Tech Spec: 2018 Ford F-150

March 1, 2018
The new Ford F-150 is tougher, smarter and more capable for 2018. New features include standard Auto Start-Stop for all engines, all-new 3.3-liter V6 with port and direct-injection technology and flex-fuel capability and electronic six-speed automatic transmission with selectable drive modes - normal, tow/haul and sport.

The new Ford F-150 is tougher, smarter and more capable for 2018. New features include standard Auto Start-Stop for all engines, all-new 3.3-liter V6 with port and direct-injection technology and flex-fuel capability and electronic six-speed automatic transmission with selectable drive modes - normal, tow/haul and sport. The electronic 10-speed automatic features selectable drive modes - normal, tow/haul, snow/wet, eco-select and sport. The 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 engines. The new second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost now has advanced dual port and direct-injection technology. The enhanced 5.0-liter V8 brings significant upgrades including advanced dual port and direct-injection technology, plus spray-on bore liner technology.

Perhaps the most exciting engine technology advancement in the 2018 Ford F-150 is the availability of the first-ever F-150 Power Stroke diesel with a targeted EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating, 11,400 pounds of towing capacity and 2,020 pounds of payload capacity, plus 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Ford dealers began taking orders for the 2018 F-150 with all-new 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine in January, and deliveries will begin this spring.

The same Ford powertrain team behind the 6.7-liter Power Stroke for Super Duty trucks since 2011 designed and engineered this all-new 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel engine to the specific needs of North American F-150 customers who tow and haul frequently.

This new V6 diesel features the same compacted-graphite iron block material construction and forged-steel crank used in the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine for added strength and durability along with reduced weight.

For greater responsiveness and reduced turbo lag, a high-efficiency variable-geometry turbocharger was used. A common-rail fuel injection system precisely optimizes performance and fuel efficiency, while a high-pressure 29,000 pounds per square inch injection calibration enables smoother, quieter operation with reduced emissions.

Dual fuel filters were added for improved break-in, while a cast-aluminum oil pan and two-stage oil pump mean reduced parasitic loss and improved efficiency.

The 2018 F-150 received a little exterior freshening with new grilles, bumpers, lighting, tailgate outer, appliques and wheels. Interior freshening on XLT Sport, XLT Special Edition, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited includes color and material changes for seats, instrument panel and console trim. King Ranch interior leather color changes to Kingsville, Platinum changed to Dark Marsala, while Limited now gets Navy Pier.

An all-new B&O Play Premium Audio System by Harman is available. Sync Connect is optional on XLT and Lariat, and standard on King Ranch, Platinum and Limited; it includes a Wi-Fi hotspot for connecting up to 10 devices. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection are available.

A base model 2018 Ford F-150 carries a starting MSRP of $27,610. A fully-loaded Platinum trim, with SuperCrew cab, 6.5-foot box, 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, four-wheel drive, electronic 10-speed transmission, technology package, trailer tow package, power moonroof and 3.55 electronic locking axle ratio will run just north of $63,000.

Servicing the 2018 Ford F-150

The 2018 Ford F-150 is equipped with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system, which displays a message in the information display at the proper oil change interval. This interval may be up to one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km). When the oil change message appears in the information display, it is time for an oil change.

Ford advises owners to make sure to change their vehicle's oils and fluids at the specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. According to Ford, flushing is a viable way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system or using a Ford-approved flushing chemical.

NORMAL MAINTENANCE INTERVALS

At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display:
  • Change engine oil and filter
  • Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth
  • Inspect accessory drive belt(s)
  • Inspect battery performance
  • Inspect engine air filter
  • Inspect exterior lamps operation
  • Inspect fluid levels; fill, if necessary
  • Check for oil and fluid leaks
  • Inspect half-shaft dust boots
  • Inspect hazard warning operation system
  • Check horn operation
  • Inspect radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioning hoses
  • Inspect suspension components for leaks and damage
  • Inspect tires, including the spare for wear and proper pressure
  • Inspect windshield for cracks, chips or pits
  • Inspect washer spray and wiper operation
  • Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with dipstick)
  • Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake
  • Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses
  • Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields
  • Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate, if equipped with grease fittings (four-wheel drive only)
  • Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate any areas with grease fittings
  • Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
  • Refill the diesel exhaust fluid tank (diesel engines only)

Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km):

  • Replace cabin air filter

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km):

  • Replace engine air filter
  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters

At 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every three years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km):

  • Change engine coolant

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km):

  • Replace spark plugs
  • Inspect accessory drive belt(s) (every other oil change until replaced)

Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km):

  • Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
  • Change front axle fluid (four-wheel drive vehicles)
  • Change rear axle fluid
  • Change transfer case fluid (four-wheel drive vehicles)
  • Replace accessory drive belt(s)

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

If the vehicle is primarily operated in any of the following conditions, extra maintenance may need to be performed. If the vehicle is operated occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance.

Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier As required:

  • Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform services listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart

Inspect frequently, service as required:

  • Inspect and lubricate U-joints

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):

  • Replace spark plugs (gasoline engine)

Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use As required:

  • Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform services listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart

Inspect frequently, service as required:

  • Replace engine air filter (gasoline engine)
  • Inspect the air filter restriction gauge; replace filter, if necessary (diesel engine)

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):

  • Replace spark plugs (gasoline engine)

Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions Inspect frequently, service as required:

  • Replace engine air filter (gasoline engine)
  • Inspect the air filter restriction gauge; replace filter, if necessary (diesel engine)

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km):

  • Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
  • Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:

  • Change engine oil and filter

Off-road Operation Inspect frequently, service as required:

  • Inspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints; lubricate, if equipped with grease fittings
  • Replace engine air filter (gasoline engine)
  • Inspect the air filter restriction gauge; replace filter, if necessary (diesel engine)

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:

  • Change engine oil and filter
  • Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
  • Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth

Exclusive Use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles Only) Every oil change interval:

  • If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded fuel (gasoline engine)

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE - DIESEL ENGINE

If the vehicle is primarily operated in any of the following conditions, extra maintenance may need to be performed. If the vehicle is operated occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance.

Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier As required:

  • Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or six months, 600 engine hours:

  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 1,200 engine hours:

  • Inspect the engine and cooling system coolant concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive (corrosion inhibitor) strength; add coolant additive, if necessary

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 2,400 engine hours:

  • Flush and refill the coolant; do not add coolant additive

Frequent or Extended Idling or Frequent Low-speed Operation if Vehicle is Used for Stationary Operation As required:

  • Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours:

  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 1,200 engine hours:

  • Inspect the engine and cooling system coolant concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive (corrosion inhibitor) strength; add coolant additive, if necessary

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 2,400 engine hours:

  • Flush and refill the coolant; do not add coolant additive

Frequent Low-speed Operation, Consistent Heavy Traffic Under 25 mph (40 km/h) or Long Rush-hour Traffic As required:

  • Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours:

  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 1,200 engine hours:

  • Inspect the engine and cooling system coolant concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive (corrosion inhibitor) strength; add coolant additive, if necessary

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 2,400 engine hours:

  • Flush and refill the coolant; do not add coolant additive

Sustained High-speed Driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating As required:

  • Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours:

  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 1,200 engine hours:

  • Inspect the engine and cooling system coolant concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive (corrosion inhibitor) strength; add coolant additive, if necessary

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 2,400 engine hours:

  • Flush and refill the coolant; do not add coolant additive

Off-road Operation As required:

  • Inspect functional holes in exhaust tip to make sure they are clean and clear of debris or foreign materials
  • Inspect the steering and suspension ball joints and tie rods; lubricate any grease fittings

Every 7,000 miles (12,000 km), six months or 300 engine hours:

  • Rotate the tires, inspect the tires for wear and measure tread depth
  • Inspect the brake system pads and rotors
  • Inspect the air filter restriction gauge; replace the filter, if necessary

Every 7,000 miles (12,000 km) or 300 engine hours:

  • Change the engine oil and filter

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours:

  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km):

  • Replace the air inlet foam filter

Using Biodiesel, Up to and Including 20% Biodiesel (B20) As required:

  • Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), six months or 300 engine hours:

  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES

Engine oil: SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend (2.7L, 3.5L), SAE 5W-30 diesel motor oil (3.0L diesel), 5W-20 synthetic blend (3.3L, 5.0L); capacity is 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) - 2.7L, 3.3L, 3.5L; 6.5 quarts (6.15 liters) - 3.0L diesel; 8.8 quarts (8.3 liters) - 5.0L Coolant: Motorcraft Orange; capacity is 15.1 quarts (14.3 liters) - 2.7L; 13.7 quarts (13.0 liters) - 3.0L diesel; 13.6 quarts (12.86 liters) - 3.3L; 15.2 quarts (14.35 liters) - 3.5L; 13.9 quarts (13.2 liters) - 5.0L Brake fluid: DOT 4 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid Automatic transmission fluid: Mercon LV - 2.7L, 5.0L; Mercon ULV - 3.0L diesel, 3.3L, 3.5L; capacity is 13.1 quarts (12.4 liters) Diesel exhaust fluid: Capacity is 22.5 quarts (21.3 liters)