engine coolant FORD F150 2009 12.G User Guide
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•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or equivalent
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or an
equivalent product meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44-D, or DEX-COOLbrand with the
factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine
Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product such as
DEX-COOLbrand with your factory filled coolant can result in
degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
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Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
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Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•
The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot) area.
•The mini message center (if equipped) will indicate “Check Gauges”,
refer toWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•Thelight will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Brake fluidBetween
MIN/MAX on
brake fluid
reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
4.6L engine oil 6.0 quarts (5.7L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
1
XO-5W20–QSP (US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930–A and API
Certification Mark 5.4L engine oil 7.0 quarts (6.6L)
4.6L 2V engine coolant16.4 quarts
(15.5L)
Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
2
VC-7–B /
WSS-M97B51–A1 4.6L 3V engine coolant15.8 quarts
(15.0L)
5.4L engine coolant16.9 quarts
(16.0L)
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
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Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Fuel tank
Reg. Cab 8’ box /
SuperCab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 8’ box26.0 gallons
(98.4L) Standard
36.0 gallons
(136.2L) Optional——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 1/4-9/16 inch (6-14 mm) below the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A, for complete fill of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.4Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to the bottom of the filler hole with the
vehicle on a level surface.5Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and is considered lubricated
for life. These lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service
is required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be
changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transfer case to the bottom of the filler hole
with the vehicle on a level surface.7Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling system, actual refill capacities
will vary based on vehicle application and transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size,
cooling lines, auxiliary cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should
be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.8Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................74
AdvanceTrac ..............................271
Air cleaner filter ...............386, 389
Air conditioning ........41, 44, 46, 49
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................41
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................178–179, 186, 189
and child safety seats ............180
description ..............179, 186, 189
disposal ....................................192
driver airbag ....179, 181, 187, 190
indicator light .........182, 188, 191
operation .........179, 181, 187, 190
passenger
airbag ...............179, 181, 187, 190
side airbag ...............................186
Ambulance packages ....................7
AM/FM .........................................24
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................362
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................269
Anti-theft system ......................140
arming the system ..................141
Armrests ....................................147
Audio system (see Radio) ...22, 24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................283, 286
fluid, adding ....................383, 385
fluid, checking ................383, 385
fluid, refill capacities ..............390
fluid, specification ..................390
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....32Axle
lubricant specifications ..........390
refill capacities ........................390
B
Battery .......................................360
acid, treating emergencies .....360
jumping a disabled battery ....328
maintenance-free ....................360
replacement, specifications ...389
servicing ..................................360
Belt-Minder.............................173
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................176
Booster seats .............................210
Brakes ........................................269
anti-lock ...................................269
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................270
fluid, checking and adding ....382
fluid, refill capacities ..............390
fluid, specifications .................390
lubricant specifications ..........390
parking ....................................270
shift interlock ..................278, 281
trailer .......................................254
Bulbs ............................................59
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....390
Cargo management system ......119
CD ................................................24
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................319
Child safety seats ......................196
attaching with tether straps ..206
in front seat ....................197, 203
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in rear seat ......................197, 203
LATCH .....................................204
recommendations ...................194
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................210
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............345
instrument panel ....................347
interior .....................................348
plastic parts ............................346
safety belts ..............................348
washing ....................................343
waxing .....................................344
wheels ......................................344
wiper blades ............................346
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .....................41, 44, 46, 49
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................25
AM/FM Stereo ...........................23
Compass, electronic ....................68
calibration .................................69
set zone adjustment .................69
Console ........................................68
overhead ....................................73
Controls
power seat ...............................149
steering column ........................83
Coolant
checking and adding ..............362
refill capacities ................366, 390
specifications ..........................390
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................80
Customer Assistance ................309
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................339Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............340
Getting roadside assistance ...309
Getting the service you
need .........................................335
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................341
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................339
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................56
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors ...........................44, 46, 49
windshield .....................44, 46, 49
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................383, 385
engine oil .................................357
Driving under special
conditions ..................289, 300, 303
sand .........................................301
snow and ice ...........................304
through water .................302, 305
E
Electronic message
center ...................................89, 100
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................328
running out of fuel .........328, 374
Emission control system ..........379
Engine ........................................394
cleaning ...................................345
coolant .....................................362
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