2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty Complete Fluid Specifications

When maintaining a heavy-duty workhorse like the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, close enough is never good enough. As an ASE-certified master technician, I cannot stress enough the importance of using exact factory-specified fluids. The 2023 model year features a range of powertrains—from the all-new 6.8L gas V8 and the 7.3L Godzilla V8, to the legendary 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel and its High-Output variant. Each powertrain, along with the heavy-duty 10-speed transmissions and robust differentials, demands specific chemical formulations to prevent catastrophic wear and costly downtime.

Below is your comprehensive guide to every factory-spec fluid for the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty.

Quick reference

Note: Capacities are approximate dry-fill or service-fill estimates. Always verify in your owner's manual or OEM service info, and fill to the appropriate dipstick or check-plug level.

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (6.8L / 7.3L Gas V8)	SAE 5W-30 (Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 / API SP)	8.0 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil (6.7L Diesel V8)	SAE 10W-30 or 5W-40 (Ford WSS-M2C171-F1 / API CK-4)	13.0 quarts (with filter)
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Yellow (Ford WSS-M97B57-A1 / OAT)	22.0 - 34.0 quarts (varies by engine)
Automatic Transmission	Motorcraft MERCON ULV (XT-12-QULV)	16.0 - 18.0 quarts (total capacity)
Transfer Case (4WD)	Motorcraft MERCON LV (XT-10-QLVC)	Approx. 2.0 quarts
Front Differential	SAE 80W-90 (Ford WSP-M2C197-A)	2.8 quarts
Rear Differential (Sterling)	SAE 75W-85 Synthetic (Ford WSS-M2C942-A)	3.3 - 4.0 quarts (varies by axle)
Rear Differential (Dana)	SAE 75W-140 Synthetic (Ford WSL-M2C192-A)	3.5 - 4.5 quarts (varies by axle)
Brake Fluid	Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2)	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering	Motorcraft MERCON LV (XT-10-QLVC)	Fill to MAX line
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified DEF / ISO 22241	7.4 gallons (Diesel models only)
Windshield Washer Fluid	Premium Washer Solvent	Fill to reservoir neck

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Engine Oil

6.8L and 7.3L Gas V8 Engines

Ford specifies SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 and API SP standards. The capacity for both gas engines is 8.0 quarts with a filter change. Pro Tip: Do not use older API SN oils, as API SP is specifically formulated to handle modern timing chain wear and provide better high-temperature deposit protection. Oil change intervals are typically dictated by the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, but under severe towing conditions, do not exceed 5,000 miles.

6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8

The diesel demands an oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C171-F1 (and API CK-4). For normal duty, SAE 10W-30 is recommended. However, if you are towing heavy loads, using biodiesel (B20), or operating in extreme cold/heat, Ford mandates switching to a full synthetic SAE 5W-40. Pitfall Warning: Never use a standard API FA-4 oil in the 6.7L Power Stroke. The F-1 specification is explicitly required to prevent premature valvetrain wear.

Engine Coolant

Ford has moved entirely to Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant, which meets specification WSS-M97B57-A2 (or A1 for concentrate). This is a P-OAT (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology) coolant. Pitfall Warning: Do not mix Motorcraft Yellow with older Orange (OAT), Gold (HOAT), or Green coolants. Mixing different coolant chemistries can cause silicates to drop out of suspension, leading to gel formation that will clog your heater core and EGR cooler. The diesel engine actually has two cooling systems (primary and secondary); both use Motorcraft Yellow.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

The 2023 Super Duty utilizes the TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission (10R100 for the 6.8L, and 10R140 for the 7.3L and 6.7L). These modern 10-speeds require Motorcraft MERCON ULV (Ultra-Low Viscosity), spec WSS-M2C949-A. Pitfall Warning: MERCON ULV is not backwards compatible. Never use MERCON LV, MERCON V, or a "universal" ATF in this transmission. Using the wrong fluid will lead to harsh shifting, shuddering, and rapid clutch failure. Fluid changes should be done every 150,000 miles for normal duty, but I highly recommend dropping that to 60,000 miles if you frequently tow or carry heavy payloads.

Transfer Case (4WD)

Unlike the transmission, the transfer case still utilizes Motorcraft MERCON LV (XT-10-QLVC). It takes approximately 2.0 quarts. Pro Tip: Make sure not to mix up your transmission fluid (ULV) and your transfer case fluid (LV). They look similar but have vastly different viscosity profiles. Change the transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles, or more often if you regularly submerge the axles or operate in 4WD.

Differential Gear Oil

Front Axle

The front Dana axle requires SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant (WSP-M2C197-A).

Rear Axle

Rear axle specs depend entirely on which axle your truck is equipped with (Sterling 10.5, Dana M275, or Dana M300).

• Sterling axles typically require SAE 75W-85 Synthetic (WSS-M2C942-A).
• Dana axles (common on high-capacity tow packages and F-350+ models) often require SAE 75W-140 Synthetic (WSL-M2C192-A).
• Friction Modifier: If your Super Duty is equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD), you must add 4 to 8 ounces of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier (XL-3) to prevent clutch chatter. Electronic locking differentials (e-lockers) do not require this additive. Always verify your specific axle tag before servicing.

Brake Fluid

Ford requires Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid (WSS-M6C65-A2). The "LV" stands for Low Viscosity, which is critical for the rapid valve cycling required by the Super Duty’s ABS and electronic stability control systems, especially in cold weather. Flush your brake fluid every 3 years. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture), which lowers its boiling point and can lead to dangerous brake fade when descending steep grades with a trailer.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2023 F-250 still utilizes a robust hydraulic power steering system (often hydro-boost on diesels), which requires Motorcraft MERCON LV (WSS-M2C938-A). Do not use off-the-shelf "power steering fluid." Use the specified MERCON LV ATF.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

For the 6.7L Power Stroke owners, maintaining your DEF system is mandatory. Use only API-certified DEF meeting ISO 22241 standards. The tank holds 7.4 gallons. Pitfall Warning: Never put DEF in the diesel fuel tank, and never put diesel in the DEF tank. Doing so will result in an immediate, catastrophic fuel or emissions system failure costing upwards of $10,000. Keep the DEF tank topped off, especially if towing, as DEF consumption increases under heavy loads.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Use a high-quality washer fluid. In freezing climates, ensure it has an appropriate winter-rating to prevent the reservoir and lines from cracking.

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