Ford Ranger (2011 year). Manual — part 58

• 4.0L engine

When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
• The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level or within the

COLD FILL RANGE as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).

• Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for service interval

schedules.

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.

Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.

Adding engine coolant

When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir, when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained. If coolant is
filled to the COLD FILL RANGE or FULL COLD level when the engine is
not cool, the system will remain underfilled.

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235

WARNING: Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system

can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.

WARNING: Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant

could make it difficult to see through the windshield.

• DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.

Make sure the correct coolant is used. DO NOT MIX recycled coolant
and new (unused) coolant together in the vehicle. Mixing of engine
coolants may harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an
improper coolant may harm engine and cooling system components
and may void the warranty. Refer to Maintenance product
specifications and capacities in this chapter.

• A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case

of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.

• Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants

mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.

• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These

can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.

For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
distilled water to the FULL COLD level. For all other vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.

Note: The 4.0L V6 engine uses the overflow system, and the 2.3L I4
engine uses the degas system.

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236

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.

The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.

Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:

1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.

3. Step back while the pressure releases.

4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.

5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.

6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.

After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
to Checking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.

Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.

If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.

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237

Recycled engine coolant

Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.

Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate

manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.

Coolant refill capacity

To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.

Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this section.

Severe climates

If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration

above 50%.

• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will provide freeze point

protection down to -62°F [-52°C]. Increased engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.

• If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to

ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration

above 40%.

• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% will provide freeze point

protection down to -12°F [-24°C]. Decreased engine coolant
concentrations below 40% will decrease the corrosion/freeze
protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.

• If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to

ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.

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238