3.0L Power Stroke Service Information

3.0L Power Stroke Maintenance Schedule, Service Parts, Fluid Specs & Capacities

"Severe" and/or "severe duty" conditions, as used herein, describe driving patterns that include:

• Biodiesel usage
• Periods of extended idling, frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic conditions
• Driving/operation in dusty conditions and/or off-road driving scenarios (frequent 4WD use)
• Moderate to heavy towing/hauling
• Operation in extremely hot or cold conditions

3.0L Power Stroke Maintenance Schedule

Note that the maintenance schedule provided by Ford for the 3.0L Power Stroke is relatively complex and features more exceptions than directives; this is a simplified version compiled for the convenience of owners.

Service Procedure

Recommended Service Interval(s)

Additional Notes

Replace engine oil & oil filter

Normal conditions

7,500 - 10,000 miles (1 yr)

3.0L Power Stroke engines are equipped with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor. Replace engine oil as indicated by the instrument cluster display. Provided values are estimates only. Do NOT exceed 10,000 miles/1 year of driving without changing engine oil.

Moderate towing, idling

5,000 - 7,500 miles (6 mo)

Heavy towing, extensive idling

3,000 - 5,000 miles (3 mo)

Replace fuel filters

30,000 miles

Drain fuel water separator, replace engine and frame mounted fuel filters.

Replace engine air filter & foam prefilter

30,000 miles

Inspect air filter and prefilter condition @ oil change intervals, replace as necessary.

Replace accessory drive belt

150,000 miles

Inspect @ oil change intervals, replace as necessary.

Drain and flush engine cooling system

Initial service

100,000 miles/6 yrs (normal)
60,000 miles/2400 hrs (severe)

Check engine coolant and corrosion inhibitor concentrations every 30,000 miles/1,200 hours if operating under severe conditions; adjust as necessary. Do not add/adjust/check corrosion inhibitor concentration after the initial drain/flush has been performed.

Subsequent service

50,000 miles/3 yrs (normal)
45,000 miles/1800 hrs (severe)

Replace automatic transmission fluid & filter

150,000 miles

Drain and refill transmission, replace filter.

Replace transfer case fluid

150,000 miles

Applies to all transfer case models/types.

Replace front differential fluid

150,000 miles

Replace differential fluid immediately if axle is submerged in water.

Replace rear differential fluid

150,000 miles

3.0L Power Stroke Service Part Numbers

To be updated as information becomes available.

3.0L Power Stroke Fluid Specs & Capacities

Oil & Fluid Specs

Engine oil*

SAE 5W-30 API FA-4

Preferred viscosity, ambient temperature range -20° F+

SAE 10W-30 API FA-4

Acceptable viscosity, ambient temperature range 0° F+

SAE 5W-40 API CK-4

Required viscosity under severe service conditions and biodiesel use, ambient temperature range -20° F+

SAE 0W-40 CK-4

Required viscosity if ambient temperature is below -20° F

Engine coolant

Motorcraft Orange antifreeze/engine coolant (Motorcraft VC-3DIL-B)

Automatic transmission fluid

Motorcraft MERCON ULV automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

Transfer case fluid

Motorcraft MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

Front differential fluid

SAE 75W-85 full synthetic hypoid gear oil

Rear differential fluid

SAE 75W-85 full synthetic hypoid gear oil

Oil & Fluid Capacities

Fluid capacities are nominal - always fill to proper level on dipstick or to fill plug level as applicable

Engine oil capacity

6.5 U.S. qts w/ filter

Cooling system capacity

13.7 U.S. qts (3.425 gallons, 12.965 liters)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity

13.1 U.S. qts (12.4 liters)

Transfer case fluid capacity

1.5 U.S. qts (3 pints)

Front differential oil capacity

1.8 U.S. qts (3.6 pints)

Rear differential fluid capacity

2.7 U.S. qts (5.4 pints)

*American Petroleum Institute (API) rating FA-4 is not cross-compatible or back-compatible with previous CK-4, CJ-4, CH-4, etc engine oils. 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oil viscosities must meet API FA-4 specifications.