Coolant Reservoir

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the coolant reservoir on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coolant draining, refilling, and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Coolant reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Reservoir cap × 1 — Replace if damaged or seal deteriorated

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake
3. Place drain pan under the radiator drain petcock located at the bottom passenger side of the radiator
4. Have replacement coolant and parts readily available

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from system
   Slowly remove the coolant reservoir cap to release any residual pressure. Open the radiator drain petcock at the bottom of the radiator by turning counterclockwise. Allow coolant to drain into the drain pan. You do not need to drain the entire system, just lower the level below the reservoir.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect reservoir hose
   Locate the lower coolant hose connected to the bottom of the reservoir. Squeeze the hose clamp tabs together using pliers or push the clamp down the hose away from the reservoir neck. Gently twist and pull the hose off the reservoir neck. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove reservoir mounting bolts
   Using an 8mm socket and ratchet, remove the two mounting bolts securing the coolant reservoir to the inner fender. The upper bolt is accessed from the top, the lower bolt may require reaching down alongside the reservoir.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove coolant reservoir
   Lift the reservoir upward and out of the engine bay. Tilt it to drain any remaining coolant into your drain pan. Inspect the reservoir for cracks, discoloration, or sediment buildup that would justify replacement.
   ℹ️Check the condition of the coolant. If it appears rusty, contaminated, or has not been changed according to the maintenance schedule, perform a complete coolant flush.
5. 5

   Prepare new reservoir
   Compare the new reservoir to the old unit to verify correct fitment. Transfer the reservoir cap if it is in good condition and the seal is intact, otherwise install the new cap. Ensure the hose connection neck is clean and free of debris.
6. 6

   Install new reservoir
   Position the new reservoir into the mounting location on the inner fender. Align the mounting holes and hand-start both mounting bolts. Tighten the reservoir mounting bolts to specification using an 8mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reconnect coolant hose
   Push the lower coolant hose fully onto the reservoir neck until it seats completely. Slide the hose clamp into position approximately 1/4 inch from the end of the hose connection. Ensure the clamp is properly secured and positioned over the hose bead.
   ⚠Do not overtighten hose clamps as this can damage the plastic reservoir neck and cause leaks.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Close drain petcock
   Close the radiator drain petcock by turning it clockwise until hand tight. Do not use tools to tighten as this can strip the plastic threads.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Fill cooling system
   Remove the cap from the coolant reservoir. Pour a 50/50 mixture of Motorcraft Orange Coolant and distilled water into the reservoir until it reaches the COLD FILL MAX line. Do not overfill. Install the reservoir cap but do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Bleed cooling system
    Locate the coolant bleed screw on top of the thermostat housing on the front of the engine. Open the bleed screw approximately 2-3 turns. Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater set to maximum temperature. Add coolant to the reservoir as needed to maintain proper level. When a steady stream of coolant flows from the bleed screw without air bubbles, close the bleed screw to specification.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature during bleeding. If temperature approaches the red zone, shut off the engine immediately and allow it to cool.
    Torque spec

    Bleed Screw8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Complete bleeding and top off
    Allow the engine to reach full operating temperature and the cooling fans to cycle on at least once. Shut off the engine and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off to the COLD FILL MAX line if needed. Securely tighten the reservoir cap.

Reassembly

1. Verify all hose clamps are properly positioned and secure
2. Confirm the reservoir cap is fully seated and locked in place
3. Wipe up any spilled coolant from the engine bay and components

Verification

• Inspect the area around the reservoir and hose connection for any signs of coolant leaks
• Check the coolant level in the reservoir with the engine cold - it should be at the COLD FILL MAX line
• Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature while monitoring for leaks
• Verify the heater produces hot air, indicating proper coolant circulation
• After the first drive cycle, recheck coolant level when cold and top off if necessary
• Monitor coolant level over the next few days to ensure no leaks are present

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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