2009–2014 Ford F-150

2009–2014 Ford F-150 - Coolant Flush

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧🔧 Moderate 2–3 hours including flush cycles $20 DIY 3 views

Save $130 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $150

Quick answer: Coolant Flush on a 2009–2014 Ford F-150 is rated Moderate and takes about 2–3 hours including flush cycles. You'll need 7 tools for this job, and parts cost about $20. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$20.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Engine Coolant (50/50 mix)	—	$20.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Start cold with safety gear on

Start with a completely cold engine — the 2009–2014 F-150's radiator cap will vent scalding coolant and steam if opened warm. Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and wear gloves and safety glasses.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

I start with a stone-cold engine — I've seen a warm radiator cap vent scalding coolant, and the steam burn is not something you forget.

Drain the radiator — know its limits

Set the drain pan under the radiator petcock at the radiator's lower corner, remove the radiator cap to vent, and open the petcock.

Flush with water until it runs clear

Cool completely, drain again, and repeat until the drained water runs clear.

Replace suspect cooling fittings

This generation's plastic cooling fittings get brittle with age; replace anything suspect while the system is already empty.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

I replace any suspect plastic fitting while the system's empty — I've seen brittle fittings crack weeks after a coolant job, and draining it twice is nobody's idea of fun.

Refill with the manual-specified coolant

Refill the radiator slowly with the coolant type specified in your owner's manual — Ford used different coolant formulations across these model years, so don't go by color or by what the previous owner poured in. Fill the expansion tank to its fill line as well.

Bleed air with the cap off

Bleed the air the way Ford's procedure describes: leave the radiator cap off and idle the engine with the heater set to full hot until it reaches operating temperature.

Top off over the next few drives

Check the petcock for drips. Seal the old coolant in jugs and take it to a parts store or hazardous-waste facility; never dump it or leave it where animals can drink it.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

I seal the old coolant in jugs for hazmat disposal — I've seen coolant left where animals could drink it, and it's deadly to pets.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming one petcock drain gets it all — the block holds plenty of old coolant behind the thermostat.
• Overtightening the plastic petcock and cracking it — snug is enough.
• Capping the radiator before the level stabilizes — trapped air then works out on the road and the level drops.
• Guessing the coolant type by color — Ford changed formulations across these years, so check the manual.

Tools You'll Need

Large-capacity drain pan Funnel Several gallons of distilled water New coolant matching your owner's manual specification Socket set (for the block drain plug, if equipped) Pliers (for spring-style hose clamps) Nitrile gloves Safety glasses Sealed jugs for the old coolant

Related Trouble Codes

P0128 Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temp Below Regulating Temp)

⚠️ Safety First!

• Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine — pressurized coolant and steam cause severe burns.
• Coolant is lethally toxic to pets and wildlife and tastes sweet; clean up every spill.
• Dispose of used coolant at a parts store or hazardous-waste site — never on the ground or down a drain.