FORD 2013 C-MAX Hybrid v.1 - Manual (Page 217)

Note: For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool
300-ROB75240 available from your dealer.
Ford does not recommend the use of
hydrometers or coolant test strips for
measuring coolant concentrations.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use engine coolant
or antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding Coolant
WARNINGS
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.
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.
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.
Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or additives as they can
cause damage to the cooling or heating
systems. This damage would not be covered
under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
Note: It is very important to use prediluted
coolant meeting the Ford specification in
order to avoid plugging the small coolant
passageways. Use of concentrated coolant
and water may cause coolant passageway
plugging and void the warranty. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 265).
• Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant in your vehicle. Make sure the
correct coolant is used. Mixing of
coolants may harm your cooling
system. The use of an improper coolant
may harm the engine, inverter system
controller, and cooling system
components and may void the
warranty.
• In case of emergency, a large amount
of water without engine coolant may
be added to the engine cooling system
only in order to reach a vehicle service
location. In this instance, the engine
cooling system must be drained,
chemically cleaned with Motorcraft
Premium Cooling System Flush, and
refilled with prediluted engine coolant
as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause
engine damage from corrosion,
overheating, or freezing. DO NOT use
this method for the inverter system
controller cooling system. The inverter
system controller cooling system
operates close to ambient
temperature, and is susceptible to
freezing in any subfreezing environment
in the absence of coolant.
214
Maintenance