2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty Fluid Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (6.2L V8)	Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend / WSS-M2C946-A	7.0 qt (6.6 L)
Engine Oil (6.7L V8 Diesel)	Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 Diesel / WSS-M2C171-F1	13.0 qt (12.3 L)
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Orange / VC-3DIL-B (US) / WSS-M97B44-D2	6.2L: 20.3 qt (19.2 L) / 6.7L: 28.2 qt (26.7 L) Initial Fill
Transmission Fluid (6R140)	Motorcraft MERCON LV / XT-10-QLVC	17.6 qt (16.7 L)
Transfer Case Fluid	Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid / XL-12	2.0 qt (1.9 L)
Front Differential Fluid	Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant	2.9 qt (2.75 L)
Rear Differential Fluid (Ford Sterling 10.5")	Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic / XY-75W140-QL	3.5 qt (3.3 L)
Rear Differential Fluid (Dana M275/M300)	Motorcraft SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 Synthetic	Verify with axle tag
Brake Fluid	Motorcraft High Performance DOT 4 LV / PM-20	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering Fluid	Motorcraft MERCON LV / XT-10-QLVC	Fill to MAX line
Windshield Washer Fluid	Ford Premium Windshield Wash Concentrate / ZC-32-A	Fill as needed
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified / ISO 22241	5.0 gal (18.9 L)

Engine Oil

For the 2016 F-250, the correct engine oil is entirely dependent on which powerhouse is under the hood.

• 6.2L Gas V8: This engine calls for Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil, meeting Ford’s WSS-M2C946-A specification. While full synthetic is an excellent upgrade, the key is adhering to the viscosity and specification. An oil display a starburst symbol certifying it with API SP is a good choice. Capacity is 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with a filter change.

• 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8: The diesel requires a robust Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 Diesel Motor Oil specifically formulated for heavy-duty service. Look for Ford’s WSS-M2C171-F1 spec, often referenced as API CK-4. This oil is designed to handle the soot and high temperatures of a modern turbodiesel. Do not use gasoline-engine oil in your Power Stroke. The system holds 13.0 quarts (12.3 liters).

A common pitfall is using the wrong oil type between the gas and diesel engines. They are not interchangeable. Always check the cap and your owner’s manual.

Engine Coolant

The 2016 Super Duty uses Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, which is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) formula. The Ford specification is WSS-M97B44-D2. It is crucial not to mix this with other coolant types, such as the older green Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) or even the gold/yellow Hybrid OAT (HOAT) found in other Ford products. Mixing coolant chemistries can cause it to gel, leading to clogged heater cores, radiators, and catastrophic engine damage. When topping off or flushing, stick with the specified orange OAT.

• 6.2L V8 Capacity: Approximately 20.3 quarts (19.2 liters) for an initial fill.
• 6.7L V8 Capacity: Approximately 28.2 quarts (26.7 liters) for an initial fill.

Transmission Fluid

All 2016 F-250 Super Duty trucks are equipped with the heavy-duty TorqShift 6R140 6-speed automatic transmission. This unit exclusively requires Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). The specification number is XT-10-QLVC.

Crucial Note: Do not confuse MERCON LV with MERCON V, regular MERCON, or any other type of ATF. Using a "universal" or multi-vehicle ATF is a gamble that can lead to poor shifting, torque converter shudder, and premature transmission failure. The additive package in MERCON LV is precisely formulated for the 6R140’s clutches and solenoids. Total system capacity is approximately 17.6 quarts (16.7 liters), though a simple drain-and-fill will use less.

Transfer Case & Differential Fluids

• Transfer Case: For 4WD models, the transfer case requires Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid (XL-12). It is a specialty fluid, not to be substituted with ATF or gear oil. Capacity is 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters).

• Front Differential: The front axle specifies Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant. Despite the name, it's the correct fluid for the front differential in these trucks. Capacity is 2.9 quarts (2.75 liters).

• Rear Differential: The rear axle fluid is critical. Most 2016 F-250s use a Ford Sterling 10.5-inch or a Dana axle.

  • For the common Ford 10.5" axle, the spec is Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant. This heavy-duty synthetic oil provides protection under extreme towing loads. If the axle has a limited-slip differential (LSD), you must also add 4 ounces (118 ml) of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier (XL-3). Without it, the clutch pack will chatter and wear out. The capacity is 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters).
  • For trucks with the less common Dana M275 or M300 axles, verify the fluid type (often 75W-90 or 75W-140) by checking the tag on the axle housing itself.

Brake & Power Steering Fluid

• Brake Fluid: The hydraulic brake system requires Motorcraft High Performance DOT 4 LV Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid (PM-20). This is a low-viscosity DOT 4 fluid designed for modern ABS and traction control systems. While DOT 3 is technically compatible, it has a lower boiling point, and DOT 4 LV is strongly recommended for optimal performance and safety. Never use DOT 5 silicone fluid. Top off the reservoir to the MAX line as needed.

• Power Steering: The power steering system in the 2016 Super Duty uses the same fluid as the transmission: Motorcraft MERCON LV (XT-10-QLVC). This is a departure from older trucks that used a dedicated power steering fluid. Using the wrong fluid can damage the pump and seals. Fill the reservoir to the indicated level.

Washer Fluid & DEF

• Windshield Washer Fluid: Use any high-quality washer fluid, but for optimal performance, Ford Premium Windshield Wash Concentrate (ZC-32-A) mixed with distilled water is recommended.

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): For the 6.7L Power Stroke, API-certified and ISO 22241 compliant DEF is mandatory. This is often sold as Motorcraft DEF or under brand names like BlueDEF. Using non-compliant fluid can damage the sensitive SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, leading to costly repairs. The DEF tank holds 5.0 gallons (18.9 liters).

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