What type of coolant does a 2014 F150 take?
The short answer: use Ford-approved long-life coolant, specifically Motorcraft Premium Gold Extended Life Coolant (or an equivalent that meets Ford specifications), mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Always verify with the owner’s manual or a Ford dealer.
Understanding the coolant requirement for the 2014 F-150
The 2014 Ford F-150 relies on a long-life coolant designed for Ford engines. Using the wrong type can lead to overheating, corrosion, or deposits in the cooling system. Ford generally recommends Motorcraft coolant or any brand that meets Ford specifications for your model year. Do not substitute random green or non-Ford formulas unless they clearly state compatibility with Ford cooling-system specifications. The typical fill is a 50/50 premix (coolant to distilled water) for proper freezing and boiling protection.
Before listing the specific options, here’s what you need to know about compatibility and standards:
- Motorcraft Premium Gold Extended Life Coolant (50/50 premixed) is the go-to option recommended by Ford for many 2011–2017 F-150 models. It is formulated to protect Ford cooling systems and corrosion-control needs.
- Any brand that explicitly meets Ford specifications (often noted as Ford WSS-M97B51-A1 or WSS-M97B44-D2) is acceptable as an alternative to Motorcraft. These designations indicate compatibility with Ford engines and cooling-system materials.
- If the vehicle has previously been serviced with a non-Ford coolant (e.g., Dex-Cool or other brands), consider a complete flush and refill with Ford-approved coolant to avoid mix-related issues. Always consult a dealer or service manual if you’re unsure.
Concluding note: When converting or refilling, use distilled water if you’re mixing concentrates, never tap water, and adhere to a 50/50 ratio unless a Ford manual specifies a different concentration for your region or engine variant.
Maintenance tips and best practices
Keeping the cooling system in good shape involves regular checks and following the manufacturer’s replacement schedule. The tips below help prevent overheating and costly repairs.
- Regularly check the coolant level when the engine is cold and inspect the reservoir markings (Full/Low).
- Inspect hoses, clamps, and the radiator for signs of wear, cracks, leaks, or swelling.
- Follow Ford’s coolant-change intervals for your specific model and region; many 5-year/150,000-mile schedules apply to Gold/extended-life coolants.
- Always use the correct coolant type and avoid mixing different brands or formulas unless they are explicitly compatible with Ford specifications.
- When refilling, use distilled water if you’re mixing concentrates to maintain proper chemistry and prevent mineral deposits.
Concluding maintenance: Using the correct Ford-approved coolant and adhering to replacement schedules helps protect the cooling system, prevents overheating, and preserves engine longevity.
Summary
The 2014 Ford F-150 requires Ford-approved long-life coolant, typically Motorcraft Premium Gold Extended Life Coolant or any brand that explicitly meets Ford specification (such as WSS-M97B51-A1 or WSS-M97B44-D2). Use a 50/50 premix with distilled water unless your manual specifies otherwise, and always verify compatibility with your exact engine and region. When in doubt, consult a Ford dealer or trusted service provider.
