Ford Explorer Radiator & Coolant Flush WITHOUT Making a Mess (2020-2026) - Full DIY Guide, by Car Fixology on YouTube. 8 min 46 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 46 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely. Raise the front of the Explorer on ramps or jack stands so you can reach the underside.
Put on safety glasses and gloves. Never open the coolant reservoir or drain plug while the engine is hot, because the system is pressurised and can scald you.
Open the coolant reservoir cap to release pressure and let the coolant drain faster.
Skip the radiator petcock. On this Explorer the cleaner drain point is the lower hose or block drain, which empties the system with less spill.
Place the drain pan under the drain point and open it. Let all the old coolant run out, then close the drain and refit the hose.
Fill the system with the vacuum fill kit. Pull a vacuum on the cooling system, then let the vacuum draw fresh coolant in from a bucket or jug.
Top up the reservoir to the cold fill line, then run the engine with the cap off until it reaches operating temperature and the thermostat opens.
Let the engine cool, then top up the reservoir again. Repeat the warm-up and cool-down cycle until the level stops dropping and the heater blows hot.
Take the old coolant to a local recycling centre or auto parts store. Do not pour it down a drain or onto the ground.
Tips and common mistakes
Use the coolant type listed in your owner's manual, such as Motorcraft yellow, and never mix different coolant types.
The vacuum fill method saves time, but you still need to purge air with warm-up cycles or the engine can overheat.
Check the reservoir level after the first few drives and top up if it drops.
Wear gloves and keep pets away from spilled coolant, which is sweet tasting and toxic.
Questions
How often should I change the coolant in a Ford Explorer?
Follow the interval in your owner's manual, which is often around 100,000 miles or 10 years on newer Explorers. Change it sooner if the coolant looks dirty or rusty.
Can I just top up the coolant instead of flushing it?
Yes, for a small top-up use the same coolant type and fill to the cold line. A full flush is needed when the coolant is old, dirty or the wrong colour.
Do I need a vacuum fill kit?
No, but it makes refilling faster and removes most trapped air. Without one, you will need more warm-up and cool-down cycles to purge the system.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
