Ford Mustang Quiz
Maintenance

Checking Engine Coolant. Adding Engine Coolant. Extreme Climate Conditions

In this manual: Maintenance
Introduction — 1Quick Reference — 1Child restraint systems — 1Seat belts — 1Supplemental Restraint System. Function Description. Driver Airbag. Passenger Airbag — 1Supplemental Restraint System. Occupant Classification System. Side Airbags. Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag — 1Restraint System. Side Airbags - Coupe. Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator — 1Pedestrian Protection — 1Keys and remote transmitters — 1MyKey™ — 1Doors and Locks. Locking and Unlocking — 1Doors and Locks. Keyless Entry — 1Safety — 1Steering wheel — 1Wiper/Washer System — 1Lighting — 1Windows and Mirrors — 1Instrument cluster. Displays — 1Instrument cluster. Warning lights and displays. Audible warnings and messages — 1Information Displays — 1Air conditioning — 5Seats — 1Auxiliary Power Outlets — 1Storage Area — 1Starting the Engine. General Information. Keyless Start System. Steering Wheel Lock — 1Starting the Engine. Starting the Gasoline Engine — 1Starting the Engine. Engine Block Heater — 1Fuel and Refueling. Safety Information. Fuel Quality — 1Fuel and Refueling. Running the Fuel System Dry — 1Fuel and Refueling. Catalytic Converter. Refueling. Fuel Consumption — 1Transmission — 1Rear axle — 1Brakes — 1Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Parking Aid. Function Description. Rear Parking Aid — 1Parking Assist. Rear View Camera — 1Cruise control — 1Driver Assistance — 1Carrying Cargo — 1Towing — 1Convertible Top — 1Driving Notes — 1Emergency equipment. Hazard warning lights. Fuel shut-off — 1Emergency equipment. Jump-starting the vehicle — 1Emergency Equipment. Accident Notification System. Transporting the Vehicle. Towing Points — 1Fuses — 1Maintenance — 12Vehicle Care. Exterior Cleaning — 1Vehicle Care. Interior Cleaning — 1Vehicle care. Cleaning leather seats. Repairing minor paint damage. Cleaning alloy wheels. Cleaning the convertible top. — 1Wheels and tires — 10Technical data — 1Audio System. General Information. Audio Unit - Vehicles Equipped with Premium AM/FM/CD. Digital Broadcasting — 1Audio System. USB Port — 1SYNC™ 3 — 14Appendices. Electromagnetic Compatibility — 1Appendix. License Agreement — 1Appendix. Type Approvals — 1
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This section provides comprehensive information on adding engine coolant to the Ford Mustang (6th Gen). It includes recommendations on coolant concentration, color and compatibility, as well as the procedure in emergencies. Special cases such as extreme weather conditions are also covered. These instructions help keep the cooling system operating reliably and prevent engine damage caused by improper handling. For long-term protection, only suitable, pre-diluted coolants matched to the Ford system should be used.

Checking Engine Coolant

Check the engine coolant concentration and level at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule with the engine cold.

Note: Make sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the coolant expansion tank.

Note: Coolant expands when heated. The coolant level may rise above the MAX mark.

Note: If the coolant level is at or below the MIN mark or if the tank is empty, add engine coolant immediately.

Make sure the coolant concentration is between 48% and 50%, which corresponds to a freezing point between -30 °F (-34 °C) and -34 °F (-37 °C).

Note: For best results, measure the coolant concentration with a refractometer such as the Robinair® Refractometer 75240 for coolant and battery fluid. We advise against using a hydrometer or coolant test strip to determine coolant concentration.

Note: The various vehicle fluids are not interchangeable.

Engine coolant, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid must only be used for their intended purpose.

Adding Engine Coolant

Note: Do not use solid or liquid radiator sealants or additives, as they can cause damage to the engine cooling system or the heater.

Such damage may not be covered by the warranty.

Note: During normal vehicle operation, the coolant color may change from orange to pink or light red. As long as the coolant is clear and free of foreign matter, this color change does not indicate a loss of coolant quality, and draining the coolant, flushing the system or replacing the coolant is not required.

Do not mix coolants of different colors or types in the vehicle. Mixing engine coolants can impair the engine cooling system.

Use pre-diluted engine coolant of the correct specification. See Technical Data. Using an incorrect coolant can cause damage to the engine or cooling system components that may not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

In an emergency, the cooling system can be filled with a large quantity of water without engine coolant to allow driving to the nearest workshop. In this case, qualified personnel must carry out the following steps.

  1. Drain the cooling system.
  2. Chemically clean the cooling system using Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush.
  3. Refill the engine coolant as soon as possible.

Using plain water without engine coolant can cause engine damage due to corrosion, overheating or freezing.

The following products must not be used as a substitute for coolant:

  • Alcohol
  • Methanol
  • Salt solution
  • Engine coolant mixed with antifreeze or coolant containing alcohol or methanol

Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine damage due to overheating or freezing.

Do not add corrosion inhibitors or other additives to the coolant. They can be harmful and impair the corrosion protection of the engine coolant.

When adding engine coolant:

  1. Slowly unscrew the cap. Unscrewing the cap releases the system pressure.
  2. Add pre-diluted engine coolant of the correct specification. See Technical Data.
  3. Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank during subsequent drives.
  4. If necessary, add enough pre-diluted engine coolant to reach the correct coolant level.

Recycled Engine Coolant

Using recycled engine coolant is not recommended, as no approved recycling process is currently available.

Old coolant must be disposed of properly. Observe the legal regulations and standards for recycling and disposal of automotive fluids.

Extreme Climate Conditions

Driving in extremely cold weather:

  • It may be necessary to have the coolant concentration increased to above 50% by an authorized dealer.
  • A coolant concentration of 60% provides better freeze protection.
An engine coolant concentration of more than 60% reduces the heat protection properties of the engine coolant and can cause engine damage.

Driving in extremely hot weather:

  • The coolant concentration may need to be adjusted to 40% by an authorized dealer.
  • A coolant concentration of 40% provides better heat protection.
An engine coolant concentration of less than 40% reduces the freeze protection and corrosion protection properties of the engine coolant and can cause engine damage.

If the vehicle is operated year-round in moderate climates, use pre-diluted engine coolant for optimal protection of the cooling system and engine.

The instructions for checking and topping up the engine coolant in the Ford Mustang (VI Gen, 2014–2023) help ensure the efficiency and service life of the cooling system. The Ford Mustang 2014–2023 provides clear instructions for safely topping up coolant and maintaining the correct concentration for optimal protection.

It is especially important to avoid mixing coolants of different colors or types to prevent damage to the cooling system. The Ford Mustang VI Generation combines technical precision with a high standard of safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

May water without coolant be added in an emergency?

Yes, to reach a workshop. However, the system must then be properly flushed and refilled with coolant.

Why should alcohol or methanol not be used as a coolant substitute?

Because these substances can damage the cooling system and lead to overheating or freezing.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Mustang quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.