2010 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Owner's Manual - Page 224

Maintenance and Specifications Severe climates If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than -34°F [-36°C]): • It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. • NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%. Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause engine damage. • Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the winter months. If you drive in extremely hot climates: • It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration above 40%. • NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%. Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause engine damage. • Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive. Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system and engine protection. What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped) If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred. The "fail-safe" distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load and terrain. WARNING: If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as soon as safely possible, and turn the engine off, because the engine may automatically shut off while driving without further indication. How fail-safe cooling works If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine. 224 2010 Transit Connect (tst) Owners Guide, 3rd Printing USA (fus)