2024 Ford F-150 Fluid Type Specs

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (Gasoline - Most Engines)	SAE 5W-30, WSS-M2C961-A1	Varies by engine (typically 6.0 - 8.0 quarts)
Engine Oil (3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid)	SAE 5W-30, WSS-M2C961-A1	7.7 quarts
Engine Coolant	Orange, Ford/Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant VC-3-B (or equivalent Fordspec WSS-M97B44-D2)	~14-16 quarts (verify in owner's manual)
Transmission Fluid (10R80 Automatic)	MERCON ULV (Ultra Low Viscosity)	~13.1 quarts (initial fill, dry system)
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD/AWD)	MERCON LV	1.5 - 2.0 quarts (verify in owner's manual)
Front Differential Fluid	SAE 80W-90, XY-80W90-QL (or equivalent Ford spec WSP-M2C197-A) OR SAE 75W-85, WSS-M2C945-A	Varies by axle (typically 1.7 - 2.2 quarts)
Rear Differential Fluid	SAE 75W-85, WSS-M2C945-A (non-LSD) OR SAE 75W-140, WSS-M2C945-A with modifier for LSD	Varies by axle (typically 2.4 - 3.0 quarts)
Brake Fluid	DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Motorcraft High Performance DOT 4 LV Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid PM-20	As needed
Power Steering Fluid	Electric Power-Assist Steering (EPAS) - No serviceable fluid	N/A
Washer Fluid	Ford/Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-3-A) or equivalent	~1 gallon
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	ISO 22241 (API Certified Diesel Exhaust Fluid)	~7.5 gallons (for 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel, if equipped)

Engine Oil

For most gasoline engines in the 2024 Ford F-150, the factory specification calls for SAE 5W-30 motor oil meeting or exceeding Ford specification WSS-M2C961-A1. This specification replaces previous ones like WSS-M2C946-B1 and WSS-M2C946-A, reflecting advancements in engine lubricant technology for improved fuel economy and engine protection. The 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid also uses SAE 5W-30 to the WSS-M2C961-A1 specification. Always verify the exact specification in your owner's manual, as specific engine variants or regional requirements can sometimes differ.

Intervals: Ford generally recommends an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) system, which dynamically calculates oil change intervals based on driving conditions. This can range from 3,000 miles to 10,000 miles or more under ideal conditions, typically not exceeding one year. Adhering to the IOLM is crucial for warranty compliance and engine longevity.

Common Pitfalls: Always use an oil that explicitly states it meets Ford WSS-M2C961-A1. Using a generic 5W-30 that does not meet the Ford spec can lead to premature wear and potential engine damage. Avoid extended drain intervals beyond what the IOLM suggests, especially if operating in severe conditions (towing, extreme temperatures, dusty environments).

Engine Coolant

The 2024 Ford F-150 typically uses an Orange-colored, long-life, ethylene glycol-based coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D2. Ford often sells this under the Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant VC-3-B label. This is a Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) or specifically a Phosphate-Free Organic Acid Technology (P-HOAT) coolant, although Ford refers to it as an OAT in some documents. The key is to match the Ford specification, not just "orange" coolant, as colors can be misleading across manufacturers.

Intervals: Ford recommends a coolant change interval of approximately 100,000 miles for initial fill, then every 50,000 miles thereafter, or every 5 years, whichever comes first. Always consult your owner's manual for the precise recommended interval.

Common Pitfalls: Never mix different types of coolants. Mixing OAT with traditional IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology) or even other OAT/HOAT formulations not specifically designed for Ford can lead to chemical reactions, coolant gelling, internal corrosion, and severe damage to the cooling system and engine. When topping off, use only the specified Ford/Motorcraft Orange coolant or an equivalent meeting WSS-M97B44-D2.

Transmission Fluid

The 2024 Ford F-150 with the 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) requires MERCON ULV (Ultra Low Viscosity) automatic transmission fluid. This is a very specific, low-viscosity fluid designed for the intricate internal workings and fuel economy targets of modern Ford transmissions. Do not confuse MERCON ULV with MERCON LV (Low Viscosity) used in older Ford applications; while similar in name, they are not interchangeable.

Intervals: Ford typically considers the transmission fluid in sealed units "lifetime fill" under normal operating conditions. However, for vehicles used for heavy towing, frequent hauling, or in severe duty cycles, service intervals around 60,000 to 100,000 miles may be recommended. Consult your owner's manual.

