For a 2008 Ford Fusion, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant in a 50/50 premixed form, or any coolant that specifically meets Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1/A2. Always verify the exact specification for your particular engine and model year with the owner's manual or a Ford dealer.
Understanding Ford's coolant requirements
Ford specifies ethylene glycol–based coolants that are formulated to meet its own WSS-M97B51-A1 or WSS-M97B51-A2 standards. Using a coolant that carries Ford’s approved specification helps protect the cooling system and the engine over the long term. Premixed 50/50 options are the simplest and most reliable way to achieve the correct concentration.
Compatible coolant options that meet Ford's specification include:
- Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant, 50/50 premixed, meets WSS-M97B51-A1/A2.
- Any aftermarket coolant labeled as Ford-approved and explicitly meeting WSS-M97B51-A1/A2 (ethylene glycol–based, designed for Ford engines).
- Concentrate coolants that carry the Ford specification must be mixed with distilled water to achieve the 50/50 ratio and meet WSS-M97B51-A1/A2.
Conclusion: The easiest and most reliable choice is a Ford-approved coolant that explicitly meets WSS-M97B51-A1 or WSS-M97B51-A2, with the premixed 50/50 Motorcraft option being the standard recommendation. Avoid using non-Ford coolants that do not carry the Ford spec, and steer clear of GM Dex-Cool unless it is clearly labeled as Ford-approved for your vehicle.
Maintenance tips and proper refilling procedures
When changing or topping off coolant, follow best practices to ensure proper mixing, bleeding, and long-term protection of the cooling system.
Bleed and fill procedure
To avoid air pockets and ensure proper circulation, follow these steps carefully. If you’re not comfortable performing this yourself, have a qualified technician do the service.
- Let the engine cool completely, then place the vehicle on a level surface.
- Drain the old coolant from the radiator and reservoir, following the service manual for your exact engine.
- Flush the cooling system if recommended by Ford or your service technician.
- Fill with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (or other Ford-approved coolant) in a 50/50 premixed solution, or mix concentrate with distilled water to reach 50/50.
- Run the engine with the radiator cap off and the heater set to hot to purge air from the system.
- Top off the reservoir to the proper level once the thermostat opens and the system stabilizes.
- Check for leaks and recheck the coolant level after the engine cools for a second time.
Additional notes: Always verify that the coolant is ethylene glycol–based and that it carries Ford’s WSS-M97B51-A1/A2 designation. Do not mix different coolant brands or different types unless both explicitly state compatibility with Ford’s specification. Store coolant safely and dispose of old coolant at an appropriate facility.
Summary
In short, a 2008 Ford Fusion should use Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant, typically as a 50/50 premixed solution, or any coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1/A2. Use only Ford-approved coolants to ensure compatibility and long-term protection. When changing coolant, follow proper drain, flush, fill, and bleed procedures, or consult a professional to ensure the system is correctly serviced.