What kind of oil does a 2004 Ford Sport Trac take?
The oil type for a 2004 Ford Sport Trac depends on the engine installed. In most cases, Ford’s guidance for that era was SAE 5W-20 engine oil, with 5W-30 as a secondary option in certain climates or as specified in the owner's manual. Always verify the exact specification for your specific engine variant.
Engine options and oil recommendations
4.0-liter V6 engine
For the 4.0L V6 commonly found in earlier Sport Trac models, the typical oil grade is 5W-20, with 5W-30 allowed in warmer climates or if your manual permits it. The oil capacity with a filter is generally about 5 quarts.
Before this list, note the following common options for this engine family:
- SAE 5W-20 engine oil (often the standard choice)
- SAE 5W-30 engine oil (acceptable alternative in certain conditions or per manual)
In summary, 5W-20 is usually recommended, with 5W-30 as an acceptable alternative depending on climate and manual guidance.
V8 engine option (where equipped)
Some 2004 Sport Trac models offered a V8 option. For these variants, similar guidance generally applies: 5W-20 as the baseline, with 5W-30 usable in warmer environments or as allowed by the owner’s manual. The typical oil capacity for a V8 in this truck is around 5–6 quarts with a filter, depending on the exact engine variant.
Before this list, the same oil-grade options are commonly seen for the V8 engines:
- SAE 5W-20 engine oil (often recommended)
- SAE 5W-30 engine oil (acceptable alternative where permitted)
In short, 5W-20 is commonly recommended for the V8 option as well, with 5W-30 available under certain conditions per the manual.
Oil capacity by engine variant
To help you plan changes, here are typical capacities, including filter, for common Sport Trac engines. Always double-check the exact figure for your specific engine code and model year from the owner’s manual or under-hood sticker.
- 4.0L V6: about 5 quarts with filter
- V8 variants: about 5–6 quarts with filter
The capacities above are approximate and can vary slightly by transmission setup and whether a particular sealing kit or filter is used. Confirm with your manual or dealer if you have any doubts.
How to confirm the exact specification for your truck
Because the Sport Trac offered different engines for 2004, the most reliable method to ensure you use the correct oil is to check:
- The vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended grade (5W-20 or 5W-30) and API specification
- The under-hood information sticker on the engine bay, which usually lists the recommended oil viscosity
- Vehicle identification details (engine code) when confirming with Ford manuals or a dealership
Using the correct oil grade protects engine longevity, improves fuel economy, and ensures proper lubrication, especially in varying temperatures.
Summary
For a 2004 Ford Sport Trac, the standard recommendation is typically SAE 5W-20 engine oil, with 5W-30 as an acceptable alternative in certain climates or as specified by the owner’s manual. Oil capacity is generally around 5 quarts for the V6 and about 5–6 quarts for V8 variants. Because the Sport Trac could be equipped with different engines, always verify the exact specification from the manual or the under-hood label to ensure you use the correct oil grade and capacity.
What kind of oil does a Ford Sport Trac take?
The oil type for a Ford Sport Trac depends on the model year and engine, but it is most commonly 5W-30 or 5W-20 motor oil. Always check your owner's manual or the oil cap on the engine for the specific recommendation for your vehicle. The oil capacity is typically around 5 quarts for most 5W-30 models, while some 4.6L 8-cylinder engines require 6 quarts of 5W-20.
Common oil types by engine
- 4.0L V6 Engine: Uses 5W-30 motor oil. The capacity is usually around 5 quarts, according to this YouTube video.
- 4.6L V8 Engine: Uses 5W-20 motor oil. The capacity is typically 6 quarts, as stated by AMSOIL.
Important considerations
- Check your oil cap: The oil cap on your engine will have the correct viscosity printed on it.
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle's needs.
- Full synthetic vs. conventional: Some Sport Trac models, especially newer ones, may recommend full synthetic oil, such as a high mileage full synthetic blend.
- Oil filter: Remember to replace the oil filter with every oil change. The correct filter depends on the vehicle's model year and engine size.
What oil goes in a 4.6 Ford engine?
The recommended oil for a Ford 4.6L engine is 5W-20, preferably a full synthetic, and the capacity is typically 6 quarts with a filter change. Ford updated many of these engines to use 5W-20 instead of the older 5W-30 specification for improved fuel economy.
Oil type and details
- Viscosity: 5W-20
- Specification: Ford has updated its technical service bulletins to 5W-20 for many engines originally recommending 5W-30.
- Type: Full synthetic is a good choice, but high-mileage versions are also available.
- Capacity: 6 quarts (with filter change).
- Benefit: 5W-20 is designed to improve fuel economy and ensure quick oil flow to the top of the engine during startup, which helps prevent damage.
What oil does a 2004 Ford Sport Trac take?
STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30 1 Quart.
Can you put 5W30 in a Ford Explorer?
Recommended Ford Explorer Oil Type
Though model years can vary, the most recent Ford Explorer SUVs require either SAE 5W-30 or SAE 0W-30 full-synthetic oil for their engines.
