2022 Hybrid - First time topping off coolant but different color?

[MavLS93]

I've had my 2022 Maverick since April 2022, completed the recalls, etc but seems like the Ford dealer never topped off my fluids. Are they supposed to? I popped the hood to take a look and this is what it looks like. I understand the engine coolant and battery coolant are the same but why are they different colors? Should I be concerned or just proceed to fill it with the proper prediluted Motorcraft coolant VC13DLG? Appreciate the input.

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[Montana]

Your coolant does look pretty abused for being only a couple years old. How many miles on your Mav? You did add the right stuff though.

Do a pressure test to see if air is being introduced into the system.

 

[MavLS93]

Just turned 23k miles and I haven't added the coolant yet. I'll look into the pressure test and search the forum for instructions if there are any.

Should I be concerned the coolant level is that low? From what I've been reading on here, it's a closed system and the coolant level should only fluctuate from hot to cold engine temps but should never be at this level. Will the dealership look into the low level of coolant and color difference? Really wish I had another recall so I can bring it in for that and have them take a look at this issue as well. .

 

[HeyBales]

Pretty sure that green ain't passin for yellow. Wonder who put that in.
Yellow doesn't look good either.



And since this video is from 2020 - yellow ain't that new now.

 

[Montana]

Just turned 23k miles and I haven't added the coolant yet. I'll look into the pressure test and search the forum for instructions if there are any.

Should I be concerned the coolant level is that low? From what I've been reading on here, it's a closed system and the coolant level should only fluctuate from hot to cold engine temps but should never be at this level. Will the dealership look into the low level of coolant and color difference? Really wish I had another recall so I can bring it in for that and have them take a look at this issue as well. .

It's low, but you are still in the res at least.

The dealership will likely tell you that color is normal when they mix it. Tell them you want a pressure test done before they just top it off. I have 20k on my EB and my coolant is still very much that neon yellow color of new coolant.

I'd even see if they can do a flush for you under warranty either way. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[surfstar]

Under warranty - I'd have the dealer top it off to save $ buying matching coolant and to have it on the record. Minus is that its a waste of time to visit the dealer.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Under warranty - I'd have the dealer top it off to save $ buying matching coolant and to have it on the record. Minus is that its a waste of time to visit the dealer.

Might be the dealer on being waste of time or not. I have dealer do recalls and change oil, etc. I asked for pressure test on mine. Checked out ok. Fluid level does vary quite a bit and it appears that minimum level is fine when ice coolant is cold. The battery coolant does keep color better than ice coolant, I assume because it's a more closed system with more moderate temperatures. At 31k miles my ice coolant is darker than HVB coolant but not as dark by far from OP's. Over a year ago someone posted the "burping" procedure for the ice which was somewhat extensive to ensure all air was excluded at least in hybrid.

 

[MavLS93]

I appreciate all the input. I'll give the dealership a call to see what they say. Crossing my fingers they'll at least take a look to see if I have a valid claim and look into it under warranty. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[TRUCKHEF]

Mine is the same color, the engine circuit is exposed to higher heat than the battery circuit and I expect the pigments or whatever gives the color fades and breaks down. I put in fresh neon yellow coolant and it degraded back to that color in a few months.

 

[Allen King Jr]

A lot of times, the manufacturer will put a different color of coolant in from the factory, cost, distribution, supplier, sometimes they will have their own color, but the specifications will be the same.

That being said, the Ford shop manual says that the VC-13DL-G is the part number for the coolant for the Ford Maverick.

Some manufacturers will have pink, blue, red, but the replacement coolant with the same specifications can be a different color.

 

[huunvubu]

Pretty sure that green ain't passin for yellow. Wonder who put that in.
Yellow doesn't look good either.



And since this video is from 2020 - yellow ain't that new now.

Actually in the OPs Maverick the GREEN looks exactly correct and the Yellow looks off.

The Video you posted shows that the supposed Yellow looks like the Lime Green in the OPs Maverick.

Even the video says that Yellow looks Lime Green.

See Here where he mentions Lime Green:

 

[MavLS93]

Spoke to the service advisor I always deal with when I have a recall and he said they don't top off fluids for recalls. They do for services such as oil changes and such. He also told me it's normal to lose a little coolant over time and color to degrade. I've yet to top off and have had the car since April 2022 so I think the loss is minimal for how long I've owned it and driven the truck (23k miles). Will be topping off and keeping an eye out. Thanks again for all the input!

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