Check coolant additive
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 5
From: North Shore MA
Check coolant additive
Got a "check coolant additive" message in my message center, but the owner's manual isn't too helpful explaining what it means or what I should do. Any advice?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 20,130
Likes: 15,858
From: Wisconsin
Go to the dealer and have them test your coolant with the test strips. The integrity of the coolant is very important. Per the Ford flyer:
Motorcraft Coolant
Different engines require different chemical concentrations in
their coolant. Proper levels of nitrite and silicate are what give
Motorcraft coolant its ability to protect your Power Stroke Diesel
engine. Many other coolants do not have the necessary nitrite
and silicate levels. Silicates and nitrites protect against:
Corrosion and clogging of aluminum
(oil coolers & EGR coolers)
Cavitation on cylinder walls
their coolant. Proper levels of nitrite and silicate are what give
Motorcraft coolant its ability to protect your Power Stroke Diesel
engine. Many other coolants do not have the necessary nitrite
and silicate levels. Silicates and nitrites protect against:
Corrosion and clogging of aluminum
(oil coolers & EGR coolers)
Cavitation on cylinder walls
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,456
Likes: 4,953
These trucks use a coolant that contains anti corrosion agents that periodically need to be replenished.
Ford sells a kit with test strips to check it, and it tells you how much to add.
You just drain a little coolant from the petcock to test it.
Ford sells a kit with test strips to check it, and it tells you how much to add.
You just drain a little coolant from the petcock to test it.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 5
From: North Shore MA
Yeah, I believe it pops up every 15000 miles. If I just open the coolant reservoir cap and "pretend" to check the quality, do you think it will go away? Or does it have to be reset electronically?
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 17
Mine came on for the second time when hauling my fiver to Florida in March. I had 28K miles on it at the time. Took it to a local dealer down there just to be safe and they explained that it senses when you're towing, and if you tow a lot, it will come on more often.
I didn't buy that explanation, but for the $23 they charged to check everything while I got a 'free' breakfast at their dealership a thousand miles from home, I figured better to be safe than sorry.
It can be turned reset through the message center on the dash.
I didn't buy that explanation, but for the $23 they charged to check everything while I got a 'free' breakfast at their dealership a thousand miles from home, I figured better to be safe than sorry.
It can be turned reset through the message center on the dash.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post