2016 Ford Fusion Coolant Flush Guide — Step-by-Step

The 2016 Ford Fusion with the 2.0L EcoBoost is a turbocharged engine in a mid-size sedan body — which means it runs hotter and works the coolant system harder than a naturally aspirated equivalent. Coolant degradation is real on these engines, and I've seen firsthand what happens when owners run a Fusion on old, depleted coolant: corrosion in the water passages, thermostat failure, and eventual head gasket issues.

The critical things to get right: using the correct coolant spec and understanding the degas bottle system Ford uses on EcoBoost engines. Get those two things right, and this is a 1.5–2 hour job you won't need to pay a shop for.

Coolant Specification: 2016 Ford Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost

• Required coolant: Motorcraft Gold (VC-7-B or VC-7-DIL-B) — Organic Acid Technology (OAT), gold/yellow color
• Do NOT mix: Do not mix Motorcraft Gold with green (IAT) or any non-OAT coolant. Mixing causes chemical precipitation and can clog passages.
• System capacity: Approximately 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) total
• Mix ratio: 50/50 coolant/distilled water
• Service interval: Ford recommends the first flush at 6 years / 100,000 miles for the OAT formula

Understanding the Degas Bottle

The 2016 Fusion uses a degas bottle (pressurized coolant reservoir) rather than a traditional overflow bottle. The radiator cap in this system is on the degas bottle, not the radiator.

Practical implications:

1. You fill the system through the degas bottle cap, not a radiator cap
2. Air bleeds from the system through the degas bottle
3. Do not open the degas bottle cap when the engine is hot — the system is under full pressure

What You'll Need

• 2 gallons Motorcraft VC-7-B Gold coolant (or pre-diluted VC-7-DIL-B)
• 1 gallon distilled water (if using full-strength)
• Drain pan (10+ quart capacity)
• 10mm socket or hose pliers (for hose clamps)
• Funnel, shop rags

Step-by-Step: Coolant Flush

Safety first: Let the engine cool completely — minimum 2 hours. The EcoBoost turbo retains heat longer than naturally aspirated engines.

Drain:

1. Open the degas bottle cap slowly — if you see any pressure release, stop and wait longer.
2. Locate the radiator drain petcock at the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Open and let the coolant drain.
3. For a thorough flush, close the drain, refill with distilled water, run to operating temperature, drain again, and repeat once more.

Fill: 4. Close the petcock. 5. Mix your coolant 50/50 if using full-strength VC-7-B. Pre-mixed VC-7-DIL-B skips this step. 6. Pour coolant through the degas bottle slowly, to about halfway between MIN and MAX.

Bleed: 7. Leave the degas bottle cap off (or cracked open). 8. Start the engine and let it idle. 9. Turn the heater to MAX heat, fan to LOW — this opens the heater core circuit and helps air migrate to the degas bottle. 10. Watch the degas bottle — you'll see bubbles rising as air purges out. 11. As the coolant level drops, add more coolant to maintain the level between MIN and MAX. 12. Continue idling until the temperature gauge reaches normal operating range, bubbling stops, and the heater is blowing hot air. 13. Install the degas bottle cap fully. 14. Let the engine reach full operating temperature and verify the temperature gauge stays normal.

Post-flush: Let the engine cool completely, then check the degas bottle level. Top off if needed with 50/50 Motorcraft Gold/distilled water.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong coolant — the 2.0L EcoBoost requires OAT (orange/gold). Ford engines with the wrong coolant type are susceptible to electrolytic corrosion of aluminum components.
• Not bleeding properly — air pockets in EcoBoost engines lead to temperature spikes and false overheating signals.
• Overfilling the degas bottle — fill to halfway, run and bleed, then top off.
• Opening the degas bottle cap hot — the entire system is pressurized. Burns are severe.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Shop

	DIY	Shop
2 gallons Motorcraft Gold	$30–$40	Included
Distilled water	$2	Included
Labor	$0	$100–$150
Total	$32–$42	$130–$200

For more Ford Fusion and EcoBoost maintenance guides, browse the OwnerDrop blog.

Get the full guide + every torque spec in the OwnerDrop library — OwnerDrop /pricing.