How many quarts does a 6.0 transmission take?
Approximately 12–15 quarts of automatic transmission fluid are typically required for a full drain-and-fill on GM’s 6L80/6L90 transmissions that are commonly paired with the 6.0L V8 engine; the torque converter can hold about 1–3 quarts, which influences the total you’ll need for a complete refill. Exact numbers depend on the vehicle model year and the service method, so always verify with the official manual.
The 6.0-liter GM family uses the 6L80/6L90 six-speed automatic transmissions. Service procedures and capacities can vary by model year and configuration. This article summarizes typical ranges, explains how to count fluid in the different components, and offers steps to ensure a proper fill.
Common capacity ranges for the 6L80/6L90 behind the 6.0L
Before you begin a service, it helps to understand the ballpark figures for the pan, converter, and total capacity. The numbers below are approximate and can vary by model year and configuration.
- Pan drain-and-fill capacity: roughly 12–13 quarts
- Torque converter capacity (fluid held in the converter): about 1–3 quarts
- Total system capacity (pan plus converter): roughly 13–16 quarts
These figures provide a practical framework for planning a service, but the exact requirement for your vehicle should be confirmed in the GM service manual or with a dealership.
What influences the exact amount?
Several factors can affect the precise fill amount, including the specific transmission variant (6L80 vs 6L90), model year, cooler routing, and the service method used (drain-and-fill vs. a full flush). Always use the recommended ATF type for your vehicle, typically Dexron VI or Dexron VI H for recent GM models, and verify the specification in the owner’s manual or service literature.
- Transmission variant and year (6L80 vs 6L90, and year-specific revisions)
- Whether you’re counting only the pan drain or including the torque converter
- Service method (drain-and-fill versus full fluid flush)
- Correct ATF specification and temperature when checking level
Bottom line: consult your vehicle’s manual for the precise capacity and perform a proper level check at operating temperature to avoid under- or over-filling.
Practical tips for servicing
To help ensure a correct fill and optimal shifting after service, consider these best practices:
- Use the recommended ATF (Dexron VI or Dexron VI H as specified for your model year)
- Warm the transmission to operating temperature before checking the fluid level
- Follow the dipstick procedure and vehicle-specific instructions for checking level in drive/neutral as directed
Accurate measurement and adherence to the factory specs help maintain smooth shifting and transmission longevity.
Summary
For GM’s 6L80/6L90 transmissions used with the 6.0L engine, plan on roughly 12–13 quarts for a pan-only drain-and-fill, about 1–3 quarts housed in the torque converter, and a total of approximately 13–16 quarts for a full system refill. Exact capacity depends on the model year and variant, so always confirm with the vehicle’s service manual and use the recommended Dexron VI ATF. Proper temperature and level checks are essential to a correct fill.
What kind of transmission fluid does a 6.0 take?
The correct transmission fluid for a 6.0L Powerstroke depends on the transmission type. Automatic transmissions with the 5R110 (TorqShift) require Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid (which replaced MERCON SP), while manual transmissions with the ZF S6-650 require MERCON V. It is crucial to use the specific fluid recommended for your vehicle's transmission to prevent shifting problems and damage.
Automatic transmission (5R110 - TorqShift)
- Fluid: Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid is the current, updated recommendation. It is a full synthetic replacement for the original MERCON SP.
- Why it's important: Using a generic fluid can lead to shifting issues like hard or sloppy shifts.
This video demonstrates the process of flushing a 6.0L Powerstroke transmission and shows the correct fluid to use: 57sBubbas FabricationYouTube · Jan 25, 2023
Manual transmission (ZF S6-650)
- Fluid: Motorcraft MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid.
- Why it's important: MERCON V is the specific fluid for the ZF S6-650 6-speed manual transmission and is also specified for the power steering system in some models.
Important considerations
- Always check your owner's manual for the exact specifications for your specific vehicle.
- When in doubt, using the Motorcraft brand fluid from a Ford dealership is the safest option, as it ensures compatibility and avoids potential shifting problems.
How much transmission fluid does a 2004 Ford f250 6.0 hold?
Ford Superduty 6.0L Powerstroke Fluid Capacity
| Oil/Fluid | Capacity – Quarts | Capacity – Liters |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Transmission Fluid | 17.5 Quarts | 16.6 Liters |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | 5.8 Quarts | 5.5 Liters |
| Transfer Case | 2 Quarts | 1.9 Liters |
| Engine Coolant | 27.5 Quarts | 26 Liters |
How many quarts does a 6L 80 transmission hold?
6L80: 12.2 to 12.4 quarts.
How many quarts does a 6.0 powerstroke transmission take?
The 6.0L Powerstroke transmission fluid capacity depends on the transmission type: the 5R110W automatic holds about 17.5 quarts (16.6 liters) for a total fill, while the ZF S6-650 manual holds about 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters). For an automatic transmission, a full fluid and filter change typically requires approximately 7.5 quarts for a drain and fill.
This video demonstrates the process of a transmission fluid change on a 6.0L Ford Powerstroke: 57sBubbas FabricationYouTube · Jan 25, 2023
Automatic transmission (5R110W)
- Total fill capacity: 17.5 quarts (16.6 liters)
- Drain and fill (with filter change): Approximately 7.5 quarts
- Fluid type: Mercon LV ATF is the recommended fluid.
Manual transmission (ZF S6-650)
- Total fill capacity: 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters)
- Fluid type: Mercon V ATF is the recommended fluid.
You can watch this video to learn about checking the transmission fluid on a Ford Powerstroke: 26sMartin MarquessYouTube · Aug 22, 2024
