What kind of engine coolant does a 1996 Ford Taurus 4-door need? (engines, premium)

[Timemachineman]

What kind of engine coolant does a 1996 Ford Taurus 4-door need?

[UpstateJohn]

Whats in it now, or should I say what color is in it now?

[dpm1]

Originally Posted by UpstateJohn

Whats in it now, or should I say what color is in it now?

Color is not an adequate judge. But yes, depends on what is in it now.

[Timemachineman]

Originally Posted by UpstateJohn

Whats in it now, or should I say what color is in it now?

There was so little in there that I couldn't even tell the color. (Note: I just bought this.)

[YourWakeUpCall]

https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubrican...coolantsEN.pdf

If the link doesn't work:

G = Green-colored engine coolant meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant)

You don't have to use Motorcraft brand coolant - there are many commonly available brands that meet the specification.

[dpm1]

Originally Posted by YourWakeUpCall

https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubrican...coolantsEN.pdf

If the link doesn't work:

G = Green-colored engine coolant meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant)

You don't have to use Motorcraft brand coolant - there are many commonly available brands that meet the specification.

But if it was flushed it could be any sort of green antifreeze.

[unit731]

Originally Posted by Timemachineman

What kind of engine coolant does a 1996 Ford Taurus 4-door need?

Go to shop or local mechanic and have entire cooling system including heater core flushed. And have them put new coolant in.

These engines are cast iron and rust does build up in entire system.
Just draining is not good enough.

[UpstateJohn]

Originally Posted by dpm1

Color is not an adequate judge. But yes, depends on what is in it now.

It is if you know coolants like I do.

[UpstateJohn]

Originally Posted by Timemachineman

There was so little in there that I couldn't even tell the color. (Note: I just bought this.)

Any good quality "green" antifreeze will work just fine.

[YourWakeUpCall]

Originally Posted by dpm1

But if it was flushed it could be any sort of green antifreeze.

If it was flushed and refilled with the correct fluid, it wouldn't make any difference. If it was refilled with the incorrect fluid, it needs to be flushed/refilled anyway. Given the mysterious origins of the fluid currently in the car, the easiest path forward would be to flush it and refill with a coolant meeting the required specifications.