2016 Ford Explorer Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Ford Explorer holds approximately 13.9 to 15.1 quarts (13.2 to 14.3 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. This guide details everything you need to know about your 2016 Ford Explorer's cooling system.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 13.9 - 15.1 quarts (13.2 - 14.3 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Ford Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, P-OAT (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology), Ford Specification WSS-M97B44-D2
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant is crucial for the longevity of your engine. Ford recommends the following coolant flush intervals for the 2016 Explorer:

• Normal Duty: Every 100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty (e.g., heavy towing, extreme temperatures): It is advisable to inspect your coolant more frequently and consider flushing every 50,000 miles or 3 years.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding your cooling system after a flush or repair is essential to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Here's a general procedure for the 2016 Ford Explorer:

1. Drain the old coolant: With the engine cool, open the drain cock on the bottom of the radiator and remove the radiator cap to allow the system to drain completely. Some models may have an additional drain plug on the engine block.
2. Flush the system (optional but recommended): Close the drain cock, refill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature, then drain again. Repeat until the drained water is clear. Consider using a cooling system flush product if necessary, following product instructions carefully.
3. Refill with new coolant: Close the drain cock. Slowly add the 50/50 Ford Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2) coolant mixture to the coolant reservoir up to the "MAX" fill line.
4. Bleed the system:
   • Start the engine and let it run with the heater set to full hot and the fan on low. Leave the reservoir cap off.
   • As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and coolant will begin to circulate. You may see air bubbles rising in the reservoir. Maintain the coolant level by adding more as needed.
   • Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help dislodge air pockets.
   • Run the engine for about 15-20 minutes, or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature and the cooling fans cycle on and off a few times. Continue to monitor the coolant level.
   • Once the engine is cool, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary. Install the reservoir cap.
5. Final Check: Drive the vehicle for a few days, monitoring the coolant level and temperature gauge. Top off the reservoir as needed.

Note: The 2016 Ford Explorer generally self-bleeds efficiently. However, patience is key during the process to ensure all air is expelled.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2016 Ford Explorer, like many vehicles of its generation, can experience a few common cooling system issues:

• Water Pump Leaks: Particularly on the 3.5L EcoBoost and Duratec engines, water pump leaks can occur. These often manifest as a coolant drip near the front of the engine or a low coolant level with no visible external leak (due to internal leaks).
• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The plastic thermostat housing can degrade over time, leading to coolant leaks. This often appears as a pinkish or orange residue around the housing.
• Radiator Leaks: Radiators can develop leaks, especially at the plastic end tanks where they crimp to the aluminum core. White or colored residue on the radiator fins often indicates a leak.
• Coolant Reservoir Cracks: The plastic coolant reservoir can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant loss. Regularly inspect the reservoir for hairline cracks.
• Coolant Hoses and Clamps: Over time, hoses can degrade and clamps can loosen, leading to leaks. Inspect hoses for swelling, cracks, or softness, and check clamps for tightness.
• Coolant Contamination: Mixing different types of coolant can lead to gel formation and cooling system blockages. Always use the specified Ford Orange P-OAT coolant.

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