Parts for your 2010 Ford Territory-Coolant

2010 Ford Territory coolant: what it does and how to look after it

Coolant is absolutely relevant and used on the 2010 Ford Territory. Technical references such as the Ford Territory SY II Owner’s Guide (2010), the Ford Workshop Manual for the Barra 4.0L cooling system, and Ford’s coolant specs (notably WSS‑M97B51‑A1 for the factory green Motorcraft coolant) confirm the vehicle’s liquid‑cooled design and the requirement for a glycol‑based engine coolant.

In this Territory, coolant does a lot more than keep things from freezing. It carries heat out of the engine, lifts the boiling point under pressure, protects aluminium and mixed metals from corrosion, lubricates the water pump, and keeps the cabin heater working sweet as. Without the correct spec coolant, overheating, scale, and electrolysis can sneak up and turn into pricey repairs.

Most 2010 petrol Territory SY II models were filled with a green ethylene‑glycol coolant meeting Ford WSS‑M97B51‑A1. Many vehicles have stayed with this, some have been converted by workshops to an orange OAT coolant meeting Ford WSS‑M97B44‑D. Both are fine when used as specified, but they mustn’t be mixed. Colour is a guide only—the spec on the bottle or service label is what matters.

For servicing, the vehicle benefits from regular checks and timely replacement. With the original green Motorcraft‑type coolant, a change every 2 years or around 40,000–50,000 km is typical workshop practice in Australia and New Zealand. If the system has been fully flushed and filled with a Ford‑approved orange OAT coolant, intervals can extend up to about 5 years or 240,000 km. Always follow the product’s spec and the owner’s manual guidance.

• Inspect the degas/expansion bottle level monthly when cold, top up only with the same-spec coolant or a 50/50 premix using demineralised water.
• Never remove the cap hot, pressure and heat can cause scalding.
• During a change: fully drain, flush with clean water until clear, refill with the correct mix, run the engine with the heater on to purge air, then recheck the level when cold.
• Check hoses, clamps, the thermostat, and the radiator cap, replace if swollen, cracked, or weak.
• Dispose of old coolant responsibly—glycol is toxic to people and pets.

Sticking with the right Ford‑approved spec and sensible intervals keeps the Territory’s big six running cool on hot Kiwi and Aussie days alike.

Popular questions

What coolant type does a 2010 Ford Territory use?
The 2010 petrol SY II Territory was typically filled with green ethylene‑glycol coolant meeting Ford WSS‑M97B51‑A1 (Motorcraft Premium). Some have been professionally converted to a Ford‑approved orange OAT coolant (WSS‑M97B44‑D). Either is suitable when used alone—don’t mix types, and confirm the spec on the service label or coolant container.

How often should the coolant be changed?
With the original‑type green coolant, plan on about every 2 years or 40,000–50,000 km. If it’s on a Ford‑approved orange OAT coolant, intervals can extend to around 5 years or 240,000 km. Condition matters too—if tests show low protection or contamination, change it sooner.

Can the system be topped up with water?
Only for a small top‑up and only with demineralised water, and then match it with the correct coolant as soon as practical. Regular tap water can add minerals that scale up the system. Best practice is topping up with the same premixed coolant already in the vehicle.