Comprehensive 3.0L Powerstroke Maintenance Guide & Parts List
2018+ Ford F-150 3.0L Powerstroke Diesel Maintenance
Significant changes happened in 2018 to the F-150 truck line-up. Starting that model year, the 3.0L Powerstroke diesel engine was an available powertrain choice, which came mated to the 10R80 10-Speed Automatic transmission. The 3.0L Powerstroke was a response to FCA’s 3.0L EcoDiesel, and it provided some pretty solid competition. It offers impressive fuel economy and tow capacity. If you’re the owner of one, i’m sure you want to make sure your “Mini” Powerstroke continues to perform and that it holds up for as long as possible. The only way that is gonna happen is if you stay on top of maintenance. 3.0L Powerstroke maintenance can be expensive if you let the dealership handle it for you. It doesn’t have to be though. If you’re even slightly mechanically inclined, maintaining your own truck can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your truck.
Our 3.0L Powerstroke Maintenance Guide gives you all the information you need to maintain your truck. You first need to know when maintenance or service needs to be done. That’s where our 3.0L Powerstroke service intervals come in. Then you need to know what fluids to use, what filters/parts to use, and the fluid capacity of these trucks. All of our recommendations are OEM recommended products, and we strongly recommend you stick with OEM the entire duration of your 3.0L Powerstroke ownership. That means Motorcraft or Ford products only!
3.0L Powerstroke Service Intervals
How often Do I Need to Service my 3.0 Powerstroke?
How often you need to service your 3.0L Powerstroke really depends on how the truck is used. These trucks are equipped with an intelligent oil life monitoring system that gauges how the truck is being used and will actually inform the driver when it is time for an oil change. If the vehicle is used as a commuter and don’t abuse your truck, you fit under the normal operating conditions category. The schedule you follow calls for less frequent service than vehicles that are used regularly for work. Commercial fleet vehicles, vehicles that are frequently idling or driving in heavy traffic, and vehicles that tow heavy loads call for more frequent service. If you fit in that category, you’re going to want to follow the severe operating conditions chart below.
Normal Operating Conditions
| Maintenance/Service | Miles | Kilometers |
| Change Oil | 7,500-10,000 miles* or 1 year | 12,000-16,000 km or 1 year* |
| Change Oil Filter | 7,500-10,000 miles* | 12,000-16,000 km* |
| Replace Cabin Air Filter | 20,000 miles | 32,000 km |
| Change Fuel Filter(s) | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Replace Air Filter | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Flush Cooling System (2018 Models) | First Flush: 100,000 miles or 6 years. Then, 50,000 mile intervals or every 3 years. | First Flush: 160,000 km or 6 years. Then, 80,000 km intervals or every 3 years. |
| Flush Cooling System (2019+ Models) | First Flush: 200,000 miles or 10 years. Then, 100,000 mile intervals or every 5 years. | First Flush: 320,000 km or 10 years. Then, 160,000 km intervals or every 5 years. |
| Replace Transmission Fluid | 150,000 miles | 240,000 km |
| Change transmission filter | 150,000 miles | 240,000 km |
| Replace Transfer Case Fluid | 150,000 miles** | 240,000 km |
| Change Belt(s) | 150,000 miles | 240,000 km |
| Replace Rear Axle Fluid | 150,000 miles** | 240,000 km |
| Replace Front Axle Fluid | 150,000 miles** | 240,000 km |
- * All 3.0L Powerstroke equipped F-150 trucks are equipped with an intelligent oil life monitoring system that will warn you when it’s time for a service. This intelligent oil life monitoring system adjusts according to driving conditions.
- ** Change fluid immediately if submerged in water.
Severe/Extreme Operating Conditions
| Maintenance/Service | Miles | Kilometers |
| Change Oil Severe: Extreme: | See Below 5,000-7,500 miles* 3,000-5,000 miles* | See Below 8,000-12,000 km* 4,800-8,000 km* |
| Change Oil Filter | See Below 5,000-7,500 miles* 3,000-5,000 miles* | See Below 8,000-12,000 km* 4,800-8,000 km* |
| Replace Cabin Air Filter | 20,000 miles | 32,000 km |
| Change Fuel Filter(s) | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Replace Air Filter | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Flush Cooling System (2018 Models) | 60,000 miles or 2400 hours. Then, 45,000 mile intervals or every 1800 hours. | 96,000 km or 2400 hours. Then, 72,000 km intervals or every 1800 hours. |
| Flush Cooling System (2019+ Models) | 60,000 miles or 2400 hours. Then, 45,000 mile intervals or every 1800 hours. | 96,000 km or 2400 hours. Then, 72,000 km intervals or every 1800 hours. |
| Replace Transmission Fluid | 150,000 miles | 240,000 km |
| Change transmission filter | 150,000 miles | 240,000 km |
| Replace Transfer Case Fluid | 150,000 miles** | 240,000 km |
| Change Belt(s) | 150,000 miles | 240,000 km |
| Replace Rear Axle Fluid | 150,000 miles** | 240,000 km |
| Replace Front Axle Fluid | 150,000 miles** | 240,000 km |
- * All 3.0L Powerstroke equipped F-150 trucks are equipped with an intelligent oil life monitoring system that will warn you when it’s time for a service. This intelligent oil life monitoring system adjusts according to driving conditions.
