I took a look at my engine coolant tank today and I was running a bit low...So I headed out to buy some...I seen on the tank cap it says to only use (WSS-M97 B44-D) orange colored I have no idea what all those numbers mean =D...anyways I went to the auto store to look for something orange colored with WSS-M97 B44-D on it had a hell of a time finding NOTHING...So I asked a store worker if they had anything with this labeled on it and he showed me this store branded universal stuff..I don't even think it's orange...it says it works with all vehicles..makes...models so I bought it, I wasn't being cheap I just couldn't find the recommended coolant...Now I'm regretting buying the stuff for some reason, I haven't put any in the tank yet...my question is, Should I have looked else where for the WSS-M97 B44-D Orange stuff or should I just put this in ? If I should only put in the WSS-M97 B44-D labeled coolant what do you recommend ?

Also how often does on have to top off the coolant ? Being in Minnesota where it gets very cold ?

Sorry for the simple question on engine coolant....I'm not too knowledable on engines and their liquids.

Thanks

 

Yes. Do not use any coolant unless it meets this spec. Dexcool and some types of Prestone are very common brand names that meet the spec.

 

Take a ride out to your local Ford dealer and provide them with that number. Try to get the pre-mixed stuff if they have it. Jag dealers will also have it but it will cost a lot more for the same thing, trust me I checked when I needed coolant.

 

Depending on how many miles are on the car I would just drain it all out and fill it back up with something new! And believe it or not, all brands are pretty much the same and will indeed work on all cars. Just don't mix orange, green, blue, etc.... I actually flushed mine out and used Toyota long life! which is pink!

 

Walmart carries the correct spec fluid.

 

Took my jag to an auto shop yesterday for an oil change and I guess they inspect your car and your fluids and top them if needed for "free" anyways today I checked my engine coolant tank and I see green fluid instead of the jaguar recommended Orange WSS M97 B44-D...am I screwed ? What would happen if it got low (the green fluid) in the future and I added the proper orange stuff basically mixing both ?

 

Colour is not an accurate way of determining coolant type. Go back to the garage and ask for the specifications of the coolant they added. If it's not acceptable, they're on the hook for doing a complete flush.

 

Agreed. Adding non-spec coolant to these Jaguars can cause serious coolant gelling problems down the road. Get it right and ensure this does not happen again....

 

Gave them a call..owner said they used a slightly orange universal coolant...think I'll be fine ? Could I top off with the Jaguar recommended in the future if needed ? If I'm going to have to get it flushed I highly doubt the autoshop is going to do it for free..more $$$

It's not this kind of green...that I said previously just a very light green color

 

Again, colour is meaningless......................

 

Ok, they used a universal coolant ?

 

Does it meet Jaguar specs?

 

Probably not...Why call it "UNIVERSAL" then ? Doesn't it meet all specs ? I bought a jug of Universal coolant the other day (haven't used it) and it says for all makes models...even has little European flags printed on the label

 

Coolant is coolant! Honestly though for as cheap as a gallon or two that coolant costs just drain it all out and fill it with your own personal preference! Besides, have you ever even had it changed? Preventative maintenance my friend! It will be good to change it out either way!

 

^ Sounds like a plan Wuzupez
Does the S-Type have a drain plug ?

Thanks for the replies fellas !

 

Yes it would be better to flush and change it. Dex-cool is factory and easy to find. I would do it twice since it might be contaminated and mixed. Just cheap insurance.
If you get the JTIS it has all the service information in it.

You might consider doing the thermostat just because your there. But be careful of all the plastic cooling parts. Watch the nipples on the top plastic tank. Lean on them and they break. After time and heat the plastic deteriorates into oatmeal and can dissolve in your hands!
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You couldn't be more wrong. There's plenty of examples of what happens when two incompatible types are mixed.

 

+1
The gel that can form is almost impossible to flush out fully.

 

Yeah when mixed! Which is why I said DRAIN and fill it with something new!

 

Generally you won't get every bit out. Just use the right spec stuff. Safe & works.