How many quarts of transmission fluid does an F-150 take?
Most Ford F-150s take roughly 12 to 15 quarts of automatic transmission fluid, depending on the year and transmission. The exact amount varies by model and service method.
In this guide, we break down typical capacities by transmission type and provide tips on finding the precise specification for your truck, so you can plan a drain-and-fill or a full flush with confidence.
What determines the transmission fluid capacity?
Capacity isn't a single number for all F-150s. It depends on the transmission family, whether a filter is replaced, and whether you’re performing a simple drain-and-fill or a complete fluid flush that includes the torque converter and cooler lines.
Model-year and transmission family
Ford has used several automatic transmissions in the F-150 over the years, including the 6R80 six-speed, the 10R80 ten-speed, and older four- or five-speed units in early generations. Each family has a different total fluid capacity.
- 6R80 six-speed automatic (common in many 2011–2020 F-150s): total capacity roughly 12–13 quarts when replacing fluid and a filter; consult the manual for exact figures by engine/transmission combo.
- 10R80 ten-speed automatic (2017–present models): total capacity around 15 quarts; exact figure depends on engine and configuration.
- Older transmissions (pre-2011, such as 4R70W/5R55S used in early F-150s): typically in the mid-teens, roughly 14–16 quarts.
Note: These are approximate totals that cover the full system, including the torque converter and cooler lines, when a complete flush or full refill is performed. Actual capacity for a drain-and-fill can be lower, often in the 6–9 quart range depending on the method.
How to determine your exact capacity for your truck
To get the precise specification for your F-150, reference the official sources or your vehicle’s documentation. The steps below help you bound the exact value for your model.
- Check the owner’s manual or the maintenance section for a stated transmission fluid capacity for your year/model and transmission type.
- If you know your transmission type (6R80, 10R80, etc.), search Ford’s service literature or the Ford Owner portal for that exact capacity; some dealers provide this data as a service bulletin.
- When performing a fluid change, decide if you’re doing a drain-and-fill (no full flush) or a complete flush; plan to have enough fluid on hand to cover the total system capacity if a full flush is required.
Practical tip: during a service, always verify the exact capacity for your vehicle configuration; using the wrong amount can leave you with too much or too little fluid, which can affect transmission performance.
Summary
In short, F-150 transmission fluid capacity varies by year and transmission. Most modern F-150s fall in the 12–15 quart range for total system capacity, with older transmissions tending toward the high end of that span. Always consult the owner’s manual or Ford service documentation for your exact figure, especially if performing a fluid change or flush. Having the right amount on hand helps avoid underfilling or overfilling, both of which can affect transmission health.
