2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	5W-30 (6.2L Gas), 10W-30 (6.7L Diesel)	7.0 quarts (6.2L), 13.0 quarts (6.7L)
	Ford WSS-M2C946-A (6.2L), WSS-M2C171-F1 (6.7L)
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Yellow (VC-13-G)	18.0-20.0 quarts (gas), 28.0-30.0 quarts (diesel)
	Ford WSS-M97B57-A2
Transmission	Mercon LV	17.0 quarts (6R140)
Transfer Case	Mercon LV	2.0 quarts (TorqShift)
Front Diff	75W-85 (Dana M275)	3.0-3.5 quarts
	OR 75W-90 (Dana M256)	2.5-3.0 quarts
	Ford XY-75W-85-QL / XY-75W90-QL
Rear Diff	75W-140 Synthetic (Dana M275/M300)	3.5-4.5 quarts (Varies with axle & cooling)
	Ford XY-75W140-QL (with friction mod for LSD)
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 Motorcraft High Performance	As required
	Ford Spec WSS-M6C62-A
Power Steering	Mercon LV (electric assist)	N/A (sealed unit)
Washer Fluid	Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Fluid	1.0 gallon
DEF	Motorcraft Premium Diesel Exhaust Fluid	5.0 gallons
	ISO 22241 / API-certified

Engine Oil

For the 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty, engine oil specifications vary depending on your engine. The 6.2L V8 gasoline engine requires 5W-30 motor oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A. The 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel engine requires 10W-30 motor oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C171-F1. Always verify the exact specification in your owner's manual as part of your regular maintenance.

The 6.2L gasoline engine typically holds around 7.0 quarts, while the 6.7L diesel engine has a much larger capacity of approximately 13.0 quarts, including the oil filter. Using the correct oil type and capacity is crucial for engine longevity, especially given the heavy-duty nature of the F-350. Always use an oil that meets or exceeds the specified Ford WSS-M2C946-A for gas engines or WSS-M2C171-F1 for diesel engines.

Maintenance Interval: For the 6.2L gasoline engine, Ford generally recommends an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. For the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, the interval is typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, or 250 engine hours, whichever occurs first. However, severe duty cycles (towing heavy loads, extreme temperatures, extensive idling) may necessitate more frequent changes. Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Common Pitfalls: Using conventional oil when synthetic is recommended, or using an oil that does not meet the specific Ford WSS-M2C specification can lead to premature wear and potential engine damage. Never mix different oil viscosities or types unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer.

Engine Coolant

The 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty utilizes Motorcraft Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant VC-13-G, which is an OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B57-A2. This is a long-life coolant that is typically yellow in color. It's crucial to use the exact specified coolant to prevent compatibility issues. The cooling system capacity varies significantly by engine: the 6.2L gasoline engine holds roughly 18.0-20.0 quarts, while the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, with its complex cooling system, holds approximately 28.0-30.0 quarts.

Maintenance Interval: Ford recommends a coolant change for the yellow OAT coolant every 100,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first. However, regular inspection of coolant levels and condition is always advised.

Common Pitfalls: Mixing different types of coolants, especially OAT with HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology) coolants, can cause chemical reactions that lead to gel formation, corrosion, and severe damage to the cooling system and engine. Always flush the system thoroughly before changing coolant types, and ideally, stick to the factory-specified Motorcraft Yellow.

Transmission Fluid

The 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty, equipped with the TorqShift 6 automatic transmission, requires Mercon LV automatic transmission fluid. This is a low-viscosity, synthetic blend fluid designed for extended service intervals and improved fuel economy. The transmission system typically holds around 17.0 quarts during a complete service that includes draining the torque converter.

Maintenance Interval: Under normal driving conditions, Ford recommends inspecting the Mercon LV fluid every 30,000 miles and changing it every 150,000 miles. However, for vehicles used in severe service (heavy towing, plowing, off-roading, or frequent short trips in extreme temperatures), more frequent fluid and filter changes are highly recommended, often every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Common Pitfalls: Never use "universal" ATF or any fluid that does not explicitly state compatibility with Mercon LV. Using the wrong fluid can lead to harsh shifts, transmission slippage, overheating, and ultimately, transmission failure. Ensure the correct fill procedure is followed, typically checking the fluid level when the transmission is at operating temperature.

Transfer Case Fluid

For 4WD F-350 models, the transfer case also utilizes Mercon LV automatic transmission fluid. The capacity is approximately 2.0 quarts.

