Message center says check coolant additive
 

Anyone else see this message? I called my servicing dealer and he was unaware of the message or how to check/test this. He also did not think it was a warranty issue. Any help out there will be appreciated.

Thanks

Per my 6.7 diesel supplement. Page 48:
Coolant additives
At specific mileage intervals of 15,000 miles (24,000 km), as listed in the
scheduled maintenance information chapter, the coolant additive
should be checked. The optional message center, if equipped, will also
display the message CHECK COOLANT ADDITIVE at this time. The
purpose of checking is to verify the correct concentration (freeze point
protection) and additive strength (corrosion inhibitor) levels of the
coolant for maximum engine performance and protection. Three
products are available for ensuring the life and health of the coolant: two
test kits and a coolant inhibitor additive:
• Rotunda 328-00007 (Matthew’s Water CoolCheck) – Evaluates water
quality (hardness, chloride, and pH) for 50/50 mixture of coolant and
distilled water. Use distilled water. If distilled water is unavailable,
water meeting the requirements of Rotunda 328-00007, is sufficient
for vehicle use. Using water that fails to meet the requirements can
lead to coolant passage scaling and degrade the engine’s durability and
performance.
Maintenance and Specifications
48
2011 Diesel

Thanks. Is the testing covered under warranty?

Hey Ric, if the truck is under the 3 yr./ 36,000 mile initial warranty the radio should be covered for leaking oil. If they don't know how to check it how can they say it isn't covered. The only thing they are covering is their ignorance.

I highly doubt it would be covered by warranty...it's just regular maintenance, like an oil change. You should have your vehicle serviced at 15,000 miles according to the maintenance schedule.

That is something they should be looking at when they do the 15K servicing (for a fee of course).

I forgot to check the radio oil...

Coolant is supposed to out last the 36,000/36 month bumper to bumper. Read your maintenance manual and cooling system maint. section.

No it's not!

Please check your facts before you post.

The reason you're supposed to check it is because it can and will degrade over time. You will likely never have problems with your radiator before 36,000 miles, but it wouldn't be so far fetched to see some very expen$ive cooling system related engine problems that should be covered under the 100,000 mile warranty caused by neglecting to maintain the coolant.

This check is there for a reason. If you don't maintain the cooling system as specified and cause an EGR cooler failure in the future due to bad coolant and hydrolock the engine you WILL be on the hook for a new engine. If it's in the diesel supplement it's an important maintenance item that needs attention, not to be ignored.

I ordered the strips from the dealer over a month ago and they are still not in. The average test strip does not work with this organic acid tech. coolant.

My apologies, I was going by the cooling system requirements on my truck assuming that there had been no changes. Are they still using the premium gold??

The so called "Premium" Gold coolant is no more on the 6.7. Ford has added 2 new and pretty colors to the mix!

Nope, the new stuff is red. I think they call it OAT(Organic Acid Technology), Ford calls it "Specialty Orange" coolant.

Not sure what the benefit is to this over premium gold, but I didn't used to have to test the coolant in my 6.4L...:-banghead

I guess the simple days are over. You have to check year to year to see where you stand.

DO NOT USE DEXCOOL! IT IS NOT THE SAME THING!

I am aware of the various coolant colors and types. I am quite sure my new truck does not need a coolant change but I would like to know what the proper procedure is for the coolant additive message. I thank you all for your help. Does anyone know where to get the test strips w/o waiting a month?