Ford Truck Fluid Specs
by Rich FinzerIf the engine of a Ford truck is thought of as the vehicle's "heart," then the fluids used in the vehicle could easily be likened to the lifeblood of the machine. The owner's manual of every Ford truck includes the specifications for the various fluids the truck requires, and the 2005 Ford F-150 pickup is no exception.
Engine Oil
Regardless of engine displacement, in the 2005 F-150, Ford recommends using Motorcraft SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. The crankcase and filter of the 4.2- and 4.6-liter engines require 6 quarts, while the 5.4-liter V-8 requires 7 quarts.
Fuel
All three available engines in the 2005 F-150 have been designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
Power Steering, Transfer Case and Transmission Fluid
Regardless of engine displacement, Ford recommends using only Motorcraft brand MERCON ATF power steering fluid in the power steering reservoir, transfer case and manual transmission. For trucks equipped with an automatic transmission, Ford recommends Motorcraft brand MERCON V ATF. Ford also warns that MERCON and MERCON V each have distinct formulations and should not be interchanged.
Brake and Clutch Fluid
If your vehicle requires additional brake or clutch fluid to be added, Ford recommends using Motorcraft High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid.
Axle Fluids
The recommended rear axle fluid for all Ford F-150 trucks is Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant. For an F-150 equipped with four-wheel drive, the front axle requires Motorcraft SAE 75W-90 Fuel Efficient High Performance Synthetc Rear Axle Lubricant.
Engine Coolant
Ford recommends that Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (which is yellow in color) for the radiator and cooling system of all F-150 engines. The 4.2-liter V6 engine requires 17.6 quarts. The 4.6-liter V6 requires 20.7 quarts, and the 5.4-liter V8 requires 21.2 quarts. The coolant should be diluted with distilled water to a 50:50 ratio.
Windshield Washer
The windshield washer fluid reservoir on all F-150 trucks holds 4.25 quarts. Ford recommends using Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate when refilling the unit.
References
- "Ford F-150 2005 Owner's Guide"; Ford Motor Co.; 2004
Writer Bio
Rich Finzer earned his boating license in 1960 and started his writing career in 1969. His writing has appeared in "Northern Breezes," "Southwinds," "Living Aboard," "Good Old Boat," "Latitudes & Attitudes," "Small Craft Advisor," "Life in the Finger Lakes," "BackHome" and "Dollar Stretcher" magazines. His maple syrup has won awards in competition. Rich has a Bachelor of Science in communications from Ithaca College.
