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What kind of oil does a Ford Transit use?

In short, the Ford Transit typically uses a full-synthetic, low-viscosity motor oil—most often 0W-30 or 5W-30—selected to suit the engine type (EcoBlue diesel or EcoBoost gasoline) and the climate. The exact grade and specification vary by model year and market, so consult the owner's manual or the oil cap under the hood for the precise requirement.


Engine options and oil basics


Ford’s current Transit lineup centers on two main engine families: EcoBlue diesel and EcoBoost gasoline. Each family has its own recommended viscosity, and the correct choice depends on the engine in your van and the climate in which you drive. Always verify the exact specification in the official documentation for your vehicle.


EcoBlue 2.0L diesel


The EcoBlue 2.0L diesel used in modern Transits is supported by a fully synthetic, low-viscosity oil. In most climates, this is typically 0W-30 or 5W-30. The precise grade can vary by market and year, so check the owner’s manual or the under-hood oil cap for the exact requirement.


EcoBoost gasoline engines


Gasoline-powered Transits (the EcoBoost variants) generally require a full-synthetic 5W-30 oil, though the exact viscosity can depend on year and market. Confirm the exact specification in the manual or via a Ford dealer for your specific vehicle.


Common oil grades by engine type


As a quick reference, these are the typical ranges used in modern Transits. The exact grade and Ford specification must be confirmed for your model and climate.



  • EcoBlue 2.0L diesel: typically fully synthetic 0W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate.

  • EcoBoost gasoline engines: commonly 5W-30 full synthetic.


Conclusion: The precise oil grade depends on your engine and operating conditions. Always verify the exact specification for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or with a Ford dealer.


How to confirm the exact oil for your Transit


To be sure you’re using the correct oil, follow these checks:



  • Consult the owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity (0W-30, 5W-30, etc.) and any Ford-specific requirements.

  • Inspect the engine oil filler cap or under-hood labels for grade information, if displayed.

  • Use Ford’s official resources (such as FordPass) or contact a dealership/service center to confirm the exact specification for your engine and market.

  • Consider driving conditions: short trips, heavy loads, or extreme temperatures can influence service needs and oil-change timing.


Conclusion: Verifying the exact oil grade through official documentation and/or a Ford dealership helps ensure optimal engine protection and compliance with warranty terms.


Oil change intervals


Oil-change intervals for the Transit depend on engine type, oil specification, and driving conditions. With modern synthetic oils, many owners follow a yearly service or a mileage threshold specified by Ford (often in the range of 10,000–15,000 miles or the equivalent in kilometers), with more frequent changes under severe service. Always follow the exact interval printed in the owner’s manual or service booklet for your vehicle.


Summary


Choosing the right oil for a Ford Transit hinges on the engine and climate. Most current Transits use a fully synthetic, low-viscosity oil—typically 0W-30 or 5W-30—with the precise grade defined by the engine type and market. Verify the exact specification in the owner’s manual or on the under-hood label, and follow the recommended service intervals to maintain performance and warranty coverage.

Can I use 5W30 instead of 5W20 in my Ford?


Yes, you can likely use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 in your Ford, especially if it's an older vehicle, as they have similar cold-start viscosity and 5W-30 offers slightly thicker protection at operating temperature. While Ford sometimes recommends 5W-20 for fuel economy, switching to 5W-30 is unlikely to cause harm, particularly in higher-mileage engines, and may provide better protection under stress. 
Key differences

  • Cold starts: Both 5W-20 and 5W-30 have the same viscosity (thickness) when the engine is cold. 
  • Hot operation: At high temperatures, 5W-30 is thicker than 5W-20, offering a thicker film for protection, especially in high-stress or high-heat conditions. 
  • Fuel economy: The switch to 5W-20 in some newer models was largely driven by fuel economy regulations, and many older engines were originally designed for 5W-30. 

What to consider
  • Check your owner's manual: The most accurate advice will always be in your vehicle's owner's manual. 
  • Engine age and mileage: Older or higher-mileage engines may benefit more from the thicker 5W-30 oil. 
  • Driving conditions: If you frequently tow, haul heavy loads, or drive in very hot weather, 5W-30 can provide better protection. 
  • Potential downsides: Using a thicker oil may slightly decrease fuel economy. In some specific cases with newer engines, it could potentially lead to a minor increase in noise, so it's always best to start with the manufacturer's recommendation if possible, according to a Reddit post. 

In conclusion, using 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 is generally considered a safe and acceptable alternative for most Ford vehicles.



What kind of oil does a 2015 Ford Transit take?


The 2015 Ford Transit oil type depends on the engine: 5W-20 for the 3.7L gasoline V6 or 5W-40 for the 3.2L diesel engine. Always check your owner's manual for the specific viscosity and Ford's specification number, as it can vary by trim and engine type. 
Engine-specific oil types

  • 3.7L Gasoline V6: Requires 5W-20 full synthetic motor oil. 
  • 3.2L Diesel 5-cylinder: Requires 5W-40 full synthetic diesel engine oil that meets Ford's WSS-M2C171-F1 specification. 
  • Other Engines: Check your owner's manual or consult a Ford dealer to confirm the correct oil type for your specific engine, such as the 2.2L diesel which may require a different type. 



How much oil does a Ford Transit 3.5 v6 take?


The oil capacity for a Ford Transit with a 3.5L engine varies significantly by model year and engine type: the 3.5L EcoBoost requires about 6 quarts (5.7 liters), while the later 3.5L non-EcoBoost (PFDI) engines require 12 quarts (11.3 liters). Always check your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the exact capacity for your specific model and engine. 

Engine Type Engine Code Oil Capacity
3.5L EcoBoost - 6 quarts / 5.7 liters
3.5L PFDI (non-EcoBoost) 8-998-O 12 quarts / 11.3 liters
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Important considerations:
  • Model Year: Ford made a change to the 3.5L PFDI engine for newer models, increasing the oil capacity to 12 quarts. 
  • Filter Type: Some capacities may vary slightly depending on the oil filter used, but the 12-quart capacity for the 3.5L PFDI engine is a widely cited figure for a service fill with the filter. 
  • Confirmation: It is crucial to verify the correct oil capacity in your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure you use the correct amount of oil. 



What kind of oil does a 2018 Ford Transit 250 take?


The correct oil for a 2018 Ford Transit 250 is SAE 5W-30, preferably a full synthetic or synthetic blend, with the specific Ford approval specification (such as WSS-M2C946-A). For extremely cold climates, you can use SAE 0W-30 oil that meets WSS-M2C963-A1. The capacity for the 3.5L V6 engine is 5.9 quarts with a new filter.
 
Oil type

  • Standard: SAE 5W-30 (meeting Ford WSS-M2C946-A specification). 
  • Cold climates: SAE 0W-30 (meeting Ford WSS-M2C963-A1 specification). 
  • Biodiesel fuel: For vehicles using biodiesel (B6-B20), use SAE 5W-40 API CJ-4. 

Oil capacity
  • Capacity: 5.95.95.9 quarts (with filter) for the 3.5L V6 engine. 

Recommendations
  • Always check the oil label to ensure it meets Ford's specific approval to avoid engine damage. 
  • Use either a full synthetic or a premium synthetic blend to provide optimal protection. 
  • Remember to reset the oil life monitor after the oil change. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.