We've got a 2014 with only 13,xxx miles on it and it's throwing a check coolant additive code. Has anyone else had this problem? And if so what's the issue?

 

With 13k on it why isn't it at a dealer? Seems like there is a coolant issue so flush it and refill with OEM coolant from Ford.

 

Well I looked it up in the manual and it says it's supposed to come on during a specific interval. So basically I'm supposed to test the coolant every 600 hours or so with a special test kit

 

Your truck should be under warranty Take it to the FORD dealer

 

It is definitely just an informational message, and it isn't indicating anything except a reminder to have the coolant checked. HOWEVER..... I can tell you from experience that dealers have some confusion as to what they are supposed to do. I just took my truck in for a coolant check and when I read the service order I found that they added VX-8 to my coolant, which is the WRONG thing to do.

When you take it in, ask them if they know the correct test strips to use and what the correct additive would be. In the case of the 6.7, they are to use VX-12 (Not VX-8).

The tests that they did on all the diesels *prior* to the 6.7 were:

1. Freeze protection - if it failed they replaced the coolant
2. Nitrate level - if it was LOW they added VX-8

On the 6.7 the test:

1. Nitrate level - If ANY TRACE is detected - FLUSH ENTIRE SYSTEM AND REPLACE COOLANT
2. Freeze protection - if it fails you replace the coolant
3. Contamination - if it fails you flush with VX-9 and replace coolant

When I questioned my dealer about why they added VX-8 they said "We put it in ALL diesels". They are doing a flush on my truck on Monday.

DW