2023 Ford F-150 Fluid Type Specifications

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	Varies by engine: Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) / WSS-M2C961-A1 (5W-30, Ford GT) / WSS-M2C929-A (5W-30) / WSS-M2C960-A1 (5W-20) / WSS-M2C962-A1 (0W-20) - always API SN Plus or higher	Varies by engine (6.0 – 7.7 quarts)
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant; Ford WSS-M97B44-D2	Varies by engine (approx. 15-18 quarts)
Transmission Fluid	Motorcraft MERCON ULV (10R80 Transmission) / MERCON LV (6R80 Transmission)	Varies by transmission (approx. 13-14 quarts)
Transfer Case	Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid	Approx. 1.5 - 2 quarts
Front Differential	Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant (Dana M210) / Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant (M190/M210)	Approx. 1.5 - 2 quarts
Rear Differential	Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant (Ford 8.8" / 9.75") / Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant (Ford 9.75" HD / 10.5")	Approx. 2.5 - 3.5 quarts
Brake Fluid	Motorcraft DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)	As needed
Power Steering	Electric Power-Assist Steering (EPAS) - No serviceable fluid	N/A
Washer Fluid	Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate	Approx. 1 gallon
DEF (Diesel)	Motorcraft Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Motorcraft-labelled, meets ISO 22241 and API DEF standards)	Approx. 5 gallons

Engine Oil

For the 2023 Ford F-150, engine oil specifications are critical and vary significantly depending on the specific engine your truck is equipped with. Always consult your owner's manual for the precise specification for your vehicle's engine. Ford specifies its own WSS-M2C (Worldwide Spec for Service Components) series for engine oils. All recommended oils must also meet or exceed API (American Petroleum Institute) SN Plus or a newer standard like API SP, indicating protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI).

Common specifications include:

• Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30): Often seen with EcoBoost engines, requiring excellent protection and fuel economy.
• Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 (5W-30): For the Ford GT, but sometimes cross-referenced for performance engines, verify in your manual.
• Ford WSS-M2C929-A (5W-30): An older spec but may still be referenced, always defer to the most recent spec in your manual.
• Ford WSS-M2C960-A1 (5W-20): Typically for naturally aspirated engines like the 3.3L V6.
• Ford WSS-M2C962-A1 (0W-20): Increasingly common for newer, more fuel-efficient engines.

Oil change intervals typically range from 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 6-12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe duty (towing, extreme temperatures, heavy stop-and-go) will shorten this interval. Using oil that does not meet the specified Ford WSS-M2C standard and API rating can lead to premature engine wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential voiding of your warranty.

Engine Coolant

The 2023 Ford F-150 utilizes Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant, meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D2. This is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. It is crucial to only use coolant that specifically meets this Ford specification. Do NOT mix different types or colors of coolants, as this can lead to chemical reactions, gel formation, reduced cooling efficiency, and damage to cooling system components.

The typical service life for this coolant can be as long as 10 years or 200,000 miles, but always refer to your owner's manual for the exact maintenance schedule. Coolant levels should be checked regularly, and any significant loss could indicate a leak. When topping off, use only the specified Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant to maintain the correct mixture and corrosion protection.

Transmission Fluid

The most common automatic transmissions in the 2023 Ford F-150 are the 10-speed (10R80) and possibly the 6-speed (6R80) in some configurations. Each requires a specific Motorcraft MERCON fluid. It is absolutely critical to use the correct fluid.

• Motorcraft MERCON ULV (Ultra Low Viscosity): This is specified for the advanced 10R80 automatic transmission. Do NOT substitute with MERCON LV or any other ATF.
• Motorcraft MERCON LV (Low Viscosity): If your F-150 has the 6R80 automatic transmission, this is the specified fluid. Again, do NOT use anything else.

Transmission fluid is often considered "lifetime" by some manufacturers, but for optimal longevity and performance, especially in a truck that tows or hauls, periodic fluid and filter changes are highly recommended. Consult your owner's manual for severe duty maintenance schedules, which typically recommend changes between 30,000 to 60,000 miles for heavy use.

Transfer Case

For 4WD and AWD 2023 Ford F-150 models, the transfer case typically uses Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid. This is the same fluid specified for some Ford automatic transmissions. Ensure you verify this in your owner's manual, as some heavy-duty transfer cases in other Ford models might use gear oil.

Transfer case fluid should be changed periodically, especially if the vehicle is frequently used in 4WD/AWD modes, for towing, or off-road. Recommended intervals usually fall between 30,000 and 60,000 miles depending on usage. Using incorrect fluid can lead to premature wear and failure of transfer case components.

Front Differential

The front differential fluid for the 2023 Ford F-150 can vary by axle type. Common specifications include:

• Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant: Often specified for axles like the Dana M210, meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.
• Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant: Used in other front differential applications, such as the Ford M190 or M210, meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C192-A.

Always check your owner's manual or the differential tag for the exact weight and specification. Some differentials may require a friction modifier if they are equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD), though front differentials on F-150s are typically open. Fluid change intervals are generally every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or more frequently with heavy towing or off-road use.

Rear Differential

Rear differential fluid specifications for the 2023 Ford F-150 are also dependent on the specific axle installed. Several options exist:

• Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant: Common for Ford 8.8-inch and 9.75-inch axles, meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C192-A.
• Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant: Typically used for heavy-duty applications, such as the Ford 9.75-inch HD and 10.5-inch axles, meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C942-A.

If your F-150 has a limited-slip differential (LSD), you MUST add a friction modifier. Motorcraft XL-3 Friction Modifier is typically specified. Failure to add the friction modifier to an LSD will result in chatter and noise from the differential, especially when turning. Ensure you confirm your axle type and whether it's an open or limited-slip differential before servicing.

Rear differential fluid changes are recommended at similar intervals to the front differential, typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or more frequently under severe operating conditions.

Brake Fluid

The 2023 Ford F-150 requires Motorcraft DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid. This is a synthetic brake fluid designed to work with modern ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and stability control systems. Using a non-LV DOT 4 or an incorrect DOT 3 fluid can lead to compromised braking performance and potential issues with the ABS module, especially in colder temperatures.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion in the braking system. Ford typically recommends brake fluid flushes every two to three years, or as indicated by maintenance schedules.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2023 Ford F-150 is equipped with an Electric Power-Assist Steering (EPAS) system. This system is entirely electric and does not use a hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir, or fluid lines. Therefore, there is no serviceable power steering fluid to check or change.

Washer Fluid

For the windshield washer system, any quality windshield washer fluid can be used. Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate is available and can be mixed with water according to package directions. It is recommended to use a fluid with antifreeze properties, especially in colder climates, to prevent freezing in the reservoir and lines.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

For 2023 Ford F-150 models equipped with a diesel engine, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required for the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The DEF used must meet ISO 22241 standards and API DEF certification. Motorcraft Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is recommended.

DEF is not a fuel additive and should never be put into the fuel tank. It has its own dedicated reservoir. The system will alert you when fluid levels are low, and the vehicle's performance may be derated if DEF is not refilled promptly. Store DEF in a cool, dry place and be aware of its expiration date, as it can degrade over time.

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