The Ultimate Guide to Determining the Coolant Type for Your 2017 Ford Fusion

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that your Ford Fusion’s engine generates a lot of heat. The coolant in your car plays a vital role in absorbing this heat and dissipating it through the radiator. Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to inefficiencies and, worse, damage to your engine.

What is Coolant, Anyway?

Coolant, often referred to as antifreeze, is a fluid that circulates through your engine to remove excess heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures. It's not just about preventing your engine from freezing up in cold weather; it also protects your engine from overheating in hot climates, like we often experience in the USA.

The Right Coolant for Your 1.5L EcoBoost

According to the service guide, the 2017 Ford Fusion with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine requires a specific type of coolant:

• Engine Coolant (U.S. and Mexico): Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant VC-3DIL-B WSS-M97B44-D2
• Engine Coolant (Canada): Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant CVC-3DIL-B WSS-M97B44-D2

This Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant is a specially formulated ethylene glycol-based coolant. It offers protection against boiling in summer and freezing in winter, along with defense against corrosion and scaling.

Why Not Just Any Coolant?

You might wonder why you can't just use any coolant you find at your local auto shop. Well, the coolant specified for the Ford Fusion has been designed to match the material compatibility and heat dissipation requirements of the engine. Using a non-recommended coolant can lead to:

• Corrosion and damage to the engine, radiator, and hoses
• Ineffective heat transfer
• Potential voiding of your vehicle's warranty

Capacity Matters

It's not just about the type of coolant but also about how much your car needs. The 2017 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost requires 10.9 quarts (10.3 liters) of coolant. This capacity ensures that there is enough fluid to circulate throughout the engine and radiator for optimal cooling.

Changing Your Coolant

Changing the coolant isn’t just about pouring in the new stuff. It involves draining the old coolant, flushing the system to remove residue, and then adding the new coolant. This process ensures that your cooling system works efficiently and is free of contaminants.

When to Change Your Coolant

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Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 Prediluted Ready-to-Use Antifreeze/Coolant 1 GA

Zerex G05 Phosphate Free 50/50 Prediluted Ready-to-Use Antifreeze/Coolant 1 GA

It's generally recommended to change your coolant every 30,000 miles or as per your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. However, keep an eye out for signs of coolant issues, like:

• Engine overheating
• Visible coolant leaks under your car
• Steam or a hot odor coming from the engine

Conclusion

In the world of car maintenance, using the right coolant for your 2017 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost is a small but significant task. It's about protecting your engine and ensuring that it performs at its best, regardless of the weather conditions.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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