If you own a 1996 Ford F150, you’ll want to keep your truck running smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your engine is to use the correct oil type, capacity, and filter.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the oil type, capacity, and filter for each engine in the 1996 Ford F150 lineup.
1996 Ford F150 Oil Type, Capacity, & Filters (All Engines)
| Engine | Oil Capacity, incl. Filter | Oil Type | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9L EFI I-6 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 10W-30 | FL-1A |
| 5.0L EFI V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 10W-30 | FL-1A |
| 7.5L EFI V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 10W-30 | FL-1A |
| 5.8L EFI V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 5W-30 | FL-820-S |
It’s important to note that these capacities include the filter as well. Be sure not to overfill your engine with too much oil, as this can cause damage.
Engine Oil Types
Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
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Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil
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Oil Filters
Motorcraft FL-820-S Oil Filter
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Motorcraft FL-1A Oil Filter
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The need for this guide, specifically for the 1996 F150 engine oil, is because this truck is available in many different configurations, trims, and engine options. This creates confusion about the engine oil capacity, type, and filter.
Read on for more information and engine oil specifications by each 1996 F150 engine type. After reading this guide, you’ll get everything you need to change your 1996 F150 engine oil and filter.
All this information is researched and put together from the official Ford resources, including the 1996 Ford F-150 Owner’s Manual and Ford.com.
All this information is researched and put together from the official Ford resources, including the 1996 Owner’s Manual and the 1996 Trailer Towing Guide by Ford.
Below I’ve discussed all engine types, engine oil capacities, recommended engine oil types based on climate conditions, and engine oil filters, and answered several important questions.
Table of Contents
1996 Ford F150 Engine Options
1996 Ford F150 has the following engine options:
Let’s discuss the oil types, capacities, and filters for each engine option.
4.9L Engine
The 1996 Ford F150 4.9L engine is a six-cylinder engine that requires 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of oil, including the filter.
The recommended oil type for this engine is Motorcraft SAE 10W-30, which is a high-quality motor oil that is specifically designed for use in Ford engines.
The Motorcraft FL-1A is the recommended oil filter for the 4.9L engine.
Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil
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Motorcraft FL-1A Oil Filter
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5.0L V8 Engine
The 1996 Ford F150 5.0L V8 engine is another popular option for F150 owners. This engine requires the same amount of oil as the 4.9L engine, 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters), including the filter.
The recommended oil type for the 5.0L engine is also Motorcraft SAE 10W-30. This high-quality motor oil is designed to protect your engine against wear and tear, while also providing excellent fuel economy.
The Motorcraft FL-1A is the recommended oil filter for the 5.0L engine.
Motorcraft FL-1A Oil Filter
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Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil
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7.5L V8
The 1996 Ford F150 7.5L V8 engine is the largest engine available for this truck. Like the other engines, this engine requires 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of oil, including the filter.
However, the recommended oil type for the 7.5L engine is Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 High Performance, which is specifically designed for high-performance engines.
The Motorcraft FL-1A is the recommended oil filter for the 7.5L engine.
Motorcraft FL-1A Oil Filter
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Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil
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5.8L V8
1996 F150 5.8L EFI V8 engine can take 6.0 quarts (5.7L) of Motorcraft SAE 10W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil with Motorcraft FL-820 engine oil filter.
The 1996 Ford F150 5.8L V8 engine requires the same amount of oil as the other engines, 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters), including the filter.
However, the recommended oil type for this engine is Motorcraft SAE 5W-30, which is designed to provide excellent fuel economy and reduce engine wear.
The Motorcraft FL-820-S is the recommended oil filter for the 5.8L engine.
Motorcraft FL-820-S Oil Filter
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Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
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It is important to avoid using SUPPLEMENTAL ENGINE OILS additives because they are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that may not be covered by your vehicle warranty.
Why Using the Right Oil and Filter Matters?
Using the right oil and filter is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of your engine.
When selecting engine oil, it’s important to choose an oil that meets the specific standards and requirements of your engine.
For Ford F150 trucks, it’s recommended to use engine oil that meets the Ford specification or an equivalent oil certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
This oil provides optimum fuel economy and performance while meeting all requirements for your engine.
