Parts for your 2010 Ford Falcon-Coolant

2010 Ford Falcon coolant — what it does and how to look after it

Coolant absolutely is used on the 2010 Ford Falcon. The FG-series Falcon (Barra 4.0 inline-six and V8 variants) runs a liquid-cooled system. Ford’s FG Falcon Owner’s Manual (2010) and the Ford Workshop Manual (FG, section 303‑03A Cooling) specify a Ford‑approved long‑life ethylene glycol coolant, typically an OAT formula meeting Ford spec WSS‑M97B44‑D or a superseding equivalent.

On this Falcon, coolant does more than stop freezing and boiling. It carries heat away from the engine, protects alloy and steel surfaces from corrosion, lubricates the water pump seal, and helps prevent cavitation and electrolysis that can chew out passages and gaskets. That adds up to stable temps, better heater performance, and longer life for radiators, pumps and hoses.

For servicing, the smart play is to stick with a compliant long‑life coolant mixed 50/50 with demineralised water (or use a correct pre‑mix). Avoid mixing different chemistries, don’t top up an orange OAT with generic “green” or older silicate blends, and don’t use glycol‑free Type B inhibitor in place of the specified Type A coolant. If the history is unknown or the colours have been mixed, get a complete flush and refill done.

• Check the level cold at the expansion tank. Repeated low levels usually mean a leak — think radiator end tanks, hoses, heater core or water pump weep hole.
• Follow the Ford service schedule for replacement. The FG was released with long replacement intervals, many Aussie and Kiwi workshops choose a conservative 5‑year or 100–150,000 km refresh, with annual condition checks using a refractometer and test strips for pH/inhibitor levels.
• When refilling, set the heater to hot and bleed air per the workshop procedure (use the bleed point if fitted). Air pockets can cause hot spots and erratic gauge readings.
• Inspect the pressure cap, a tired cap can cause boil‑over or coolant loss under load. Replace if the seals are perished.
• Dispose of old coolant responsibly — it’s toxic and shouldn’t go down drains.

Technical references: Ford FG Falcon Owner’s Manual (2010), Cooling System, Ford Workshop Manual FG, Section 303‑03A Engine Cooling, Motorcraft coolant specifications WSS‑M97B44‑D/D2 (long‑life OAT).

Popular question: What coolant type does a 2010 Ford Falcon use?
It takes a Ford‑approved long‑life ethylene glycol coolant meeting WSS‑M97B44‑D (or a superseding spec). It’s typically an OAT “orange” formula. Always confirm with the owner’s manual or the under‑bonnet decal.

Popular question: How often should the coolant be changed?
Ford specified long service intervals for the FG. In local practice, many workshops refresh at 5 years or 100–150,000 km and test the coolant annually. If the service history is unclear, a full flush and refill now is a safe start point.

Popular question: Can green coolant be mixed with the Falcon’s coolant?
No. Mixing chemistries can cause gelling, reduced corrosion protection and water‑pump seal issues. If you’re switching types, fully flush the system and refill with the correct spec and demineralised water.