2015 Ford Transit Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2015 Ford Transit van holds approximately 14.8 quarts (14.0 liters) of coolant in its cooling system for the 3.7L Duratec V6 engine, 15.3 quarts (14.5 liters) for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and 17.9 quarts (17.0 liters) for the 3.2L Power Stroke I5 diesel. It requires a Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, which is a P-OAT (Phosphated Organic Additive Technology) type, meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D2. This coolant is typically available as a 50/50 pre-mix or a concentrate to be mixed with distilled water.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity:
  • 3.7L Duratec V6: 14.8 quarts (14.0 liters)
  • 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 15.3 quarts (14.5 liters)
  • 3.2L Power Stroke I5 Diesel: 17.9 quarts (17.0 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant (P-OAT), Ford Spec WSS-M97B44-D2
• Color: Orange
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with distilled water (if using concentrate)

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Ford recommends a coolant flush for your 2015 Transit at 100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first, under normal operating conditions. For vehicles subjected to severe duty, such as heavy towing, frequent short trips, or extreme temperatures, it's 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 the cooling system on your 2015 Ford Transit is crucial to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Here's a general procedure:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool before starting. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
2. Drain Old Coolant: Locate and open the radiator drain cock (petcock) or disconnect the lower radiator hose to drain the old coolant into a suitable container. Do not spill coolant on the ground. It is an environmental hazard.
3. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If performing a full flush, close the drain and fill with distilled water. Run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature. Drain again. Repeat until the drained water is clear.
4. Refill: Close the drain. With the engine off and cool, slowly fill the degas bottle (coolant reservoir) with the specified Motorcraft Orange 50/50 coolant mix up to the "MAX COLD FILL" line. Do not overfill.
5. Bleeding:
   • Start the engine and run it with the heater on high (fan speed does not matter). The thermostat needs to open for coolant to circulate fully.
   • As the engine warms up, the coolant level in the degas bottle may drop as air purges from the system. Add more coolant as needed to maintain the level between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks.
   • Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air pockets.
   • Some Ford Transit models (especially the diesel) may have a bleed screw on the thermostat housing or a hose to help in air removal. Consult your owner's manual for specific bleed locations if applicable. If no bleed screw is present, ensure the front of the vehicle is slightly elevated to help trapped air rise to the degas bottle.
   • Continue to run the engine until the cooling fans cycle on and off at least twice, indicating the system has reached full operating temperature and the thermostat has opened.
   • Once the engine is cool again, recheck the coolant level and top off if necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues

Several cooling system issues can crop up in 2015 Ford Transit vehicles, though many are related to maintenance or mileage:

• Coolant Leaks: Hoses, the radiator, water pump, and degas bottle can develop leaks over time. Watch for orange stains under your vehicle or a sweet smell.
• Degas Bottle Cracks: The plastic degas bottle can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant loss. This is a relatively common failure point.
• Thermostat Failure: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run cool, reducing efficiency, while a stuck-closed thermostat can lead to rapid overheating.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump circulates coolant, and its bearings or seal can eventually fail, causing leaks or noise.
• Radiator Issues: Clogging from neglected coolant changes or damage from road debris can reduce the radiator's effectiveness, leading to overheating.
• EGR Cooler Leaks (3.2L Power Stroke Diesel): A known issue on the Power Stroke diesel is the EGR cooler leaking coolant internally, which can lead to coolant loss and even engine damage if left unaddressed. Watch for white smoke from the exhaust or recurring low coolant levels without external leaks.

Regular inspection and adherence to the recommended flush intervals with the correct coolant type are your best defense against these issues.

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