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How to Properly Maintain A Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Pickup Truck

Ford F-150 pickup trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine offer some of the best performance figures, tow ratings, and even fuel economy amongst all gasoline-powered light-duty trucks. Their Direct Fuel injection and twin-turbochargers give them diesel-like performance, especially when it comes to towing. They’ve also proven themselves quite reliable over the years, resulting in quite the fanbase. All it takes to almost ensure a long life is being strict about your Ford F-150’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine maintenance. This can be be done at the dealership, various shops, or even at your own home.

In this post, our Comprehensive Guide to Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance, we’re going to cover the required service intervals, fluid capacity, and even list common parts and fluids needed to complete maintenance on your truck. This guide was created to help you save money and to give you the information you need to attempt maintaining your truck at home! By following a strict maintenance schedule and using the right parts, you can also reduce the chances of some common 3.5L EcoBoost Problems from occurring!

Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Maintenance Intervals

The first step in maintaining your Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine is knowing when your truck needs to be serviced. While everyone knows certain tasks need to be completed at mileage/kilometer intervals, not everyone knows that you should be completing some basic maintenance tasks on a monthly and semi-annual basis as well. You, or the dealership you bring your truck to, should also be completing a multi-point inspection every time you perform an oil change. In this section of our maintenance guide, we’re going to cover all the tasks you need to complete in addition to when they need to be completed.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

• Inspect Engine Oil Level. Add Fluid if necessary.
• Check underneath your truck and the area where your truck is parked for any signs of a potential oil or fluid leak.
• Test all interior and exterior lights for proper operation. Change bulbs as needed.
• Check all tires for proper pressure, including the spare. Also check tires for signs of wear and for nails and screws.
• Top off windshield wiper fluid with fluid appropriate fluid for the season.

Semi-Annual Maintenance

• Check Battery Connections. Clean them if needed.
• Check body and door holes for obstructions. If there are any, clear them.
• Inspect the cooling system and test coolant strength.
• Lubricate door weatherstrips and check them for wear.
• Check all doors, latches, and hinges for proper operation. Lubricate them if necessary.
• Test Parking Brake and make sure it is operating properly.
• Examine windshield wiper blades and spray mechanisms for proper performance. If blades perform inadequately, replace them.
• Test all seatbelts and seatbelt latches for proper operation.

Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Service Intervals

There are two categories for 3.5L EcoBoost maintenance intervals. How you use your Ford F-150 will determine which set of maintenance intervals you will need to follow. Be honest with yourself! If you run your vehicle hard, you will need to complete maintenance more frequently. It’s for the best though. Your truck will thank you for it!

Normal Operating Conditions

If you use your Ford F-150 truck equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine lightly, meaning infrequent towing, limited idling, and mostly just for commuting, you should follow the normal operating conditions set of maintenance intervals. You will need to complete maintenance less frequently than truck owners who need to follow the severe operating conditions set of maintenance intervals.

Service Task	Miles	Kilometers	Time
Change Engine Oil*	7,500-10,000 miles	12,000-16,000 km	N/A
Replace Engine Oil Filter*	7,500-10,000 miles	12,000-16,000 km	N/A
Replace Brake Fluid	N/A	N/A	Every 3 Years
Change Cabin Air Filter	20,000 miles	32,000 km	N/A
Change Engine Air Filter	30,000 miles	48,000 km	N/A
Replace Engine Mounted and Frame Mounted Fuel Filters	30,000 miles	48,000 km	N/A
Replace Spark Plugs Trucks With pickup bed power outlet Trucks without pickup bed power outlet	See Below 60,000 miles 100,000 miles	See Below 96,600 km 160,000 km	N/A
Inspect Accessory Drive Belt Trucks With pickup bed power outlet Trucks without pickup bed power outlet	See Below 60,000 miles 100,000 miles	See Below 96,600 km 160,000 km	N/A
Change the Automatic Transmission Fluid	150,000 miles	240,000 km	N/A
Change Automatic Transmission Filter	150,000 miles	240,000 km	N/A
Drain & Replace Front Axle Fluid	150,000 miles	240,000 km	N/A
Drain & Replace Rear Axle Fluid	150,000 miles	240,000 km	N/A
Replace Transfer Case Fluid	150,000 miles	240,000 km	N/A
Replace the Accessory Drive Belts Trucks With pickup bed power outlet Trucks without pickup bed power outlet	See Below 100,000 miles 150,000 miles	See Below 160,000 km 240,000 km	N/A
Change Engine Coolant (Initial)	200,000 miles	322,000 km	10 Years
Change Engine Coolant (Subsequent)	100,000 miles	160,000 km	5 Years

Severe Operating Conditions

Following the severe operating conditions set of maintenance intervals is reserved for those F-150 owners who run their trucks hard! This means frequent towing, idling, off-roading, or commercial use. Fleet vehicles should follow these guidelines. You will need to complete maintenance more frequently to keep your truck in tip-top shape.