- ** Change fluid immediately if submerged in water.
3.0L Powerstroke Fluid Capacity
Before you order the fluids or oil necessary for 3.0L Powerstroke maintenance, you should really know exactly how much fluid and oil is actually needed. The chart below lists how much you will need. I do recommend purchasing slightly more than what is needed. You do not want to have to wait a couple of days for more fluid or oil because what you received isn’t enough to adequately fill your truck. Remember to always fill your truck according to the dipstick or reservoir fill lines. You never want to overfill or inadequately fill a component.
| Oil/Fluid | Capacity – Quarts | Capacity – Liters |
| Engine Oil /w Filter | 6.5 Quarts | 6.15 Liters |
| Auto Transmission Fluid (Dry Fill) | 13.3 Quarts | 12.6 Liters |
| Transfer Case Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly Automatic 4WD | ————— 1.5 Quarts 1.5 Quarts | ————- 1.4 Liters 1.4 Liters |
| Coolant | 13.7 Quarts | 13 Liters |
| Front Axle Fluid | 3.5 Pints 1.75 Quarts | 1.7 Liters |
| Rear Axle Fluid | 2.75 Quarts | 2.6 Liters |
| DEF Tank Capacity | 22.5 Quarts 5.625 Gallons | 21.3 Liters |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 Gallons | 98.4 Liters |
| Brake Fluid | Between Min/Max on Brake Fluid Reservoir | Between Min/Max on Brake Fluid Reservoir |
| A/C Refrigerant | 29 Oz. | .82 kg |
| A/C Compressor Oil | 2.7 Fl. Oz. | 80 ml |
3.0L Powerstroke Service Parts
Now that you know the quantity of oil or fluids you will need to properly maintain your 3.0L Powerstroke, you can actually order the products you need. Remember, you’re going to want to stick with Motorcraft or Ford parts as much as possible. To help our readers out, we compiled a list of the most commonly needed service parts and the must-haves for your 3.0L Powerstroke. By clicking on one of the bold part numbers below, you will visit the product’s page on Amazon where you can take advantage of your Amazon Prime membership and free 2-day shipping if it’s available.
| Part Type | Part # |
| Engine Oil | Normal Conditions (preferred): 5W-30 Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Diesel Motor Oil Severe (Preferred): 5W-40 Motorcraft SAE 5W-40 Diesel Motor Oil |
| Engine Oil Filter | Motorcraft FL-2081 |
| Fuel Filter Complete Kit | Motorcraft FD-4627 |
| Fuel Sending Unit | Motorcraft PS1044 |
| Cabin Air Filter | Motorcraft FP-79 |
| Air Filter Element | Motorcraft FA-1883 |
| Windshield Wiper Blades | Motorcraft WW-2247 |
| Belt Tensioner (Inner) | Motorcraft BT145 |
| Belt Tensioner (Outer) | Motorcraft BT144 |
| Inner Drive Serpentive Belt | Motorcraft JK6505 |
| Outer Drive Serpentive Belt | Motorcraft JK6591 |
| Timing Belt | Motorcraft 6268 |
| Engine Coolant Thermostat | Motorcraft RT1227 |
| Upper Radiator Hose | Motorcraft KM5599 |
| Lower Radiator Hose | Motorcraft KM5600 |
| Radiator Cap | Motorcraft RS531 |
| Water Pump | Motorcraft PW596 |
| Battery | BAGM-49H8-850 |
| Starter | Motorcraft SA1108 |
| Alternator | Motorcraft GL8908 |
| Glow Plugs | Motorcraft ZD-22 |
| Coolant 2018: 2019+: | See Below Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Coolant: VC-3DIL-B Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted Coolant: VC-13DL-G |
| Transmission Fluid | Motorcraft MERCON ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid: XT-12-QULV |
| Transmission Filter | Motorcraft FT215 |
| Transmission Pump Inlet Filter | Motorcraft FT138 |
| Transfer Case Fluid | Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid: XT-10-QLVC |
| Front Axle Fluid | SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant: XY-75W85-QL |
| Rear Differential Fluid | SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant: XY-75W85-QL |
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid | Motorcraft PM-27-Gal Motorcraft PM-27-Jug |
| Engine Oil Viscosity | Temperature Range |
| SAE 5W-30 | Ambient Temperatures > -20 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| SAE 10W-30 | Ambient Temperatures > 0 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| SAE 5W-40* | Ambient Temperatures > -20 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| SAE 0W-30 | Ambient Temperatures < -20 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Learn More About the 3.0L Powerstroke
Visit some of our other 3.0L Powerstroke resources by clicking on one of the links below.
- 3.0L Powerstroke Specs
- Best 3.0L Powerstroke Performance Upgrades
ABOUT Kamil
Founder of Diesel Resource and a complete diesel head. Has a little bit of problem buying too many trucks. Learn more about him by checking out his truck.