What coolant does the Ford EcoBoost use?
Ford EcoBoost engines typically run on Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant, a long-life HOAT coolant designed for Ford engines. It is usually used in a 50/50 mix with distilled water, but always verify the exact specification for your model year and market in the owner’s manual.
Understanding Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant is Ford’s recommended coolant for most modern vehicles, including EcoBoost-powered models. It uses Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) and is silicate-free, helping protect aluminum components and reduce varnish buildup. It’s formulated for a long service life when used as directed.
Key features include:
- Type: HOAT coolant, silicate-free
- Material compatibility: designed for aluminum engine components and cooling systems
- Service life: typically up to 5 years or 150,000 miles under normal service
- Color: gold/amber tint (marketed as Premium Gold)
- Mix: available pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water, or as specified by Ford for your climate
These features align with Ford’s long-life maintenance approach for EcoBoost engines and help ensure reliable corrosion protection, temperature stability, and cooling performance.
Alternatives and compatibility
While Motorcraft Premium Gold is the standard recommendation for most Ford EcoBoost engines, there are market- and model-year variations. Some older EcoBoosts or vehicles in certain regions may have used other HOAT formulations in the past. Always follow the specification printed on the radiator cap, coolant reservoir, or the owner’s manual. Mixing different coolant types can reduce protection and potentially cause issues.
Key considerations when dealing with alternate coolants:
- Ford’s current guidance generally prefers Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant for EcoBoost engines
- Avoid mixing different chemistries (for example, Dex-Cool with Premium Gold) unless explicitly permitted by service documentation
- If you change coolant types, perform a full system flush to prevent incompatibility problems
Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion, gasket damage, or reduced cooling efficiency, so always verify the exact specification for your vehicle’s year and region and consult a dealer if unsure.
Dex-Cool compatibility and model-year variations
Dex-Cool—the orange coolant originally used by GM—is not generally recommended for Ford EcoBoost engines. Some very early or region-specific vehicles may have used Dex-Cool, but Ford’s current official guidance emphasizes Motorcraft Premium Gold or another Ford-approved HOAT coolant. If your reservoir or service label indicates Dex-Cool or you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual or a Ford service professional before topping up or replacing coolant.
In many cases, switching to Ford’s recommended Premium Gold requires a drain-and-fill service to ensure proper mixing and complete system cleansing.
How to confirm which coolant your EcoBoost uses
To be certain of the exact coolant specification for your specific EcoBoost model, use these steps:
- Check the owner’s manual for the approved coolant specification and service interval
- Inspect the coolant reservoir cap or label for the indicated coolant type
- Contact a Ford dealer or an authorized service center with your VIN for precise guidance
Following the correct specification helps maintain warranty coverage and optimal cooling system performance.
Maintenance tips and top-up guidelines
Always maintain the recommended 50/50 mix unless Ford specifies a different ratio for your climate and vehicle. Use distilled water if you need to dilute or top up. Do not mix incompatible coolants unless explicitly permitted by Ford documentation. If you suspect contamination or overheating, seek service promptly.
- Use Ford-approved Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or an equivalent Ford-approved HOAT coolant
- Prepare a 50/50 premixed solution with distilled water unless a different ratio is specified by Ford for your climate
- Avoid mixing with Dex-Cool or other non-approved formulas unless explicitly allowed by Ford’s service guidance
Regular checks during service intervals, including radiator hoses for leaks and cap integrity, help prevent overheating and engine damage.
Summary
For Ford EcoBoost engines, the standard coolant is Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant, a silicate-free HOAT coolant with a long-life design. Use a 50/50 mix with distilled water and follow the specification in your owner’s manual for your exact year and region. While Premium Gold is typically recommended, some older models or international markets may have used different formulations; always verify the correct coolant type with the manual or a Ford service professional. Proper coolant choice and maintenance protect the cooling system and engine performance over time.
