Parts for your 2013 Ford Transit-Coolant

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

Coolant is absolutely relevant to a 2013 Ford Transit. Ford’s own technical literature confirms this: the 2013 Transit Owner’s Manual and Ford Workshop Manual (Section 303-03, Engine Cooling) specify a pressurised liquid cooling system using long-life antifreeze/coolant. Ford Europe service information also calls for an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant that meets Ford specification WSS‑M97B44‑D (commonly supplied as Motorcraft Super Plus Premium in this era). Those references make it clear the vehicle relies on engine coolant for temperature control and corrosion protection.

In a 2013 Transit, coolant circulates through the engine and radiator to keep temperatures in the sweet spot. It stops overheating on brutal summer days, prevents internal corrosion, protects against cavitation around the water pump, and keeps seals healthy. A correct 50/50 mix with demineralised water delivers freeze and boil protection, while the additive package guards alloy heads, steel blocks, and heater cores from rust and scale. It’s not just “green water” — it’s a critical consumable that helps the Transit start, tow, and idle all day without drama.

Servicing wise, most 2013 Transits on OAT coolant are on long intervals — typically up to 10 years or around 200,000 km for the factory fill, provided the system is clean and undamaged. Many fleet operators in Australia and New Zealand shorten that in harsh service (heavy towing, stop–start courier work, dusty heat) to 5 years/100,000 km as cheap insurance. Always match the specification on the under‑bonnet decal or owner’s handbook: use an OAT coolant meeting Ford WSS‑M97B44‑D (or the superseding Ford spec for any later service bulletin) and avoid mixing types or colours.

• Never open the expansion cap hot, wait until cool to avoid scalding.
• Top up only with premixed 50/50 OAT coolant and demineralised water.
• If the colour looks rusty, oily, or there’s debris, book a flush and pressure test.
• Replace any swollen hoses, weeping water pump, or tired cap during coolant service.
• Bleed air properly after refilling, confirm heater blows hot and the level stabilises at COLD/MIN when cool.

For peace of mind, a workshop can test concentration with a refractometer and check pH/inhibitor life. Done right, the Transit’s cooling system will go the distance without fuss.

Popular questions about 2013 Ford Transit coolant

What coolant type does a 2013 Ford Transit use?
Ford specifies an OAT long‑life coolant meeting WSS‑M97B44‑D for this model year in most markets, commonly sold as Motorcraft Super Plus Premium (often orange). Some vehicles may have been serviced with a later Ford‑approved long‑life coolant, match the spec on the vehicle and don’t mix types.

How often should the coolant be changed?
For many 2013 Transits, the factory interval is up to 10 years/200,000 km under normal use. In tough Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many owners opt for 5 years/100,000 km. If tests show weak concentration, contamination, or corrosion, change it sooner.

How much coolant does it take and how is it bled?
Capacity varies by engine and heater setup, typically around 8–12 litres. After draining, set the heater to hot, fill slowly to the MAX mark, start and warm the engine so the thermostat opens, top up as bubbles purge, then cap it. Recheck the level cold the next day and top up to the COLD/MIN mark if needed.