Service Task	Miles	Kilometers	Time
Change Engine Oil*	3,000-7,500 miles	5,000-12,000 km	N/A
Replace Engine Oil Filter*	3,000-7,500 miles	5,000-12,000 km	N/A
Replace Brake Fluid	N/A	N/A	Every 3 Years
Change Cabin Air Filter	20,000 miles	32,000 km	N/A
Change Engine Air Filter	30,000 miles	48,000 km	N/A
Inspect Suspension/Steering Components (Off-Roading/Rough-Terrain Use)	5,000 miles	8,000 km
Replace Engine Mounted and Frame Mounted Fuel Filters	30,000 miles	48,000 km	N/A
Replace Spark Plugs	60,000 miles	96,600 km	N/A
Inspect Accessory Drive Belt	60,000 miles	96,600 km	N/A
Change the Automatic Transmission Fluid	150,000 miles	240,000 km	N/A
Change Automatic Transmission Filter	150,000 miles	240,000 km	N/A
Drain & Replace Front Axle Fluid** Regular Use Off-Roading	See Below 150,000 miles 30,000 Miles	See Below 240,000 km 48,000 km	N/A
Drain & Replace Rear Axle Fluid** Regular Use Off-Roading	See Below 150,000 miles 30,000 Miles	See Below 240,000 km 48,000 km	N/A
Replace Transfer Case Fluid**	60,000 miles	96,600 km	N/A
Replace the Accessory Drive Belts Trucks With pickup bed power outlet Trucks without pickup bed power outlet	See Below 100,000 miles 150,000 miles	See Below 160,000 km 240,000 km	N/A
Change Engine Coolant (Initial)	200,000 miles	322,000 km	10 Years
Change Engine Coolant (Subsequent)	100,000 miles	160,000 km	5 Years

Multi-Point Inspection

When completing one or more of the maintenance tasks listed above, you should also perform this multi-point inspection. It’s listed in your owner’s manual, but its also what the dealership should be completing when you bring your vehicle in for service.

To do your own Multi-Point Inspection, Check the following:

• Accessory Drive Belt (s)
• Battery Performance/Condition
• Engine Air Filter
• Exhaust System
• Exterior Lamp Operation
• Fluid Levels
• Horn Operation
• Hazard Warning System Operation
• Hoses for wear/tear
• Suspension Components for wear or damage
• Steering Components
• Tire Pressures/Condition (Including Spare tire)
• Windshield
• Windshield wiper/spray operation
• Leaks

Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Fluid Capacity

Now that you know the required 3.5L EcoBoost maintenance tasks and when they need to be completed, the next thing you need to learn is how much fluid is required. The various tasks above will require you removing fluid from your vehicle and re-filling it with fresh, new fluid. The chart below is our comprehensive 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine Fluid Capacity chart. It lists different fluid capacities by the type of fluid. It’s also important to note that depending on the year of your truck, different fluid capacities are required.

Fluid Type	Gallons/Quarts/Pints	Liters
Engine Oil with Filter Change	6.0 Quarts	5.7 Liters
Transmission Fluid 2011-2016 (6R80) 2017-2018 (10R80) 2019-2022 (10R80)	See Below 13.1 Quarts 13.1 Quarts 13.2 Quarts	See Below 12.4 Liters 12.4 Liters 12.5 Liters
Cooling System 2011-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020 2021-2022	See Below 16.5 Quarts 15.6 Quarts 15.2 Quarts 14.3 Quarts	See Below 15.6 Liters 14.75 Liters 14.35 Liters 13.5 Liters
Transfer Case Fluid (ESOF) Electronic Switch On The Fly 2011 2012-2022	See Below 1.6 Quarts 1.5 Quarts	See Below 1.5 Liters 1.4 Liters
Transfer Case Fluid (Torque On Demand) 2012-2022	See Below 1.5 Quarts	See Below 1.4 Liters
Transfer Case Fluid 2-speed Auto. 4WD Mechanical Lock 2020-2022	1.9 Quarts	1.8 Liters
Front Axle Fluid (Standard Front Axles) 2011-2019 2020-2022	See Below 3.5 Pints 1.8 Quarts	See Below 1.7-1.8 Liters 1.7 Liters
Torsen Limited Slip Front Axle 2021-2022	1.64 Quarts *	1.55 Liters *
Rear Axle Fluid 2011-2019 2020 2021-2022 8.8″ 2021-2022 9.75″	See Below 5.5 Pints 2.7 Quarts 2.0-2.1 Quarts 2.2-2.3 Quarts	See Below 2.6 Liters 2.6 Liters 1.9-2 Liters 2.1-2.2 Liters

Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance Parts, Fluids, and Oil

In the last section, we went over how much fluid you are going to need. Now that you know how much you need, you need to know what type of fluid is required. Not only do you need to know the fluids and oil, but you also need to know what parts your 3.5L EcoBoost requires like filters, belts, or spark plugs. In the chart below, we’ve listed fluid and part specifications as well as the recommended OEM part numbers. To make it easy on you these part numbers also contain links to buy the products directly from Amazon! These links are affiliate links and if you buy something, we receive a commission. Thanks in advance for your support!

