2023 FORD EcoSport Engine Oil and Fluids
Introduction
This thorough tutorial covers the vital subject of engine oil and fluids for the 2023 Ford EcoSport. We’ll delve into the vital role that appropriate lubrication and fluid maintenance play in assuring your vehicle’s optimum performance, longevity, and efficiency in this in-depth introduction. Engine fluids and oil aid in controlling the engine’s operating temperatures. They disperse extra heat produced by combustion, avoiding overheating and providing dependable performance even in difficult circumstances.
Engine oil and fluid maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your car. You can keep your EcoSport in top shape, lower the chance of malfunctions, and protect your investment by adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes, fluid flushes, and replacements.
Engine Oil and Fluids
WARNING:
Do not add engine oil when the engine is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives because they are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricants Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC).
To top up the engine oil level do the following:
- Clean the area surrounding the engine oil filler cap before you remove it.
- Remove the engine oil filler cap. See Under Hood Overview (page 214). Turn it counterclockwise and remove it.
- Add engine oil that meets our specifications. See Capacities and Specifications. You may have to use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
- Recheck the oil level.
- If the oil level is correct, replace the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
- Replace the engine oil filler cap. Turn it clockwise until you feel a strong resistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than the maximum mark. Oil levels above the maximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note: Make sure you install the oil filler cap correctly.
Note: Soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR RESET (IF EQUIPPED)
Only reset the system after changing the engine oil and oil filter.
Resetting the Oil Life Monitoring System
- Switch the ignition on. Do not start the engine.
- Fully press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time.
- Keep the accelerator and brake pedals fully pressed.
- After three seconds, a message appears confirming that the reset is in progress.
- After 25 seconds, a message appears confirming that the reset is complete.
- Release the accelerator and brake pedals.
- Switch the ignition off.
ENGINE COOLING FAN
WARNING: Keep your hands and clothing clear of the engine cooling fan.
Under certain conditions, the engine cooling fan may continue to run for several minutes after you switch your vehicle off. This could happen in low ambient temperatures and independent of the engine coolant temperature, for example short journeys or low coolant temperature.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not add engine coolant when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant in the windshield washer reservoir. If sprayed on the windshield, coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
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 you loosen the cap slightly.
WARNING: Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of the coolant at the intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance information. See Scheduled Maintenance .
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within 48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C). Coolant concentration should be checked using a refractometer. We do not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test strips for measuring coolant concentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable. Do not use coolant or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants, or non-specified additives as they can cause damage to the engine cooling or heating systems. Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification in order to avoid plugging the small passageways in the engine cooling system. See Capacities and Specifications . Do not mix different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using an incorrect coolant may harm the engine or cooling system components and may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: If prediluted coolant is not available, use the approved concentrated coolant diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See Capacities and Specifications . Using water that has not been deionised may contribute to deposit formation, corrosion and plugging of the small cooling system passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and models may not be approved to Ford specifications and may cause damage to the cooling system. Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant immediately.
To top up the coolant level do the following:
- Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
- Add prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification. See Capacities and Specifications .
- Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
- Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turn it clockwise until you feel a strong resistance.
- Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive your vehicle. If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of engine coolant per month, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
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: In case of emergency, you can add a large amount of water without coolant in order to reach a vehicle service location. Water alone, without coolant, can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing. When you reach a service location, you must have the cooling system drained and refilled with prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification. See Capacities and Specifications .
Do not use the following as a coolant substitute:
- Alcohol.
Methanol.
Brine - Any coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
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 coolant.
FAQs
Intervals are advised. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are normally every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, is often a good idea.
The owner’s manual for your car should have information on the recommended viscosity grade and oil type. Synthetic or traditional oils with the proper viscosity are common alternatives.
You can switch between synthetic and traditional oils, yes. But you must adhere to the suggested oil type in your owner’s manual.
Park your car on a flat surface, let the engine cool, then look for and remove the oil dipstick. Clean it off, reinstall it, then remove it to compare the oil level to the indications.
To get an accurate reading, it’s better to check the engine oil when it’s cool.
It’s normally advised to stick with one brand and kind of engine oil, but mixing minor amounts of different lubricants is unlikely to have a substantial negative impact. It is preferable to refrain from combining several degrees of viscosity.
It helps control engine temperature by preventing overheating and shielding against freezing. Additionally, it has chemicals that stop corrosion and scale accumulation.
The suggested time between coolant flushes varies. For more detailed instructions, refer to your owner’s manual, but generally speaking, it’s advised every two to five years.
Consult your owner’s manual for advice on the best kind of transmission fluid to use and adhere to any maintenance or fluid-change instructions.
Check your brake fluid level frequently to make sure it is within the acceptable range. You should have a leak evaluated by a professional if you observe a sizable drop in fluid level.
Use the power steering fluid that is recommended in your owner’s handbook at all times. Damage may result if various fluids are mixed.
If this happens, refer to your owner’s manual for instructions. It could be essential to drain and refill the fluid in some circumstances.
Find the reservoir under the hood, remove the cap, and add the necessary washer fluid until it reaches the recommended fill level.
While water can be used as a substitute in a situation, windshield washer fluid is preferred since it has chemicals that make the windshield cleaner and prevent freezing.
Check the levels of your EcoSport’s engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and other fluids on a regular basis, in accordance with the recommended intervals in your owner’s handbook. As necessary, top off, and deal with leaks right away.
Useful Links
View Full PDF : 2023 FORD EcoSport | Auto User Guide