When did Ford discontinue orange coolant?
Ford discontinued the use of orange-colored coolant in its vehicles in the early 2000s. The company transitioned to a different coolant formula and color to improve the performance and longevity of its cooling systems.
The Shift Away from Orange Coolant
For many years, Ford vehicles used an orange-colored engine coolant, which was a traditional silicate-based formula. However, this type of coolant had some drawbacks, including a shorter lifespan and potential compatibility issues with certain engine components. In the early 2000s, Ford made the decision to move away from orange coolant and adopt a new, longer-lasting formula.
The Benefits of the New Coolant
The new coolant formula used by Ford is typically green or yellow in color, and it is based on an organic acid technology (OAT) rather than the older silicate-based approach. This new coolant offers several advantages:
- Longer service life - The OAT coolant can last up to 5 years or 150,000 miles before needing to be replaced, compared to the 2-3 year lifespan of the previous orange coolant.
- Improved compatibility - The new formula is less corrosive and better suited for modern engine materials and components.
- Enhanced cooling performance - The OAT coolant provides more efficient heat transfer, helping to keep engines running at optimal temperatures.
By transitioning to this new coolant, Ford was able to improve the overall reliability and longevity of its vehicles' cooling systems.
The Phaseout of Orange Coolant
The exact timeline for Ford's phaseout of orange coolant varied by model and year, but the company had largely completed the transition by the mid-2000s. Older Ford vehicles that still used the orange coolant could continue to do so, but the company recommended switching to the new green/yellow formula during routine maintenance or coolant flushes.
Today, Ford's use of the OAT-based coolant is the industry standard, and most major automakers have followed suit in moving away from traditional silicate-based coolants.
Is Ford orange coolant superseded?
Ford orange now gone. You can use the Ford yellow and ad it to a system currently using the orange. I just did a super flush on my 3.7 and switched to yellow.
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.
What coolant does Ford recommend?
Motorcraft® antifreeze/coolants meet specific Ford Motor Company engineering standards. They have been subjected to extensive in-vehicle testing in the applications for which they have been approved.
Is Ford orange coolant still available?
Yes, you can use the yellow coolant because Ford discontinued the orange and sapped over to using the yellow around 2019.
What replaces Motorcraft orange coolant?
It is replaced by yellow.
Is it OK to use Dexcool in a Ford?
Designed to work with all GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM ®-approved), most Ford ® vehicles 2011-2018 and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer.
Can you mix universal coolant with orange coolant?
If you mix coolant colors, you can come across two different opinions. Some people do not see anything bad with it, as long as the type of coolant matches the one already in the system. However, according to experts, it is best not to mix different coolant colors - just for safety.
What is Ford orange called?
Grabber Orange | 2007-09 Mustangs
An ode to the classic Grabber Orange Mustangs, Ford brought back the iconic bright orange paint scheme to the 2007-2009 Mustangs.
What color is Ford coolant?
Motorcraft® Premium, Gold and Orange Antifreeze/Coolants are now available pre- mixed 50/50 with deionized water. The 50/50 mixture helps ensure vehicles get optimal corrosion, freeze and overheat protection and minimizes possible mix errors by technicians.
When did Ford switch to orange coolant?
The Green P-OAT coolant was Ford's first Phosphate-based coolant but it wasn't the most durable Motorcraft product and would degrade quite rapidly when exposed to sunlight. The blue oval brand has been using its Orange OAT coolant since 2011 but it has now been completely cut out of circulation.
