolant type and color for your specific vehicle.
Maintaining Your Ford's Cooling System
Proper maintenance of your Ford's cooling system is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your vehicle. This includes regularly checking the coolant level, inspecting the hoses and belts, and flushing and replacing the coolant at the recommended intervals. Neglecting the cooling system can lead to overheating, engine damage, and other costly repairs.
Can I use Ford yellow coolant instead of orange?
Longtime MOTOR readers know that the color of the coolant dye really is meaningless. Dye should help you spot a leak, but that's about it.
Does coolant color matter?
As a general rule, you shouldn't mix different types of coolant. However, nowadays, with new vehicle models, the colour of the coolant you choose doesn't always matter. Whereas on older models, using the wrong type of coolant could cause damage to the cooling system and engine.
What happens if you accidentally mix green and orange antifreeze?
Clogging: The different acids in both coolants can cause them to react, creating a gel-like substance that can clog your car's radiator and cooling system components. Mixing them can cause the formation of sludge and other deposits that affects efficiency.
Does Ford require special coolant?
Every car manufacturer, including Ford has developed its own coolant or requires a specific coolant that is unique to individual years and models.
What color coolant do Fords take?
What color coolant does Ford use? It's sizable to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are ordinarily orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow.
Can you mix Ford orange and green coolant?
The the two chemicals of Ethylene Glycol (green) and Dexcool (orange) are not compatible. When mixed together they form a gel-like substance that stops coolant flow and consequently the engine overheats.
What is Ford orange coolant?
Recommended by Ford Motor Company meeting warranty requirements. Orange-colored, longer-life, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant for use in gasoline and diesel engines, and electric motors. Provides year-round antifreeze, anti-boil and corrosion protection. Ready-to-use.
What coolant should I use for my Ford?
Ford recommends their ``Ford Gold'' coolant which is a yellow color HOAT type fluid containing a small amount of silicates, many people use it including at least one of the Techs here at FTE with no issues. I believe it has a very small amount of silicates, something like a tablespoon or less in a gallon.
What is Ford Orange coolant?
Recommended by Ford Motor Company meeting warranty requirements. Orange-colored, longer-life, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant for use in gasoline and diesel engines, and electric motors. Provides year-round antifreeze, anti-boil and corrosion protection. Ready-to-use.
Can you use universal coolant in a Ford?
The "universal" coolants may not be compatible with Ford's recommended supplemental coolant additive, Motorcraft® Diesel Cooling System Additive, VC-8, specified for use in diesel engine-equipped vehicles factory- filled with either Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant (ESE-M97B44-A) or Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/ ...