Common Pitfalls: Using any transmission fluid other than MERCON ULV can lead to immediate shift quality issues, accelerated wear, and catastrophic transmission failure. Avoid "universal" ATF products, as they rarely meet specific OEM requirements like MERCON ULV.

Transfer Case Fluid

For 4WD and AWD 2024 Ford F-150 models, the transfer case typically specifies MERCON LV (Low Viscosity) automatic transmission fluid. This is different from the MERCON ULV used in the main transmission. Always verify the fluid type in your owner's manual, as some heavy-duty transfer cases or specific configurations might have slight variations.

Intervals: Transfer case fluid should typically be inspected at regular service intervals and changed around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, especially if the vehicle is frequently used in 4WD/AWD or for towing.

Common Pitfalls: Again, avoid using fluids not specifically designated as MERCON LV. Using the incorrect MERCON type (e.g., ULV instead of LV, or an older MERCON V) can cause premature wear and damage to the transfer case's internal components.

Front and Rear Differential Fluid

Differential fluid specifications for the 2024 Ford F-150 can vary significantly depending on the axle ratio, whether it's a standard open differential, electronic locking differential (ELD), or limited-slip differential (LSD).

• Front Differential: Often specifies SAE 80W-90 gear oil meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A (Motorcraft part number XY-80W90-QL) or, in some cases, SAE 75W-85 meeting WSS-M2C945-A.
• Rear Differential: Commonly uses SAE 75W-85 gear oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A for open or electronic locking differentials. For Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD), a friction modifier additive is crucial if the gear oil does not already contain it. Ford typically specifies SAE 75W-140 gear oil meeting WSS-M2C945-A, and often requires an additional Motorcraft XL-3 friction modifier or equivalent if not pre-mixed.

Intervals: Differential fluids are often a 100,000-mile or "lifetime" fluid under normal conditions. However, for severe service (towing, off-roading, heavy loads), inspections and changes every 30,000 to 50,000 miles are prudent.

Common Pitfalls: Always confirm your specific axle type (open, ELD, LSD) and ratio (usually found on a door jamb sticker or VIN decoder) before purchasing differential fluid. Using the wrong viscosity or omitting the friction modifier for an LSD will lead to noise, shuddering, and accelerated wear.

Brake Fluid

The 2024 Ford F-150 utilizes DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid. Ford typically recommends Motorcraft High Performance DOT 4 LV Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid (PM-20) or an equivalent fluid that meets the DOT 4 LV specification. The "LV" (Low Viscosity) is critical for proper operation of modern ABS, traction control, and stability control systems, especially in cold weather.

Intervals: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to internal corrosion. While Ford may not specify a rigid interval, a common recommendation for DOT 4 fluid is to flush and replace it every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Common Pitfalls: Never mix DOT 4 LV with non-LV DOT 4 fluid, DOT 3, or especially DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid. DOT 5 is incompatible with systems designed for glycol-based fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1). Use only fresh fluid from a sealed container, as brake fluid starts absorbing moisture as soon as it's exposed to air.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2024 Ford F-150 is equipped with an Electric Power-Assist Steering (EPAS) system. This system is entirely electric and does not use traditional hydraulic power steering fluid. Therefore, there is no power steering fluid to check or replace.

Washer Fluid

The 2024 Ford F-150 uses standard windshield washer fluid. Ford recommends Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-3-A) or an equivalent high-quality washer fluid. For colder climates, ensure the fluid has adequate freeze protection.

Intervals: Top off as needed.

Common Pitfalls: Avoid using just plain water, especially in freezing temperatures, as it can freeze and damage the washer system components.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

For 2024 F-150 models equipped with the 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel engine, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required for the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The DEF must meet ISO 22241 standards and be API certified. This ensures the fluid is of the correct purity and concentration (32.5% urea in de-ionized water) to effectively reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Intervals: DEF is consumed continually while the engine is running. The vehicle's instrument cluster will notify you when the DEF level is low, indicating a refill is needed. The DEF tank capacity is approximately 7.5 gallons.

Common Pitfalls: Never put DEF in the diesel fuel tank or diesel fuel in the DEF tank; this will cause severe damage to the respective systems. Only use API-certified DEF meeting ISO 22241. Do not use agricultural-grade urea or other non-spec fluids, as impurities can damage the SCR system. Store DEF in a cool, dry place and be aware of its shelf life (typically 1-2 years).

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.