Additionally, it’s important to use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or an equivalent filter that meets Ford’s material and design specifications.
| Engine | Oil Capacity, incl. Filter | Oil Type | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9L EFI I-6 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 10W-30 | FL-1A |
| 5.0L EFI V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 10W-30 | FL-1A |
| 7.5L EFI V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 10W-30 | FL-1A |
| 5.8L EFI V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 5W-30 | FL-820-S |
Use API-Certified Oils:
To ensure proper engine performance and protection, only use engine oils certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricants Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), which is comprised of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
Recommended Oil Type and Capacity
The recommended oil type and capacity for each engine type of the 1996 Ford F150 are as follows:
For vehicles with 5.8L engines:
If you own a vehicle with a 5.8L engine, it is recommended to use engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity as they offer the best engine performance, fuel economy, and engine protection in all weather conditions, including as low as -15˚F (-25˚C).
Synthetic engine oils that are certified and of the preferred viscosity can also be used.
However, it is important to remember that the engine oil and oil filter must still be changed based on the maintenance schedule.
For vehicles with 4.9L, 5.0L, or 7.5L engines:
For vehicles with 4.9L, 5.0L, or 7.5L engines, it is best to use engine oils with an SAE 10W-30 viscosity as they provide optimal engine protection for all weather conditions, including as low as -5˚F (-20˚C).
Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity can also be used in these engines, but only in temperatures as low as -15˚F (-25˚C).
Like with the 5.8L engine, synthetic engine oils that are certified and of the preferred viscosity can be used, but the engine oil and oil filter should still be changed based on the maintenance schedule.
How to Check and Add Engine Oil: 1996 Ford F150?
Maintaining the proper amount of engine oil is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle.
To ensure that the oil level is at the optimal range, it’s important to check the oil using the dipstick each time you refuel your vehicle.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when checking the oil level.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Firstly, the engine must be turned off and allowed to cool down for a few minutes so that the engine oil can settle back into the oil pan.
Additionally, the vehicle must be parked on level ground to ensure accurate readings. Follow the steps below to check the engine oil level:
- Turn off the engine and wait for it to cool down for a few minutes.
- Set the parking brake and make sure the gear shift is securely in P (Park) for automatic transmission or 1 (First) for manual transmission.
- Open the hood while protecting yourself from engine heat.
- Locate the engine oil dipstick, which is usually highlighted in yellow, and carefully pull it out of the engine.
- Wipe the dipstick clean and insert it back into the engine, ensuring that it is fully seated.
- Carefully pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level. If it’s below the “ADD 1 QT.” line, add engine oil as needed. If the oil level is beyond the “F” mark in FULL, remove some oil from the engine as high oil consumption or engine damage may occur.
- After adding or removing oil, recheck the oil level and ensure that the dipstick is fully seated in the engine.
It may be necessary to add oil between oil changes, and it’s important to use a certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity.
If improper engine oil is used, it can result in engine damage and may void the vehicle’s warranty coverage.
1996 Ford F150 Engine Oil Change Intervals:
Changing the engine oil and oil filter is necessary to maintain the engine’s health and performance.
It’s recommended to change the engine oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months on a normal schedule.
However, if you frequently engage in severe driving conditions such as extensive idling, trailer towing, police or taxi driving, or driving in severe dust, it’s recommended to change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months.
1996 Ford F-150 Oil & Filter Change Video
FAQs
What is the recommended oil capacity for a 1996 Ford F150?
The recommended oil capacity for all engines in the 1996 Ford F150, including the filter, is 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters).
What type of oil should I use in my 1996 Ford F150?
The recommended oil type for all engines in the 1996 Ford F150 is Motorcraft SAE 10W-30, except for the 5.8L EFI V8 engine which requires Motorcraft SAE 5W-30.
What type of oil filter should I use in my 1996 Ford F150?
The recommended oil filter for the 4.9L EFI I-6, 5.0L EFI V8, and 7.5L EFI V8 engines in the 1996 Ford F150 is the Motorcraft FL-1A. For the 5.8L EFI V8 engine, the recommended oil filter is the Motorcraft FL-820.
Can I use a different oil filter than the recommended Motorcraft FL-1A or FL-820 in my 1996 Ford F150?
While other oil filters may fit the engine, it is recommended to use the specific Motorcraft FL-1A or FL-820 filters that are designed for the 1996 Ford F150 engine to ensure proper filtration and performance.
How often should I change the oil in my 1996 Ford F150?
For normal use, the recommended oil change interval is every 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) or every 6 months, whichever comes first. For severe duty use, such as extensive idling, towing, or driving in dusty conditions, it is recommended to change the oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) or every 3 months.
