2017 Ford F-150 Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2017 Ford F-150 holds between 15.0 to 18.0 quarts (14.2 to 17.0 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. This guide details everything you need to know about your 2017 F-150's cooling system.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 15.0–18.0 quarts (14.2–17.0 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Ford/Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, P-OAT (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology), Ford Specification WSS-M97B44-D2
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50% concentrate with 50% distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Ford recommends the following coolant flush intervals for the 2017 F-150:

• Normal Duty: Every 100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty (Towing, extreme temperatures, off-road): Every 60,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first.

Regularly checking your coolant level and condition is crucial, especially if you operate your truck under severe conditions.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system on your 2017 Ford F-150 is essential to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating. Always perform these steps on a cool engine.

1. Drain the System: Open the radiator drain plug (petcock) located at the bottom of the radiator and remove the radiator cap to allow the system to drain completely.
2. Close Drain and Refill: Close the radiator drain plug. Slowly add the specified Ford/Motorcraft Orange P-OAT coolant (50/50 mix) to the radiator until full. Fill the coolant reservoir to the "MAX" line.
3. Engine Run Cycle: Start the engine and let it run with the heater on high. Monitor the engine temperature gauge. As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and the coolant level in the reservoir may drop. Add more coolant to the reservoir as needed to maintain the "MAX" line.
4. Burp the System: Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help dislodge any trapped air bubbles. Some F-150 models may have a dedicated bleeder screw on a hose or thermostat housing; open this carefully to release air until a steady stream of coolant comes out, then close it.
5. Cool Down and Recheck: Once the engine reaches operating temperature and the fan cycles on, turn off the engine and let it cool completely. Recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary.
6. Final Check: After a few driving cycles, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off as needed. Air pockets can take some time to work their way out.

Consider using a vacuum-fill tool for a more thorough and efficient air-free fill, especially after a major component replacement like a radiator or water pump.

Common Cooling System Issues for This Generation (2015-2020 Ford F-150)

Owners of 2017 Ford F-150s, like other models in this generation, might encounter some common cooling system issues:

• Coolant Leaks: Leaks can occur from various points, including the water pump, radiator, hoses, and overflow reservoir. Check for visible puddles beneath the truck or a sweet smell.
• Degassing Bottle (Overflow Reservoir) Cracks: The plastic coolant overflow reservoirs are known to develop cracks, leading to slow coolant loss and potential overheating. A common symptom is frequent topping off of coolant without an obvious leak elsewhere.
• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The thermostat housing, often made of plastic, can warp or crack over time, leading to coolant leaks.
• Heater Core Issues: While less common, a clogged or leaking heater core can lead to poor cabin heating and sometimes a sweet smell inside the vehicle.
• Turbocharger Coolant Lines (EcoBoost engines): The EcoBoost engines utilize coolant to help cool the turbochargers. Leaks can sometimes develop in the lines supplying or returning coolant to the turbos.

Regular maintenance and using the correct specified coolant are the best ways to prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of your F-150's cooling system.

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