The Coolant Additive Warning on a Ford F250
The coolant additive warning on a Ford F250 is an alert that reminds the driver to check the coolant levels and the strength of the coolant in the vehicle. It is not a warning to check the physical level of the coolant, but rather a timed alert to check the strength of the coolant and to check for any contamination, such as nitrites.
To address the warning, you need to add Motorcraft VC12 coolant additive to the coolant if the test shows that the coolant is weak. This is a more cost-effective and easier solution compared to draining and refilling the entire cooling system. The initial drain and refill of the coolant is typically not required until 100,000 miles if everything is in good condition.
It is important to note that you should only use Motorcraft Specialty Orange coolant in the cooling system of your Ford F250.
To reset or clear the coolant additive warning message, you can navigate to the settings menu on your vehicle’s dashboard. Select “Vehicle,” then “Maintenance,” and finally “Coolant.” Follow the prompts to reset the message.
Remember, the coolant additive warning is a reminder to check the coolant levels and strength, and it is not a fault message. It is recommended to follow the instructions provided by Ford for your specific model.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Contents
- What color is coolant additive?
- What is the best coolant additive for diesel engines?
- What coolant additive prevents overheating?
- Is coolant additive the same as antifreeze?
- How much coolant additive for 6.7 Powerstroke?
- How often do you need to change the coolant in a 6.7 Powerstroke?
- Why does my f250 says check coolant additive?
- How long does coolant additive last?
- What is the coolant additive?
- What does supplemental coolant additive do?
What color is coolant additive?
Color: orange or red, but can also come in yellow, blue, red and dark green depending on the manufacturer. Nitrited Organic Acid Technology (NOAT): NOAT coolants contain nitrite and sometimes molybdate for engine liner pitting protection. Color: Typically red.
What is the best coolant additive for diesel engines?
VP Racing Cool Down™ coolant additive is proven to reduce your engine temps (by up to 30°F) & cylinder head temps (by up to 75°F) while improving coolant flow. It works for gas and diesel engines & is safe for all radiator systems.
What coolant additive prevents overheating?
Purple Ice is a high performance, synthetic, radiator coolant additive. It reduces engine heat by reducing the surface tension of the radiator fluids for improved heat transfer. Purple Ice fosters optimum coolant flow by helping to prevent formation of scale deposits in the radiator.
Is coolant additive the same as antifreeze?
Coolant is a fluid used in the radiator to remove the engine’s heat. Antifreeze is an additive mixed with water or coolant to prevent your car engine from freezing in cold weather. The ratio of water or coolant to antifreeze should be 50:50.
How much coolant additive for 6.7 Powerstroke?
Capacities and Specifications – 6.7L Diesel
| Item | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Engine coolant (secondary cooling system) | 15.1 qt (14.3 L)1 |
| Engine coolant additive (secondary cooling system) | 16.0 fl oz (473 ml)2 |
| Brake fluid | Between MIN and MAX on brake fluid reservoir |
| Front axle | 2.7 qt (2.6 L) |
How often do you need to change the coolant in a 6.7 Powerstroke?
Ford Recommended Maintenance Intervals
| 6.9L / 7.3L Engine | 6.7L Engine | |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Check/Change | Change every 10,000 miles | Initial change at 105,000 miles or 72 months; subsequent changes every 45,000 miles |
| Coolant Nitrite Strength Check | Change every 15,000 miles | Check every 15,000 miles or 600 hours |
Why does my f250 says check coolant additive?
The Check Coolant Additive Light comes on every 600 hours to remind you to check the coolant levels. While this does not indicate a problem, it does mean you should bring your Super Duty in to a certified Ford Service Center for a Coolant Check. DO NOT just add more coolant to the system!
How long does coolant additive last?
Delivers fast and consistent protection with inorganic chemicals, typically lasts 2 years or 30,000 miles. These additives use an organic acid as the primary corrosion inhibitor and heavily depend on various inorganic supplements such as silicate, nitrate, phosphate, and molybdate.
What is the coolant additive?
Coolant additives use chemicals called surfactants. When water is agitated or heated, surface tension holds bubbles together before they burst. Since bubbles are filled with air, they reduce the water’s heat-transfer ability. Imagine thousands of bubbles in the coolant passages of your engine as it runs.
What does supplemental coolant additive do?
SCA coolant additives adhere to the liner and serve as a sort of protective coating or shield. The consistent slamming of the pistons with the liner eventually creates little bubbles, or cavitation, in the liner that can in turn become holes.
