Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Oil Capacity Chart: 6 Quarts by Year, Spec and Filter (2011-2025)
Quick answer: Every Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6 takes 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) of SAE 5W-30 with a new filter. That covers the F-150 from 2011 to 2025, the PowerBoost hybrid, and the Raptor high-output engine. Ford’s manual for the transverse (6F55) 3.5 EcoBoost also lists 6.0 qt. Capacity never changed. The Ford oil specification did: WSS-M2C946-A on early trucks, WSS-M2C946-B1 on 2018-era manuals, and WSS-M2C961-A1 on current F-150s. The Motorcraft filter for F-150 3.5 EcoBoost trucks is the FL-500-S.
3.5 EcoBoost Oil Capacity Chart by Year
| Years | Vehicle / engine | Oil with filter | Grade | Ford spec in manual | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2016 | F-150 3.5 EcoBoost (Gen 1) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-A | F-150 owner manuals |
| 2017 | F-150 3.5 EcoBoost (Gen 2) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-A | 2017 manual, BaySheet |
| 2017–2020 | F-150 Raptor 3.5 H.O. | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-A (2018 supplement) | 2018 Raptor supplement |
| 2018-era | Transverse 3.5 EcoBoost (6F55 automatic, AWD with PTU) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-B1 | Ford owner manual |
| 2021–2025 | F-150 3.5 EcoBoost (Gen 3) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 (GF-6) | WSS-M2C961-A1 | 2024 Ford spec sheet, CarOilSpecs |
| 2021–2025 | F-150 3.5 PowerBoost hybrid | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 (GF-6) | WSS-M2C961-A1 | 2024 Ford spec sheet |
| 2021–2025 | F-150 Raptor 3.5 H.O. | 6.0 qt | 5W-30 | See owner manual | 2024 Raptor spec sheet |
Always check the oil-fill cap and your own owner manual. Ford’s manual lists the spec that applies to your exact build. For comparison, the Raptor R’s 5.2L supercharged V8 takes 11.5 qt, and the F-150 5.0L V8 takes 7.75 qt.
Which Ford Oil Spec Does Your 3.5 EcoBoost Need?
- WSS-M2C946-A: listed in the 2011–2017 F-150 and 2018 Raptor manuals. Ford recommended Motorcraft 5W-30 Synthetic Blend, with Full Synthetic as an option.
- WSS-M2C946-B1: listed in a 2018-era Ford manual for the transverse (6F55, AWD) 3.5 EcoBoost.
- WSS-M2C961-A1: the current spec in 2021+ F-150 manuals. If your manual lists an older 946 spec, ask your dealer before switching specs, or simply buy an oil that lists the spec on your manual.
- 5W-30 is the only grade Ford lists for the 3.5 EcoBoost. Don’t use the 5W-20 that older 3.5L Ti-VCT and 5.0L engines used.
Brand picks and full oil comparisons are in our best oil for the 3.5 EcoBoost, F-150 oil type chart and Ford engine oil recommendation chart.
Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL-500-S
Ford’s manuals list the Motorcraft FL-500-S for the F-150 3.5 EcoBoost, and the same filter is listed for the 3.5L Ti-VCT and 5.0L in 2017 (BaySheet, from the 2017 manual). If Motorcraft isn’t available, Ford says to use a filter that meets SAE/USCAR-36 (Raptor supplement). Motorcraft FL-500-S on Amazon.
Oil Change Interval (Ford Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor)
| Condition | Typical oil-life range in Ford schedule |
|---|---|
| Normal | 7,500–10,000 miles |
| Severe (towing, idling, dusty, extreme temps) | 5,000–7,499 miles |
| Maximum | Never exceed 1 year or 10,000 miles |
The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor sets the actual interval. Reset it after every change: see how to reset F-150 oil life. Source: 2017 F-150 schedule (BaySheet).
How to Fill and Check the Level
- Drain the oil and replace the FL-500-S filter.
- Add a little less than 6.0 qt, then check the dipstick on level ground with the engine off.
- Top up until the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
- Don’t overfill. Excess oil can aerate and leak, and a high reading on a warm truck parked on a slope is common.
Leaks and oil-related problems: common 3.5 EcoBoost oil leaks, 3.5 EcoBoost timing chain, 3.5 EcoBoost years to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quarts of oil does a 3.5 EcoBoost take?
6.0 quarts (5.7 L) of SAE 5W-30 with a filter change, in every F-150 from 2011 to 2025, the PowerBoost hybrid and the Raptor high-output engine.
Does the 3.5 PowerBoost hybrid take the same oil as the EcoBoost?
Yes. Ford’s 2024 F-150 spec sheet lists 6 quarts of 5W-30 with filter for both the 3.5 EcoBoost and the 3.5 PowerBoost.
What oil spec does a 2021 and newer 3.5 EcoBoost need?
5W-30 meeting Ford WSS-M2C961-A1. Earlier manuals list WSS-M2C946-A or WSS-M2C946-B1. Check your owner manual and oil-fill cap.
How much oil does the Raptor 3.5 EcoBoost take?
6 quarts. Ford’s Raptor spec sheet lists 6 qt for the 3.5 H.O. and 11.5 qt for the Raptor R’s 5.2L V8.
What oil filter fits the F-150 3.5 EcoBoost?
The Motorcraft FL-500-S. If you use another brand, Ford says it should meet SAE/USCAR-36.
How often should I change the oil in a 3.5 EcoBoost?
Follow the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, which typically calls for 7,500–10,000 miles in normal use and 5,000–7,499 miles in severe use such as towing. Never go past 1 year or 10,000 miles.
Can I use 5W-20 in a 3.5 EcoBoost?
No. Ford lists only 5W-30 for the 3.5 EcoBoost. 5W-20 was specified for older non-turbo Ford engines such as the 3.5L Ti-VCT and the 5.0L.
Sources: 2024 Ford F-150 technical specs; 2024 Ford Raptor tech specs; 2018 F-150 Raptor owner supplement; 2017 F-150 owner manual; Ford owner manual capacities (3.5L EcoBoost); BaySheet 2017 F-150; CarOilSpecs 2021–2025 F-150.
