2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty — Complete Fluid Type Specifications

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve wrenched on countless Heavy Duty trucks, and the 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a frequent visitor to the bay. Whether it’s equipped with the workhorse 6.2L V8 gas engine or the legendary 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel, keeping these beasts on the road requires strict adherence to factory fluid specifications. Using the wrong fluid in a modern Super Duty isn't just a minor mistake; it can lead to catastrophic failures in the high-pressure fuel system, transmission, or emissions equipment.

Below is the definitive fluid specification guide for the 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty, outlining exactly what you need to keep your truck hauling heavy and running strong.

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (6.2L V8 Gas)	5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend (WSS-M2C945-A)	7.0 qts (with filter)
Engine Oil (6.7L V8 Diesel)	10W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (WSS-M2C171-F1 / API CK-4)	13.0 qts (with filter)
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT) (WSS-M97B44-D)	Gas: 20.9 qts / Diesel: 29.4 qts (Pri) + 11.7 qts (Sec)
Transmission Fluid	Motorcraft MERCON LV (XT-10-QLVC)	16.7 qts (Total Fill)
Transfer Case (4WD)	Motorcraft MERCON LV	2.0 qts
Front Differential	SAE 80W-90 Premium Axle Lubricant (WSP-M2C197-A)	2.8 - 3.0 qts
Rear Differential	SAE 75W-140 Synthetic (WSL-M2C192-A) + Friction Modifier*	3.5 - 4.0 qts (verify axle type)
Brake Fluid	Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance (WSS-M6C65-A2)	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering	Motorcraft MERCON LV (XT-10-QLVC)	Fill to MAX line
DEF (Diesel Only)	Diesel Exhaust Fluid (ISO 22241)	5.0 Gallons
Washer Fluid	Standard Premium Windshield Washer Fluid	1.0 - 1.5 Gallons

*Note: Add 8 oz of Friction Modifier (EST-M2C118-A) if equipped with a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).

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Engine Oil

6.2L V8 Gas

For the 6.2L gas engine, Ford specifies 5W-20 viscosity motor oil meeting the WSS-M2C945-A specification (API SN/SP). You can also safely use 5W-30 if the truck is subjected to severe duty or extreme heat.

• Interval: Rely on the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, but generally do not exceed 7,500 miles or 6 months.

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel

The 6.7L diesel is highly sensitive to oil quality. The standard factory fill is 10W-30 meeting WSS-M2C171-F1 and API CK-4. However, if you are towing heavy, idling extensively, or running biodiesel (up to B20), Ford strongly recommends stepping up to 5W-40 Full Synthetic.

• Pitfall: Do not use API FA-4 oils in the Power Stroke. FA-4 is a lower high-temperature high-shear (HTHS) oil designed for newer efficiency standards and does not provide adequate protection for the 6.7L's valvetrain.

Engine Coolant

The 2016 F-350 left the factory filled with Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant (WSS-M97B44-D). This is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant.

• Diesel Note: The 6.7L has two separate cooling systems. The primary system cools the engine, and the secondary system cools the EGR cooler, transmission fluid cooler, and charge air cooler. Both require the same fluid but have separate reservoirs.
• Pitfall: Never mix OAT (Orange) with HOAT (Gold/Yellow) or traditional IAT (Green) coolants. Mixing coolant types will cause the corrosion inhibitors to drop out of suspension, turning the coolant into a sludgy gel that clogs the EGR cooler and heater core. Note: Ford has recently superseded Orange with Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A1); if you transition to Yellow, you must flush the system completely.

Transmission Fluid

The F-350 utilizes the heavy-duty TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission (6R140). This transmission strictly requires Motorcraft MERCON LV (XT-10-QLVC).

• Interval: Normal service calls for a fluid and filter change at 150,000 miles, but as a master tech, I strongly advise changing it every 60,000 miles if you frequently tow or haul heavy loads.
• Pitfall: Never use universal ATFs or older MERCON V. MERCON LV has a very specific viscosity profile and friction modifier package. Using the wrong fluid will result in harsh shifting, torque converter shudder, and eventual clutch failure.

Transfer Case

If your F-350 is 4WD, the transfer case also utilizes MERCON LV. It’s an easy drain-and-fill procedure that takes about 2 quarts. Change this every 60,000 miles, or more frequently if you frequently submerge the axles or operate in 4WD for extended periods.

Differentials

Front Axle

The front Dana 60 axle requires SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant (WSP-M2C197-A).

Rear Axle

Depending on your configuration (Single Rear Wheel Sterling 10.5 or Dual Rear Wheel Dana 80), the rear requires SAE 75W-140 Full Synthetic gear oil (WSL-M2C192-A).

• Pitfall: If your truck is equipped with a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD), you absolutely must add 8 ounces of Ford Friction Modifier (EST-M2C118-A) to prevent the clutch packs from chattering around corners. Electronic locking differentials (e-lockers) do not require the friction modifier.

Brake Fluid

The hydro-boost brake system on the F-350 is robust, but it generates significant heat. Ford specifies 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 of the ABS and traction control systems, especially in cold weather. Flush your brake fluid every 3 years to prevent moisture buildup from rusting the calipers and ABS module from the inside out.

Power Steering Fluid

Unlike many modern vehicles that have moved to electric power steering, the 2016 F-350 relies on a traditional hydraulic system. It uses MERCON LV transmission fluid. Do not use generic "Power Steering Fluid" from the auto parts store, as it lacks the proper anti-foaming agents required for this heavy-duty steering box.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

For the 6.7L Power Stroke, DEF is required to keep the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system functioning and to prevent the truck from going into a derate or "limp" mode. Use a high-quality DEF that meets the ISO 22241 standard.

• Pitfall: DEF has a shelf life. It degrades quickly when exposed to sunlight or temperatures over 85°F. Always buy DEF from a high-turnover store, check the date codes, and never put DEF into the diesel fuel tank.

Washer Fluid

Standard premium windshield washer fluid is perfectly fine. For those in northern climates, ensure you purchase a winter blend rated for at least -20°F to prevent the reservoir and lines from cracking during a hard freeze.

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Maintaining your Super Duty with exact factory-spec fluids is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy for longevity. When in doubt, verify capacities in your owner's manual or OEM service info, as variations exist between cab and bed configurations.

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