2017 Ford Transit Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2017 Ford Transit coolant capacity is approximately 15.4 to 16.0 quarts (14.6 to 15.1 liters), depending on the engine and configuration.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 15.4 - 16.0 quarts (14.6 - 15.1 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 Prediluted (or concentrate mixed with distilled water)

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2017 Ford Transit was available with several engine options, and the cooling system capacity varies slightly:

Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate and specific information for your vehicle configuration.

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant is crucial for the longevity of your engine. Ford recommends the following coolant flush intervals for the 2017 Transit:

• Normal Duty: Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 6 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years thereafter.
• Severe Duty: If your vehicle experiences heavy loads, towing, or operates in extreme temperatures frequently, consider shortening the interval to 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years for the initial replacement, and then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system after a drain or flush is essential to prevent air pockets, which can cause overheating.

1. Drain the System: Ensure the engine is cool. Place a drain pan under the radiator draincock (petcock) or the lower radiator hose. Open the draincock or carefully remove the lower hose to drain the old coolant.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If performing a full flush, close the draincock, fill with distilled water, run the engine until warm with the heater on high, then drain again. Repeat until the drained water is clear. Never use tap water to flush or mix with coolant.
3. Refill: Close the draincock or reattach the lower hose. Slowly fill the degas bottle (coolant reservoir) with the specified Ford Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant until it reaches the MAX fill line.
4. Bleed the System:
   • Start the engine and let it idle with the heater fan on high and the temperature set to maximum heat. Leave the degas bottle cap off.
   • As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and coolant will begin to circulate. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help dislodge any trapped air.
   • Monitor the coolant level in the degas bottle and add more as needed to maintain the MAX fill line.
   • Look for bubbles rising in the degas bottle. This indicates air is escaping the system.
   • Continue this process until no more bubbles appear and the engine reaches normal operating temperature. The heater should be blowing hot air consistently.
   • Some Transit models, especially those with the EcoBoost engine, may benefit from elevating the front of the vehicle to help air escape through the degas bottle.
   • Once satisfied, replace the degas bottle cap.
5. Final Check: After a test drive, allow the engine to cool completely, then recheck the coolant level in the degas bottle and top off if necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation

The 2017 Ford Transit, like many vehicles, can experience specific cooling system issues. Being aware of these can help with early diagnosis and repair:

• Coolant Leaks: Often from the degas bottle, radiator hoses, water pump, or thermostat housing. The degas bottle can develop cracks over time, leading to slow leaks. Inspect for pinkish-yellow residue (from the coolant drying) around connections and components.
• Water Pump Failure: A common wear item. Symptoms include a whining noise from the engine, coolant leaks from the pump's weep hole, or overheating.
• Thermostat Issues: A failing thermostat can either stick open (causing the engine to run cold or take a long time to warm up) or stick closed (leading to rapid overheating).
• Degas Bottle (Coolant Reservoir) Issues: Beyond cracks, the cap itself can fail to hold pressure, leading to coolant loss and potential overheating.
• EGR Cooler Leaks (Diesel Engines): For the 3.2L Power Stroke diesel engine, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler can be a point of failure, leading to coolant loss and even internal engine damage if not addressed promptly.

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