2019 Ford Transit Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2019 Ford Transit takes 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of oil for the 3.7L and 3.5L gas engines, and a massive 12.0 quarts (11.4 liters) for the 3.2L Power Stroke diesel engine. Whether you are maintaining a single cargo van or an entire commercial fleet, knowing the exact fluid specifications is the first step to keeping your Transit on the road. As an ASE-certified master technician, I've outlined everything you need to know about servicing the 2019 Ford Transit's engine oil below.

Quick answer

Here is the quick reference for the most common 2019 Ford Transit configuration (the 3.5L EcoBoost and 3.7L V6):

• Oil Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) with a filter change.
• Recommended Weight: 5W-20 (for the 3.7L V6) or 5W-30 (for the 3.5L EcoBoost).
• Oil Specification: Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (5W-20) / WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) / API SP / ILSAC GF-6.
• OEM Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL-500S.
• Aftermarket Filters (Gas engines): Fram XG10575, Wix 53018, Mobil 1 M1-212A.

(Note: If you have the 3.2L diesel, see the table below for your specific filter and capacity).

Capacity by engine option

Because the Transit serves many different commercial needs, Ford offered it with three distinct engine options in 2019. Always double-check your engine size before buying supplies.

*15W-40 is also acceptable for the diesel depending on climate and biodiesel usage; always consult your owner's manual.

Oil change interval

Ford equips the 2019 Transit with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) that calculates oil degradation based on driving conditions. However, here are the general guidelines to follow:

• Normal Duty: Up to 7,500 – 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first). This applies to lighter loads and highway driving.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Highly recommended for commercial use, heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go driving, high idle times, or dusty environments.

Drain plug torque

• Gas Engines (3.5L / 3.7L): Tighten the drain plug to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm).
• Diesel Engine (3.2L): Tighten the drain plug to 35 lb-ft (48 Nm).
• Crush Washer Note: The factory drain plugs on the gas engines feature an integrated rubber O-ring seal. Inspect this O-ring at every change. If it is flattened, cracked, or leaking, replace the entire drain plug. The diesel may use a copper or aluminum crush washer; always replace it with a new one to prevent weeping.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Lift and support: Park on a level surface. If you need clearance, use heavy-duty ramps or a jack and appropriately rated jack stands.
3. Drain the oil: Remove the oil filler cap. Position a large drain pan under the oil pan (ensure it can hold over 12 quarts if you have the diesel!). Remove the drain plug and let it drain completely.
4. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter. Use a filter wrench to remove it. Lubricate the new filter's rubber gasket with a dab of fresh oil. Spin it on until hand-tight, then turn it an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn.
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install the drain plug to the proper torque (20 lb-ft for gas, 35 lb-ft for diesel).
6. Refill: Pour in the required amount of specified oil.
7. Check and reset: Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to fill the new filter. Turn it off, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick. Finally, reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor via the steering wheel controls and dashboard display.

Common issues / tips

• Check the dipstick regularly: The 3.5L EcoBoost engines are known to consume a small amount of oil between long service intervals, especially if they spend hours idling. Check your fleet's dipsticks every 1,000 miles to prevent running low.
• Diesel fuel dilution: On the 3.2L Power Stroke, frequent short trips and excessive idling can cause fuel to wash past the rings and dilute the engine oil. If you notice the oil level rising on the dipstick, it's a sign of fuel dilution. Shorten your oil change intervals immediately.
• Messy filter changes: The oil filter on the gas engines is mounted at an angle. To avoid a mess on the crossmember, mold a piece of aluminum foil into a makeshift funnel under the filter before unscrewing it.

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