What color antifreeze for a 2019 Titanium?

My girlfriend just got a 2019 Ford Escape Titanium, and I noticed the antifreeze looks pink. I’ve mainly owned VWs, so I thought pink antifreeze was more of a European thing. Shouldn’t it be red or something else?

Also, if it’s the wrong color, should I flush it? The car runs fine, but the antifreeze level is a bit low, so I want to top it off.

Thanks, everyone!

In 2019, Ford was still using orange coolant, which can sometimes look pink depending on the light. If it hasn’t been replaced before, now might be a good time to flush it. Ford’s newer yellow coolant is backwards-compatible and has fewer corrosion issues, so it might be worth switching.

You should check out this video—it explains everything about coolant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1pz05j4uWE&t=130s

I personally stick with Motorcraft fluids and avoid those “all colors/all brands” third-party coolants. Flushing the system can be a pain, so just draining and refilling the radiator and overflow tank every now and then is a more DIY-friendly option.

@Riley
Thanks! I’ll definitely check out that video.

I’d be more worried about why it’s low on antifreeze. Have you checked for leaks? Does the car have the 2.0 EcoBoost engine? Some of those are known for coolant intrusion issues.

Tully said:
I’d be more worried about why it’s low on antifreeze. Have you checked for leaks? Does the car have the 2.0 EcoBoost engine? Some of those are known for coolant intrusion issues.

I don’t see any leaks so far. My girlfriend hasn’t had the car long, and this is my first time really checking it out. I assumed it might just evaporate over time? For context, I have to top off my Jetta about every 18 months, but I idle it a lot. I’m pretty sure her Escape has the 2.0 EcoBoost.

@Jaden
Yes, the 2019 Titanium only comes with the 2.0 EcoBoost. Your owner’s manual will say to use Ford Specialty Orange coolant, but Ford has stopped producing it. The new yellow coolant (not gold or green) is compatible and supposedly better. You can top off with it or flush and refill, depending on what’s in there now. Just keep an eye on coolant levels in case it’s one of the engines prone to coolant intrusion issues. Here’s a link to a document that might help: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf.

@Oli
Thanks for the info and the link! I’ll take a closer look soon. Appreciate the advice on coolant options.

Green.

Vine said:
Green.

Not to doubt you, but where did you find that info? Just curious for my own understanding.

Jaden said:

Vine said:
Green.

Not to doubt you, but where did you find that info? Just curious for my own understanding.

I’m a Ford dealership technician.

Vine said:

Jaden said:
Vine said:
Green.

Not to doubt you, but where did you find that info? Just curious for my own understanding.

I’m a Ford dealership technician.

Got it. Should I flush it then? I’m no mechanic, but I can handle basic stuff.

@Jaden
It should be fine. Ford used pink coolant for a bit before switching to neon green. Flushing without proper tools can be a hassle, though—getting out air bubbles is tricky.

Vine said:
@Jaden
It should be fine. Ford used pink coolant for a bit before switching to neon green. Flushing without proper tools can be a hassle, though—getting out air bubbles is tricky.

So you’d recommend just topping it off with pink then?

@Jaden
If that’s what’s already in there, go for it.