Parts	Part #
Engine Oil Filter (All Years)	Motorcraft FL-500-S
Engine Oil (All Years)	Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil 1-Quart: XO-5W30-QSP 5-Quarts: XO-5W30-5Q3SP
Cabin Air Filter 2015-2022	Motorcraft FP-92
Engine Air Filter: (All Years)	Motorcraft FA-1883
Engine Coolant 2011-2018 2019+	Varies By Year Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-3DIL-B Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted AntiFreeze VC-13DL-G
Spark Plugs 2011-2016 2017-2021 2022+	Varies by Model Year Motorcraft SP580 Motorcraft SP594 Motorcraft SP-596
Ignition Coil 2011-2016 2017-2020 2021-2022	See Below Motorcraft DG549 Motorcraft DG585 Motorcraft DG584
EGR Valve 2021-2022	Varies by Model Year Motorcraft CX2687
Windshield Wiper Blades 2011-2014 2015-2021 2022	Varies By Year 2011-2014 Motorcraft WW-2201-PF 2015-2021 Motorcraft WW-2242/2248 2022 Motorcraft WW-2208
Windshield Wiper Motor 2011-2014 2015-2020 2021-2022	See Below Motorcraft WM793 Motorcraft WM848 Motorcraft WM973
Windshield Washer Pump 2011-2014 2015-2022	See Below Motorcraft WG318 Motorcraft WG335
Windshield Washer Fluid	Motorcraft Windshield Wash Concentrate ZC-32-B2 Rain-X Windshield Washer Fluid
PCV Valve 2011-2014 2015-2022	See Below Motorcraft EV289 Motorcraft EV297
PCV Valve Hose 2011-2012 2013-2016 2017-2022	See Below Motorcraft KCV259 Motorcraft KCV268 Motorcraft KCV294
Auto Transmission Filter 2011-2016 2017-2022	See Below Motorcraft FT-188 Motorcraft FT-215 (Screen Assembly)
Belt Tensioner 2011-2016 2017-2020 2021-2022	See Below Motorcraft BT-118 Motorcraft BT-135 Motorcraft BT-166
Idler Pulley 2017-2020 2021-2022	See Below Motorcraft YS-366 Motorcraft YS-393
Water Pump Serpentine Belt 2011-2014 2015-2020 2021-2022	See Below Motorcraft JK6-553 (SAME AS ACC. BELT) N/A Motorcraft JK5-382A
Serpentine Belt (AC Belt) 2011-2022	See Below Motorcraft JK4-377B
Serpentine Belt (ACC. Drive) 2011-2016 2017-2020 2021-2022	See Below Motorcraft JK6-553 Motorcraft JK6-505 Motorcraft JK6-377
Transmission Pump Inlet Filter 2011-2022	Motorcraft FT138
Auto. Transmission Fluid 2011-2016 (6R80) 2017+ (10R80)	Varies By Year Motorcraft Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-10-QLVC Motorcraft Mercon ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid XT12QULV
Coolant Overflow Cap 2011-2014 2015-2022	Varies, See Below Motorcraft RS527 Motorcraft RS531
Thermostat 2011-2016 2017-2020 2021-2022	See Below Motorcraft RT-1213 Motorcraft RT-1252 Motorcraft RT-1250
Thermostat Housing Gasket 2011-2019	Motorcraft RTS-1081
Transfer Case Fluid 2011-2016 2017-2022	See Below Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid XL-12 Motorcraft Mercon LV ATF XT-10-QLVC
Transfer Case Fluid (Torque On Demand) 2012-2022	Motorcraft Mercon LV ATF XT-10-QLVC
Transfer Case Two-speed automatic 4WD 2020-2022	Motorcraft Mercon LV ATF XT-10-QLVC
Front Axle Fluid 2011-2016 2017-2022	See Below Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W-90-QL Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 Premium Syn. Hypoid Gear Lubricant XY-75W85-QL
Additive Friction Modifier	Motocraft Additive Friction Modifier XL-3
Torsen Limited Slip Front Axle 2021-2022	Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant XY-75W85-QL ** Requires adding 4.0 Fl. Oz (118.5 ml) of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier XL-3. Include the friction modifier when considering the total lube volume.
Rear Axle Fluid 2011-2014 2015-2022	See Below Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Rear Synthetic Axle Lubricant XY-75W140-QL Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant XY-75W85-QL
Brake Fluid	Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid PM-20

3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance FAQs

Learn More About Ford F-150 Trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost

Check out some of our other posts by clicking on the links below.

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine Specs
• 7 Best 3.5L EcoBoost Performance Upgrades
• 7 Most Common 3.5L EcoBoost Problems/Fixes

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