2016 Ford Transit Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2016 Ford Transit takes between 6.0 to 12.0 quarts of oil, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• 2.5L i4 Duratec (North America):

  • Oil Capacity: 6.0 US Quarts (5.7 Liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: 5W-20
  • Oil Spec: API SN or higher, meeting Ford WSS-M2C945-A
  • Oil Filter (OEM): BG-5Z-6731-AB
  • Oil Filter (Fram): PH2
  • Oil Filter (Wix): 51372

• 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 (North America):

  • Oil Capacity: 6.0 US Quarts (5.7 Liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: 5W-20
  • Oil Spec: API SN or higher, meeting Ford WSS-M2C945-A
  • Oil Filter (OEM): FL-500S
  • Oil Filter (Fram): PH2
  • Oil Filter (Wix): 57502

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (North America):

  • Oil Capacity: 6.0 US Quarts (5.7 Liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: 5W-30
  • Oil Spec: API SN or higher, meeting Ford WSS-M2C946-A
  • Oil Filter (OEM): FL-500S
  • Oil Filter (Fram): PH2
  • Oil Filter (Wix): 57502

• 3.2L Power Stroke I5 Diesel (North America):

  • Oil Capacity: 12.0 US Quarts (11.4 Liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: 5W-30 (Synthetic Diesel Oil)
  • Oil Spec: Ford WSS-M2C934-B
  • Oil Filter (OEM): BC3Z-6731-A
  • Oil Filter (Fram): CH10358
  • Oil Filter (Wix): WL10010

Capacity by Engine Option

Oil Change Interval

According to Ford, the standard oil change interval for the 2016 Ford Transit is typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, for gasoline engines under normal driving conditions. The 3.2L Power Stroke diesel engine also typically has a 10,000-mile or 12-month interval, but always consult your vehicle's owner's manual and the intelligent oil-life monitor for the most accurate guidance.

Severe Duty Conditions: If your 2016 Transit operates under severe duty conditions such as:

• Frequent short trips (less than 10 miles)
• Extended idling
• Heavy towing or hauling
• Extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Driving in dusty or muddy conditions

It is highly recommended to shorten the oil change interval to 5,000 miles or 6 months, especially for the diesel engine. This can help extend engine life and maintain optimal performance.

Drain Plug Torque

Properly torquing the drain plug is crucial to prevent leaks and avoid damaging the oil pan.

• Gasoline Engines (2.5L, 3.7L, 3.5L): The typical drain plug torque specification is 19 lb-ft (25 Nm).
• 3.2L Power Stroke I5 Diesel: The drain plug torque specification is typically 20 lb-ft (27 Nm).

Always use a new crush washer with each oil change. This ensures a proper seal and prevents leaks. Never overtighten the drain plug, as this can strip the oil pan threads, leading to costly repairs.

How to Change the Oil

Changing the oil on your 2016 Ford Transit is a straightforward maintenance task:

1. Warm up the engine: Drive the vehicle for a few minutes to bring the oil to operating temperature. This helps the oil drain more easily.
2. Lift and secure: Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is level.
3. Locate drain plug: Place a suitable oil drain pan beneath the oil pan. Remove the drain plug with the appropriate wrench.
4. Drain oil: Allow all the old oil to drain completely. This may take 10-15 minutes.
5. Replace drain plug: Install a new crush washer on the drain plug and tighten it to the specified torque.
6. Remove old filter: Locate the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter.
7. Install new filter: Apply a thin film of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter. Screw it on by hand until snug, then tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 turn (or according to filter manufacturer instructions).
8. Add new oil: Carefully pour the recommended amount and type of new oil into the engine's oil fill cap.
9. Check level: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. Shut off the engine, wait a few minutes, then check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
10. Dispose of old oil: Properly dispose of used oil at a certified recycling center.

Common Issues / Tips

• Oil Consumption (Gasoline Engines): Some 2016 Transit gasoline engines, particularly higher mileage units, may exhibit slight oil consumption. Regularly check your oil level between changes to ensure it stays within the recommended range.
• EGR Cooler Issues (Diesel): The 3.2L Power Stroke diesel can be susceptible to EGR cooler issues. While not directly oil-related, maintaining proper oil change intervals and using the correct spec oil can contribute to overall engine health.
• Oil Leaks: Check for oil leaks around the oil pan, oil filter housing, and valve covers during your oil change. Address any leaks promptly.
• Incorrect Oil Weight/Spec: Using the wrong oil viscosity or specification can lead to premature engine wear and reduced fuel economy. Always adhere to Ford's recommendations.
• Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: Pay attention to the vehicle's intelligent oil-life monitor system. It continuously monitors driving conditions and provides a personalized oil change recommendation, which can sometimes differ from the standard interval. Reset the oil monitoring system after each oil change.

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