Q: What are VOCs? A: Volatile Organic Compounds means any compound containing at least 1 atom of carbon, excluding certain compounds. Examples of products that contain VOCs include: Glass Cleaners, Engine Shampoos, Windshield Washer Solvents, etc. Q: Are my products compliant with the VOC regulations? A: If you have a question regarding the Ford/Motorcraft products you use, please send your question to the MSDS hotline: MSDS@brownart.com Q: Is there any consideration of having an interval schedule for power steering fluid? After all, it does wear and gets material in it. A: Power steering fluids and systems are designed to be filled for life. No fluid changes are necessary unless the system is dismantled. Q: Where can one obtain the coolant test strips required for use with Motorcraft Diesel Cooling System Additive, VC-8? A: To obtain the strips referenced on the product's label, contact Cummins Engine Corporate at 1-800-DIESELS to locate the nearest Cummins distributor. In addition to the over 400 Cummins distributors, there are sub-distributors like International Truck, that may stock the test strips. Q: What was the result of the backward compatibility testing using Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant, VC-7-A, in prior MY vehicles that were factory-filled with the green colored Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant, VC-4-A? A: Due to the very limited number of prior MY vehicles equipped with green-colored Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant that could be serviced using the Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant and the differences in the coolants' maintenance schedules, Ford is maintaining the position that all Ford vehicles should be serviced using only the coolant with which the vehicle was originally (factory-fill) equipped. Q: If my state or local regulation does not require the use of service coolant containing bittering agent, can I use the coolant containing a bittering agent. A: Yes. Q: As of November 2004, what states or localities must use coolant containing a bittering agent? A: Oregon, California (with the exception of 55 gallon or larger containers), and Albuquerque, New Mexico currently require the use of service coolant containing bittering agent. Additional states and local areas are in the process of considering the adoption of bittering agent requirements for coolant (ethylene glycol) and in some cases, windshield washer fluid (methyl alcohol). Q: Why is the Motorcraft A/C Cooling Coil Coating, YN-29 (unit of issue = 2), more expensive than the Motorcraft A/C Disodorizer, YN-18 (unit of issue = 6), which it replaced? A: YN-29 and YN-18 are entirely different products. YN-29 is a far superior product. YN-18 kills the odor-causing microbes upon contact; however, it does not correct the problem (i.e., it is not preventative). Thus, in most cases, YN-18 has to be reapplied multiple times and the reapplications occur within a short period of time (e.g., weeks). YN-29 is a coating that prevents the growth of the odor-causing microbes. The protection lasts 2-3 years. For correcting the odor concern, YN-29 is less expensive from a usage and time standpoint. Q: How do I obtain the discount on engine coolant? A: To obtain the Motorcraft 18% discount on engine coolant, truckload orders must be placed through the Truckload Ordering process. Orders made through DOESII and/or the normal stock order process and/or for less than a truckload do not receive the discount. To place an order, go to the following website, www.web.mcdistributor.dealerconnection.com. Click on Parts Information, then Chemicals and Lubricants Center. Select Truckload Ordering Program. If you like, you can also use the form on page 4 of the Motorcraft Chemicals and Lubricants 2004 Catalog. Fax the form to Excelda Manufacturing at 1-800-984-6874. Q: It is sometimes difficult to keep track of what chemicals go with what vehicles. How can I manage this information or is the information complied anywhere? A: Application/Reference charts are created and updated to assist dealers in managing this vast amount of information. Log on to www.fmcdealer.com and type 'application chart', 'reference chart' or 'chart' in the search function. Available application charts include Automatic Transmission Fluid and Manual Transmission Fluid, Refrigerant Charge Capacities, Paint Charts, and etc. Q: There are a lot of chemical companies that offer similar products to the service departments that function at the same level as a Ford or better at a more competitive price. How does Ford Motor Company view this? A: Ford Motor Company strives to be price competitive in the marketplace as well as offer a superior product. All of our products are tested and approved for materials compatibility and performance. Aftermarket products are not always compatible with material used in our vehicles and may cause damage, which would not be warrantable.