Filling and Bleeding without Radiator Refiller
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Filling and Bleeding without RADIATOR REFILLER
NOTICE: 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 in the degas bottle.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- NOTICE: Genuine Mazda(R) Extended Life Coolant and Motorcraft(R) Specialty Green Engine Coolant are very sensitive to light. Do NOT allow these products to be exposed to ANY LIGHT for more than a day or two. Extended light exposure causes these products to degrade.
Add the correct coolant type to the engine cooling system. Early build vehicle (built before July 6, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Late build vehicle (built on or after July 6, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft(R) Specialty Green Engine Coolant. Mixing different coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the original coolant. Do not mix any type of coolants.
- 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.
- Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles.
- Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow the community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
NOTE: Stop-leak style pellets/products must not be used as an additive in this engine cooling system. The addition of stop-leak style pellets/products can clog or damage the cooling system, resulting in degraded cooling system performance and/or failure.
2.5L engine
1. Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the back of the engine coolant outlet.
3.0L engine
2. Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the top of the coolant pump housing.
2.5L and 3.0L engines
3. NOTE: Make sure the coolant flows from the radiator through the upper radiator hose and fills the engine. When full, coolant should flow from the bleed hole.
Fill the degas bottle to the MAX fill line.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
4. Close the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve.
5. NOTICE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes (3.0L), 30 minutes (2.5L) or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
6. Allow the engine to cool and repeat Step 3 if necessary.
7. Start the engine and turn the heater to the MAX position.
8. NOTICE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Run the engine at 2,500 rpm for 10 minutes.
9. Repeat Step 8 if necessary.
10. 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.
Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.
3.5L engine
11. Open the degas bottle cap and fill the degas bottle to the MAX fill line.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
12. Close the degas bottle cap.
13. NOTICE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Start the engine and let idle for 10 minutes or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
14. Repeat Step 13 if necessary.
15. Start the engine and turn the heater to the MAX position.
16. NOTICE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the engine.
Idle engine until the fan turns on, indicating the thermostat is fully open.
1. Increase engine speed to 2,500 rpm for 30 seconds.
2. Idle engine for 2 minutes.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 five times.
17. Repeat Step 16 if necessary.
18. 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.
Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and fill as necessary.