Check coolant additive?

[Y&R0864]

Anybody know why these trucks would say this on the screen above steering wheel? Just trying to help a buddy out here. What could be wrong and how to fix it... Thanks

[Scubamax]

Let me guess, he has around 12k miles on his truck.... It's an idiot light to get you to go back to the dealer and spend 21 bucks. You can clear the warning yourself. The coolant system uses some kind of silicon free crap or something. Don't quote me on that.... Is it useless to have it checked at the dealership? Probably... Is it worth 21 bucks for piece of mind? Yes. It's apparent that the truck is programed to send this warning to all trucks at around the 12k mile mark.

[StonemanQA]

Actually according to the Diesel supplement and my dealer both coolant systems are to be tested for "nitrate contamination, freeze point, and corrosion protection" every 15K. They can add booster if needed twice over the initial 105K. Then flush and change every 45K there after. Just had mine tested at 45K and it needed booster. I plan on flush and refill at 60K. Do not want to deal with cavitation.


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[Painted Horse]

I'm surprised that folks are still asking this question. Its in the manuals and as much as it's been discussed on the websites.

I remember doing routine test on my 2000 7.3L engine, Ford has changed the test to reflect the current coolant technology and just put a automatic pop up reminder on the dash to help folks remember. We used to add FW16 to the 7.3L coolant to prevent cavitation. With the Speciality Gold coolant that came with the 6.0L and 6.4L we added VC-8 to improve the Nitrites, and now with the 6.7L we add the VC-12 to boost the Carbolytes which slowly coat the metal of the engine to prevent corrision.

It's not something new.