2020 Ford F-150 Coolant Capacity & Type

Your 2020 Ford F-150 holds between 12.5 and 16.0 quarts (11.8 to 15.1 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 12.5 to 16.0 quarts (11.8 to 15.1 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Ford Motorcraft Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant (P-OAT chemistry)
• Ford Coolant Spec Number: WSS-M97B57-A2
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with distilled water (pre-mixed or concentrate)

Capacity by Engine Option

The exact capacity of your F-150’s cooling system varies by powertrain. Larger, higher-performance engines require more coolant to manage heat effectively.

Note: These are approximate values for a full system drain and refill. A simple drain-and-fill of the radiator may only replace 40-60% of the total volume.

Flush Interval

Ford specifies Motorcraft Yellow coolant (WSS-M97B57-A2), a Phosphated Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) fluid designed for long service life. This replaced the previous Motorcraft Orange coolant.

• Normal Service: The initial coolant flush is recommended at 10 years or 200,000 miles. Subsequent flushes should occur every 5 years or 100,000 miles.
• Severe Duty Service: For trucks that see heavy towing, frequent short trips, or extensive idling, Ford recommends a more aggressive schedule. The first flush should be performed at 6 years or 100,000 miles, with subsequent changes every 3 years or 50,000 miles.

Always use coolant that meets the Ford WSS-M97B57-A2 specification to ensure compatibility and prevent corrosion.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is critical to avoid air pockets, which can cause overheating and damage, especially in EcoBoost engines.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the cooling system.
2. Prepare the Coolant: If using a concentrate, mix it 50/50 with distilled water in a clean container. Never use tap water, as its mineral content can cause scaling and corrosion.
3. Slowly Refill: Pour the coolant mixture into the coolant reservoir (degas bottle) until it reaches the "MAX" or "FULL COLD" line.
4. Bleed the System: The F-150 system is designed to self-bleed, but you must follow a specific procedure. Leave the degas bottle cap loose or off. Start the engine and turn the climate control system to the highest heat setting with the fan on high. This ensures the heater core is open and allows coolant to circulate through it.
5. Run and Monitor: Let the engine idle. As it warms up and the thermostat opens, the coolant level in the degas bottle will drop. Continue to add more 50/50 mixture to keep the level at the full mark.
6. Use a Spill-Free Funnel: To make bleeding easier and cleaner, use a spill-free funnel that attaches to the degas bottle. This raises the coolant level, using gravity to help purge air from the system.
7. Professional Tip: Many technicians use a vacuum-fill tool. This device pulls the entire cooling system into a deep vacuum, removing all air before introducing new coolant. It's the most effective way to guarantee an air-free fill.
8. Final Check: Once the engine reaches operating temperature and no more air bubbles are seen, tighten the cap. Take the truck for a short drive, let it cool down completely, and re-check the coolant level, topping off as needed.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2018-2020 F-150 generation is robust, but a few cooling system issues are known to occur:

• Water Pump Leaks: The water pump, particularly on the 5.0L V8, can develop leaks from the housing or weep hole over time.
• Plastic Component Failure: The thermostat housing, radiator end tanks, and the degas bottle itself are all made of plastic that can become brittle with age and heat cycles, leading to cracks and leaks.
• EcoBoost Turbo Coolant Lines: The fittings on the coolant lines that feed the turbochargers on 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines can sometimes leak.
• O-Ring Leaks at Quick-Connect Fittings: Many coolant hoses use quick-connect style fittings with O-rings that can harden and fail, causing slow leaks where hoses connect to the engine or radiator.

Regularly inspecting hoses and plastic components during oil changes can help you catch these issues early before they lead to major problems.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.