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What kind of oil does a Ford Transit van take?

The Ford Transit does not have a single universal oil specification. The correct oil depends on the engine type and model year. In most recent Transit vans, owners typically use a fully synthetic 5W-30 oil that meets Ford’s engine specifications, but you should verify the exact requirement for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or with a Ford dealer.

Understanding the oil requirement

Oil specifications can vary widely between petrol and diesel versions, and even among diesel engines across different generations. Getting the right specification protects engine components, maintains performance, and preserves warranty eligibility.

Engine types and typical oil requirements

Below is a general guide to help you navigate typical oil needs by engine type. Always confirm the exact spec for your specific engine and year.

Petrol (gasoline) engines commonly use a 5W-30 full synthetic oil that meets Ford’s latest specification for the engine family. Some older petrol engines may tolerate 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on the year and market.

Diesel engines (including EcoBlue and older Duratorq variants) are typically serviced with a 5W-30 full synthetic oil that meets Ford’s diesel specifications; in certain conditions or markets, 5W-40 may be recommended for high-load or severe service.

Older diesel editions (pre-EcoBlue generations) can have different requirements by model year, so the exact Ford specification and viscosity may differ from the above.

Because oil requirements shift with model year and engine family, this guidance should be treated as a starting point rather than a rule. Always verify against the official Ford documentation for your van.

How to confirm the exact oil for your Transit

To determine the correct oil for your specific Transit, use these steps:

Check the owner’s manual or the Maintenance/Warranty section for the exact viscosity (such as 5W-30) and Ford specification (for example, a WSS-M2C-series code).

Look under the hood at the engine information sticker or near the oil filler cap for the recommended specification and viscosity.

Identify your engine code or VIN if you’re unsure, then contact a Ford dealer or consult Ford’s official online resources for the precise oil specification.

Use only oils that explicitly meet the required Ford specification and viscosity for your engine and year; avoid generic oils without the proper specification.

Following these steps will ensure you select an oil that meets the manufacturer’s standards and keeps your Transit running smoothly.

Common oil options by engine type

Here is a concise overview of typical oil options by engine family. This should be used as a reference, with final confirmation from your manual or dealer.

Petrol engines: Commonly 5W-30 full synthetic oil that meets Ford’s petrol specifications; some engines may permit 5W-20 depending on year.

Diesel EcoBlue engines: Typically 5W-30 full synthetic oil meeting Ford’s diesel specification; in severe conditions or certain markets, 5W-40 can be used if specified by Ford.

Older Duratorq diesel engines: Oil requirements vary by year; check the exact Ford specification (and not just viscosity) for your model.

Always align your oil choice with the exact Ford specification and viscosity required for your engine and model year to avoid warranty and performance issues.

Summary

There isn’t a single oil that fits every Ford Transit; the correct oil depends on engine type, year, and regional specifications. Most modern Transits use a fully synthetic 5W-30 oil that meets Ford’s designated specification for the engine, but you should confirm the exact requirement via the owner’s manual or a Ford dealer. When in doubt, rely on official documentation and trained technicians to ensure you choose the right oil for your van.

What kind of oil does a 2015 Ford Transit take?

STP High Mileage Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-20 5 Quart
5W-20.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Ford Transit take?

The 2013 Ford Transit uses SAE 5W-20 full synthetic engine oil for gasoline engines, particularly the 2.0L engine, according to multiple sources. For diesel models, the recommended oil is typically SAE 5W-30 that meets Ford specification WSS-M2C913-C.
For gasoline engines (2.0L)

Oil Type: Full Synthetic 5W-20
Specifications: Look for oil that meets the API service category for your engine. Some sources recommend using brands like Motorcraft or Mobil 1 5W-20.
Capacity: About 4.5 quarts.

For diesel engines (2.2L)

Oil Type: SAE 5W-30
Specifications: Must meet Ford specification WSS-M2C913-C. An alternative is an SAE 5W-30 oil that meets the ACEA A5/B5 specification.
Capacity: 6.2 quarts for the 2.2L engine, 6.9 quarts for the 2.4L engine.

Important note

Always check your owner's manual or the sticker on your oil cap to confirm the correct oil type and specification for your specific vehicle, as there may be variations based on engine and model year.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Ford Transit take?

STP High Mileage Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-20 5 Quart
Notes: Full synthetic high mileage. 5W-20.

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.

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.