2.3L ('02-'11) How much does the correct coolant matter?

[cape_royds]

My Ranger: 2011 XL standard cab, 6' box, 2.3L Duratec, automatic. Nickname: Plain Jane.

Just got the radiator flushed and new coolant fill at my local Ford dealership.

Noticed the new stuff is not the usual golden colour.

So I checked the invoice, which lists part VC13DLG ("Yellow"--although it looks slightly greenish to my eyes). Ford website says this coolant is not correct for my Ranger.

Checked invoice from previous coolant change, three years ago. That time, they used VC7D1LB2 ("Gold"), which Ford says is correct. And reading the fine print, it matches the specification no. in the Owners' Manual.

My question: is this a trivial mistake the technician made, or is it serious? Will using the Yellow rather than the Gold matter much?

Second question: would anyone here be kind enough to explain why it matters? I've done some searching online, but I've had trouble finding info specific to my case. And I don't want to roll the dice on AI.

I apologize if this is a dumb question.

 

[Curious Hound]

I don't know all the specifics abput those exact coolants. But, generally, the different coolants are formulated with corrosion inhibitors for different metals that the coolant encounters in the system. They will all prevent boiling and freezing to roughly the same temperatures. But the wrong coolant could allow more corrosion and sludge buildup in the system. I think I would go back and show them the invoice and owners manual. A good shop will either correct it or show documantation, such as a Ford service bulletin, that says they interchange ok.

But, maybe someone here already has that info.