Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Draining
WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated it must be recycled or disposed of correctly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine or cooling system damage.
CAUTION: Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine or cooling system damage.
NOTE: Less than 80% of the coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
1. Make sure the engine is cool.
2. Wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the degas bottle. Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise until the pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn and remove the cap.
5. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Drain the coolant.
^ Tighten the radiator draincock when finished.
Filling and Bleeding with RADKITPLUS
1. Using the special tool, install the RADKITPLUS and follow the RADKITPLUS manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.
Filling and Bleeding without RADKITPLUS
CAUTION: Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine or cooling system damage.
CAUTION: Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine or cooling system damage.
When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and engine coolant.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
^ Do not add orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
^ Do not add alcohol, methanol or brine, or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
^ Do not mix with recycled coolant. Use of such coolant may harm the engine and cooling system components.
1. Fill the radiator through the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the COOLANT FILL LEVEL marks.
2. On the electronic manual temperature control (EMTC), move the temperature blend selector to the full WARM position. On the electronic automatic temperature control (EATC), set the temperature to 32° C (90° F).
3. Run the engine at idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Add the correct coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is at the upper COOLANT FILL LEVEL mark.
5. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 until the degas bottle level is correct, with the engine cool.
7. CAUTION: If the air discharge remains cool and the engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, the engine coolant level is low in the engine and must be filled. Stop the engine, allow it to cool and fill the cooling system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine or cooling system damage.
Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air at the A/C vents.
8. Start the engine and allow it to idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. While the engine is idling, feel for hot air from the A/C vents.
^ Hot air should discharge from the A/C vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose should feel hot to the touch.
9. Shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
10. Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and fill it as necessary.
11. Repeat Steps 7 through 10 as necessary.
12. Check the cooling system for leaks.
13. Install the pressure relief cap to the degas bottle.