How fail-safe cooling works, Maintenance and specifications – FORD 2012 Fusion v.2 User Manual

Page 308

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If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to

ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration

above 40%.

NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will

decrease the corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause engine damage.

If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to

ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.

What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.5L I4 and 3.5L V6
engines only)

If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.

How fail-safe cooling works

If the engine begins to overheat:
• The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area.
• The

symbol will illuminate.

If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.

When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.

Maintenance and Specifications

308

2012 Fusion (fsn)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA
(fus)

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