Ford F-150 · 2012–2025
Ford F-150 Fluid Types and Capacities
The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes.
Last verified
Has the Ford F-150 fluids specification changed by year?
| Model years | Transmission | Coolant | Brake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–2025 | 10R80 10-speed (all engines incl. hybrid's modified 10R80): MERCON ULV only, ~13 qt total fill; drain-and-fill ~5–6 qt. No dipstick on most, level via fill/check plug at temperature. | Motorcraft Yellow (VC-13DL-G, WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted 50/50. Long-life: first change ~100k, then per manual. Don't substitute Orange or Gold. | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (WSS-M6C65-A2), match the reservoir cap |
| 2015–2020 | 6R80 (2015–17 all engines; 3.3L through 2020): MERCON LV, ~13.1 qt total. 10R80 (2017+ 3.5L EB; 2018+ 2.7L/5.0L/diesel): MERCON ULV ONLY, ~13 qt total. LV and ULV are NOT interchangeable. | Motorcraft Orange (VC-3DIL-B, WSS-M97B44-D2) on 2015–2018; Ford switched to Motorcraft Yellow (VC-13DL-G, WSS-M97B57-A2) around 2019. Check the reservoir cap. Yellow can top off Orange; don't add Gold. | Motorcraft DOT 3 (early years) / DOT 4 LV on later builds, match the reservoir cap marking |
| 2012–2014 | 6R80 6-speed: Motorcraft MERCON LV, ~13.1 qt total fill (a pan drain-and-fill takes ~6 qt). No dipstick on later years, level set at the fill plug. | Motorcraft Gold Antifreeze/Coolant (WSS-M97B51-A1), ~15.7–17 qt depending on engine. Don't mix with the later Orange or Yellow coolants except for emergency top-off. | DOT 3 brake fluid (Motorcraft) |
Each row links to the full specification for that generation, including trim-by-trim breakdowns and the part numbers. Where engines within a generation differ, that page separates them.
Full specifications by generation
The fluids on a Ford F-150 is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers.
2021–2025 Ford F-150
14th generation (2021–2025; 2024 facelift) · Full-size pickup (aluminum body; hybrid available; Lightning EV is a separate model) · Fluids
2015–2020 Ford F-150
13th generation (2015–2020, aluminum body) · Full-size pickup (aluminum body, steel frame) · Fluids
2012–2014 Ford F-150
12th generation (2009–2014; covered from 2012) · Full-size pickup (steel body; Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew) · Fluids
Ford F-150 fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a Ford F-150 take?
- 10R80 10-speed (all engines incl. hybrid's modified 10R80): MERCON ULV only, ~13 qt total fill; drain-and-fill ~5–6 qt. No dipstick on most, level via fill/check plug at temperature.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a Ford F-150 use?
- Motorcraft Yellow (VC-13DL-G, WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted 50/50. Long-life: first change ~100k, then per manual. Don't substitute Orange or Gold..
What brake fluid does a Ford F-150 take?
- Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (WSS-M6C65-A2), match the reservoir cap.
What differential fluid does a Ford F-150 take?
- Rear: SAE 75W-85 synthetic (standard) or 75W-140 (Max Tow/HDPP 9.75-in HD axle. Check axle tag); front (4x4): SAE 80W-90.
Sources
- 2022 Ford F-150 Owner's Manual (Ford service content), capacities and specifications
- F150gen14 forum, 2021 5.0L 5W-30 / 7.7-qt sump change discussion (owner's manual excerpts)
- NHTSA recall 24V-635 chronology, 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost intake valves
- Astro Ford / NHTSA, F-150 recall hub (driveshaft, trailer brake, axle, EBB campaigns)
- Car and Driver, Ford EcoBoost intake-valve engine failure recall
- fueleconomy.gov, 2023 Ford F-150 EPA ratings
- Wheel-Size.com, 2022 Ford F-150 OE fitments
- Cars.com, 2021 F-150 towing capacities breakdown (14,000-lb max)
- Motorcraft, MERCON ULV automatic transmission fluid (10R80)
Find your exact F-150
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