Maintenance Interval: Ford typically recommends inspecting the transfer case fluid every 30,000 miles and changing it every 100,000 to 150,000 miles under normal driving conditions. For severe service, it's advisable to change the fluid every 50,000 to 75,000 miles.

Common Pitfalls: Similar to the transmission, using any fluid other than Mercon LV can cause premature wear or damage to the transfer case components.

Differential Fluid

Differential fluid specifications depend on the specific axle installed in your F-350. Both front and rear axles require synthetic gear oil.

Front Differential: The front differential typically uses a 75W-85 synthetic gear oil (for Dana M275 axles) or a 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (for Dana M256 axles). Capacities range from 2.5 to 3.5 quarts depending on the exact axle and configuration. Ford specifies part numbers like XY-75W85-QL or XY-75W90-QL.

Rear Differential: The rear differential generally requires 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Capacities can vary from 3.5 to 4.5 quarts, depending on whether your F-350 has a single rear wheel or dual rear wheel setup, and if it has a supplemental differential cooler. Ford specifies part number XY-75W140-QL. If your F-350 is equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD), a friction modifier additive (Ford part number XL-3) must be added to the 75W-140 fluid to ensure proper operation and prevent chatter.

Maintenance Interval: Ford recommends inspecting differential fluid every 30,000 miles and changing it every 100,000 to 150,000 miles under normal driving conditions. For heavy towing or off-road use, changing every 30,000 to 50,000 miles is prudent.

Common Pitfalls: Using conventional gear oil, incorrect viscosity, or failing to add the friction modifier for limited-slip differentials can lead to increased wear, noise, and potential differential failure. Always verify your axle type and required fluid in your owner's manual.

Brake Fluid

The 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty uses DOT 3 High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid, meeting Ford Specification WSS-M6C62-A. A commonly recommended fluid is Motorcraft DOT 3 High Performance Brake Fluid. The system is filled as required during service or if the fluid level drops.

Maintenance Interval: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion in the brake system. Ford recommends inspecting the brake fluid level and condition at every service interval. While not a scheduled replacement in some basic service guides, many technicians recommend flushing the brake fluid every two to three years, especially in humid climates or for severe-duty vehicles, to maintain optimal braking performance and prevent expensive repairs.

Common Pitfalls: Never use DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid unless specifically specified, and absolutely never use DOT 5 silicone-based fluid, as it is incompatible with the F-350's braking system seals. Always keep the brake fluid reservoir cap on tightly to prevent moisture absorption. Do not mix different DOT fluids.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty models primarily utilize an electric power-assist steering (EPAS) system. This means there is no traditional hydraulic power steering pump or fluid reservoir to service. The system is a sealed unit and does not require fluid changes.

Common Pitfalls: Attempting to add fluid to a non-existent reservoir can lead to confusion and potential damage if someone tries to force fluid into another system. If you experience power steering issues, it is likely an electrical or mechanical fault within the sealed EPAS unit and requires professional diagnosis.

Washer Fluid

For the windshield washer system, the 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty can use any automotive windshield washer fluid. Ford recommends its Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Fluid. The reservoir typically holds about 1.0 gallon.

Maintenance Interval: Refill as needed. Always top off before embarking on long trips, especially in winter conditions.

Common Pitfalls: Using plain water in the washer fluid reservoir can lead to freezing in cold temperatures, potentially damaging the pump and lines. It also lacks the cleaning agents necessary to effectively remove road grime. Avoid using household glass cleaners, as they may contain ammonia that can damage wiper blades or vehicle paint.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

For 6.7L Power Stroke diesel models, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required for the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The DEF must meet ISO 22241 standards and be API-certified. Ford recommends using Motorcraft Premium Diesel Exhaust Fluid. The DEF reservoir on the 2017 F-350 Super Duty typically holds about 5.0 gallons.

Maintenance Interval: DEF consumption is directly related to fuel consumption. The DEF tank typically needs refilling every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on driving style and loads. The vehicle's instrument cluster will provide warnings when the DEF level is low.

Common Pitfalls: Never put DEF into the diesel fuel tank, or diesel fuel into the DEF tank. This will cause catastrophic damage to the fuel or SCR system respectively. Always use fresh, high-quality, API-certified DEF. DEF has a shelf life and degrades over time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Store DEF in a cool, dark place. Do not use DEF that has been contaminated with water, dirt, or other fluids.

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