Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Coolant

2013 Ford Falcon coolant — what it does and how to look after it

Coolant is absolutely relevant to the 2013 Ford Falcon. Ford’s service literature and the 2013 Falcon Owner’s Manual specify a liquid, pressurised engine cooling system using a long-life, ethylene-glycol–based coolant (Motorcraft Orange OAT) that meets Ford spec WSS‑M97B44‑D or equivalent. That confirms the vehicle is designed to run with coolant, not plain water.

In the Falcon’s Barra inline‑six and V8 engines, coolant does the heavy lifting of carrying heat away from the cylinders to the radiator. But it’s more than temperature control. The correct OAT coolant raises the boiling point, lowers the freezing point, fights corrosion inside the alloy head, block and radiator, lubricates the water pump seal, and helps prevent scale, electrolysis and cavitation. Using the right stuff keeps the temperature gauge steady and the heater working properly, even on scorching Aussie or Kiwi days.

For servicing, the recommended approach is to follow the handbook interval for long‑life orange coolant—typically up to 10 years/240,000 km for the factory fill, then about every 5 years/100,000–120,000 km thereafter, whichever comes first. Age matters as much as kilometres because the corrosion inhibitors deplete over time.

Day to day, the coolant level should sit between the MIN and MAX marks on the expansion tank when cold. Top‑ups should be with the same orange, OAT‑type coolant premixed 50/50 with demineralised water (or a quality premix that already meets WSS‑M97B44‑D). Mixing green or unknown coolant with orange can reduce protection and cause gel or sludge.

• Always use demineralised water if mixing from concentrate.
• Pressure‑test the cap and system if the level drops or there’s a sweet smell or staining.
• Flush thoroughly during replacement, don’t just drain and refill over old coolant.
• Bleed air properly after refilling to avoid hot spots and poor cabin heat.
• Inspect hoses, thermostat housing and water pump for seepage during services.

A tidy cooling system keeps the Falcon’s temperature stable, fuel economy consistent and the alloy internals protected. Sticking with the Ford‑approved orange OAT formula and a sensible change schedule is cheap insurance against head‑gasket grief and radiator replacement down the track.

Popular questions

What coolant type does a 2013 Ford Falcon take?
The 2013 Falcon is specified for a long‑life, orange OAT coolant meeting Ford WSS‑M97B44‑D (often sold as Motorcraft Premium Orange). Use a 50/50 mix with demineralised water or a ready‑to‑use premix that clearly states the Ford spec. Avoid mixing with green, blue, or universal coolants that don’t meet that spec.

How often should the coolant be changed?
For most 2013 Falcons, the factory fill interval is up to 10 years/240,000 km, then around every 5 years/100,000–120,000 km. Extreme service (towing, hot climates) or any contamination may justify earlier changes. Always confirm the interval in the owner’s manual for the exact engine and build.

What are signs the coolant needs attention?
Low reservoir level, rusty/cloudy colour, oily film, overheating, poor heater performance, or a sweet smell under the bonnet point to issues. A pressure test and coolant strength test (refractometer) during service can catch problems before they turn expensive.