2018 Ford Explorer Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2018 Ford Explorer cooling system holds between 12.3 to 14.3 quarts (11.6 to 13.5 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. Properly maintaining your coolant ensures optimal engine performance and longevity.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 12.3 – 14.3 quarts (11.6 – 13.5 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Ford/Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, P-OAT (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology), WSS-M97B44-D2
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-diluted or 50/50 concentrate mixed with distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

• Normal Duty: Every 100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow, drive in extreme conditions, or use your vehicle for commercial purposes, consider flushing every 50,000 miles or 3 years.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on a 2018 Ford Explorer is crucial to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain the old coolant: Locate the petcock valve on the bottom of the radiator and open it to drain the old coolant into a suitable container. You may also need to disconnect the lower radiator hose for a more complete drain.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): Close the petcock and refill the system with distilled water. Run the engine with the heater on high until it reaches operating temperature. Drain the distilled water. Repeat until the drained water runs clear.
3. Refill with new coolant: Close the petcock and fill the recovery tank with the specified Ford/Motorcraft Orange P-OAT coolant (50/50 mix). Fill slowly to allow air to escape.
4. Bleeding the system:
   • Start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature, with the heater on high and the fan on low. This helps open the thermostat and circulate coolant through the heater core.
   • Periodically squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Monitor the coolant level in the recovery tank and top it off as needed. Some Explorer models may have a small bleed screw near the thermostat housing; if present, open it slightly until a steady stream of coolant emerges, then close it.
   • Continue this process until no more air bubbles appear in the recovery tank.
5. Test Drive: Once the engine is cool, recheck the coolant level and top off if necessary. Take the vehicle for a short drive, monitoring the temperature gauge. After the drive and once cool, recheck the level again.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2018 Ford Explorer, particularly models equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, can be prone to certain cooling system issues:

• Water Pump Failure: The internal water pump on the 3.5L EcoBoost engine is a known weak point. Failure can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, and in severe cases, internal engine damage if coolant mixes with oil, often indicated by a sweet smell coming from the exhaust or white smoke.
• Coolant Leaks: Beyond the water pump, other common leak points include hoses, the radiator, and the overflow tank. These leaks can be identified by puddles of coolant under the vehicle or a noticeable drop in the reservoir level.
• Thermostat Issues: A stuck open thermostat can cause the engine to run cold, reducing fuel efficiency. A stuck closed thermostat will lead to overheating.
• Degraded Coolant Hoses: Over time, hoses can become brittle, crack, or soften, leading to leaks. Regular inspection is recommended.

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