2011 Focus Coolant

[SwampSurvivor]

Looks like my Focus is low on coolant.

From what I can tell, the "motorcraft gold coolant" is a G-05 coolant.

I don't know what color it is (looks to be yellow). Does anyone know of any cheaper G-05 compatible coolants that would work to top up?

I'd like something around the same color so it's not mistaken as being the wrong type.

Thanks!


I've found Zerex G-05 at Napa (premix) ... would that be the right one?

 

[Doog]

Do yourself a favor if you are still under warranty. Pressure test the cooling system and be sure you do not have a leak.

 

[Rand]

how low are we talking about here? those use a fully sealed system. Mine used maybe 2-3ounces/year

after 3 years it was near the low mark.

 

[redhat]

Yes, the Zerex G-05 would be the equivalent. It's made by Valvoline.

Could also hit up the dealer for the MC Gold. When I had my Taurus, the G-05 was hard to find, like you found, NAPA was the only in my area to have it. I ended up flushing the entire cooling system and filling it up with Peak Green.

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Looks like my Focus is low on coolant.

From what I can tell, the "motorcraft gold coolant" is a G-05 coolant.

I don't know what color it is (looks to be yellow). Does anyone know of any cheaper G-05 compatible coolants that would work to top up?

I'd like something around the same color so it's not mistaken as being the wrong type.

Thanks!


I've found Zerex G-05 at Napa (premix) ... would that be the right one?

 

[Donald]

Zerex G-05 or Chrysler G-05 will all work.

Fill to exactly the cold line. Then keep your eye on the level. Vehicle should be cold and the outside temp needs to be somewhat close to the temp when you filled it.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Hopefully not another Mazda engine eating coolant! - Good luck. My new '11 Ranger had a blown HG and was eating coolant. Dealer did nothing. Now I own a Fit that does not eat coolant.

 

[KrisZ]

There is no cold line on that Focus as the tank is pressurized and the level does not change with engine temperature.
The coolant level on my mazda did drop a bit below full line during the first 5k miles, but after dealer topped it off I the level never changed.
Perhaps OP just noticed it when the level reached low line?

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Kriz, they switched to an open system at some point. My coolant tank isn't pressurized and I have a real rad cap.

Apparently I overestimated the size of the tank. It was only 3/4 quart low. I'm going to monitor it, though. If I keep eating the coolant, I will have it warranty.

I monitor the coolant on my Cherokee once a week, I'll start paying attention to this car, too.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Kriz, they switched to an open system at some point. My coolant tank isn't pressurized and I have a real rad cap.


Then I wouldn't be too worried about coolant level change as long as it's not too drastic. The overflow tanks are not sealed so some coolant will always be lost to evaporation. It's normal.