How Much Coolant Does a 2019 Ford Explorer Hold?

A 2019 Ford Explorer holds between 12.5 and 15.5 quarts (11.8 to 14.7 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 12.5 - 15.5 quarts (11.8 - 14.7 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Ford Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant, meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B57-A2 (P-OAT - Phosphated Organic Acid Technology)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 mix (pre-diluted coolant recommended)

Capacity by Engine Option

The coolant capacity for your 2019 Ford Explorer varies based on the engine:

Always consult your owner's manual for the most precise information for your specific vehicle configuration.

Flush Interval

Ford recommends a coolant flush for the 2019 Explorer at the following intervals:

• Normal Duty: Initial replacement at 100,000 miles or 6 years, then every 50,000 miles or 3 years thereafter.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow, drive in extreme temperatures, or use your vehicle for commercial purposes, consider replacing your coolant more frequently, typically around 60,000 miles or 3 years.

Regularly checking your coolant level and condition is crucial. If your coolant appears discolored, sludgy, or has debris, it's time for a flush, regardless of mileage.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding your cooling system is vital to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating and engine damage. Here's a general procedure for the 2019 Ford Explorer:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before attempting any work on the cooling system. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
2. Drain System (if flushing): Open the radiator drain petcock (usually located at the bottom of the radiator) and remove the radiator cap to allow the old coolant to drain completely into a suitable container. Do not pour coolant down the drain; dispose of it responsibly.
3. Flush (if desired): Close the drain, fill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on high until warm, then drain again. Repeat until the water runs clear. For a thorough flush, consider a cooling system cleaner following product instructions.
4. Refill: Close the radiator drain and tighten the petcock. Slowly fill the degas bottle (coolant reservoir) with the specified Ford Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix). Fill to the "MAX" or "FULL" line.
5. Bleed Air:
   • Start the engine and let it run with the heater on high (fan setting doesn't matter, just the temperature setting). Keep the degas bottle cap off.
   • As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and coolant will begin to circulate. Watch for air bubbles rising in the degas bottle.
   • Maintain the coolant level by adding more as needed to prevent it from dropping below the "MIN" line. Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air pockets.
   • Once the engine reaches operating temperature and no more air bubbles are visible (this can take 15-30 minutes or more), replace the degas bottle cap.
6. Final Check: Take the vehicle for a short drive, then park on a level surface and allow the engine to cool completely. Recheck the coolant level in the degas bottle and top off if necessary. Monitor your temperature gauge closely for the next few drives.

Specific Notes for Ford Explorer: The 2019 Explorer generally self-bleeds well through the degas bottle. There typically isn't a separate manual bleed screw. However, a vacuum filler tool can make the process much faster and more effective by removing nearly all air before filling.

Common Cooling System Issues for This Generation (2011-2019 Ford Explorer)

While the 2019 Ford Explorer is a reliable vehicle, some common cooling system issues have been noted for this generation:

• Water Pump Leaks: Particularly on the 3.5L EcoBoost engines, the internally mounted water pump can be a known failure point. Leaks can be difficult to detect externally due to its location, often leading to coolant loss and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly. Early signs can include coolant disappearing without visible leaks, or sometimes a sweet smell from the exhaust.
• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The plastic thermostat housing can become brittle over time and develop cracks, leading to coolant leaks. This is generally an easier fix than a water pump.
• Coolant Expansion Tank (Degas Bottle) Cracks: The plastic degas bottle can also develop hairline cracks, especially around hose connections, resulting in slow coolant leaks.
• Heater Core Issues: While less common than other issues, some owners have reported reduced heater performance or the smell of coolant inside the cabin, indicating a potential heater core problem.
• Radiator Leaks: Over time, road debris or general wear and tear can cause the radiator to develop leaks.

Regular inspections and adherence to maintenance schedules can help mitigate these issues. If you notice your engine temperature rising, a sweet smell, or visible coolant leaks, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician immediately.

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