2020 Ford F-250

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine
7.3L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-30 Full Synthetic (7.5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Wheel Torque
150
ft-lbs

The 2020 Ford F-250 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford F-250.

For oil changes, the 2020 Ford F-250 takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 7.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Ford F-250, torque the lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2020 Ford F-250 have reported 5 common issues including "Transmission Shifting Problems", "Driveshaft Damage from Heat Insulator Contact" and "Trailer Brake Controller Malfunction". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There is 1 NHTSA safety recall on file for the 2020 Ford F-250. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2020 Ford F-250 uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (7.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 150 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2020 Ford F-250 Specifications
Motor Oil5W-30 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity7.5 qt
Lug Nut Torque150 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMotorcraft Gold (OAT)
Transmission FluidMercon LV
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Mercon LV
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Motorcraft Gold (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2020 Ford F-250. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
Motorcraft 5W-30 (6.2L gas) or 15W-40 (6.7L Power Stroke diesel), 13 qt diesel
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi; more often in dusty/towing conditions
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 4 LV
Transmission Fluid
150,000 mi
TorqShift 6-speed; Motorcraft MERCON LV; recommend 60,000 mi
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
4WD models; Motorcraft transfer case fluid
Coolant
100,000 mi
Motorcraft Orange; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
100,000 mi
Gas engine only; Motorcraft platinum
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Dual battery on diesel; check annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2020 Ford F-250.

Common problems reported by 2020 Ford F-250 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Transmission Shifting Problems

Powertrain complaints related to the 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission top the list for the 2022 F-250. Owners report rough shifting, delayed gear engagement, and occasional gear hunting under load. Towing exacerbates the issue significantly.

Solution

Have the dealer reprogram the PCM with the latest shift calibration and check for applicable TSBs. Ensure the transmission fluid level is correct and use only Ford-specified Mercon ULV fluid. Severe cases may require valve body or solenoid pack replacement.

Est. Cost: $0 - $200 for reflash; $1,500 - $3,500 for valve body repair
2

Driveshaft Damage from Heat Insulator Contact

Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen on certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles and contact the aluminum driveshaft. The contact can damage and eventually fracture the driveshaft, causing a sudden loss of drive power and a significant road hazard.

Solution

Ford issued a TSB to inspect and secure or replace the underbody heat insulators and inspect the driveshaft for damage. If the driveshaft is scored or cracked, it must be replaced. This should be covered under warranty.

Est. Cost: $100 - $300 for insulator repair; $800 - $2,000 for driveshaft replacement
3

Trailer Brake Controller Malfunction

The integrated trailer brake controller may fail to properly engage trailer brakes, malfunction intermittently, or display error messages. Some owners report the trailer brakes applying unevenly or not at all during towing, significantly increasing stopping distances.

Solution

Ford issued a recall addressing trailer brake software errors. Have the dealer update the trailer brake controller module software and inspect the wiring harness to the trailer connector. Test trailer brakes before every towing trip.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $200 - $600 for wiring/module repair
4

Premature Brake Pad Wear and Noise

Owners report front brake pads wearing out prematurely, squealing, screeching, or grinding, and vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking. The heavy weight of the Super Duty accelerates brake wear, especially when towing.

Solution

Replace front brake pads and rotors with heavy-duty aftermarket options rated for towing. Inspect the caliper slide pins for proper lubrication and check for caliper drag. Consider upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors for better heat dissipation during towing.

Est. Cost: $400 - $900 for front brake job
5

6.7L Power Stroke EGR Valve Coolant Leak

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and cooler on the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine can develop coolant leaks, producing white smoke from the tailpipe and a sweet coolant odor. If unchecked, coolant can enter the cylinders and cause hydrolock.

Solution

Replace the EGR valve and cooler assembly. Inspect the EGR cooler for internal cracks. Some owners opt to install an EGR delete kit where legally permissible. Monitor coolant levels closely and address any loss immediately.

Est. Cost: $700 - $1,700 for EGR valve/cooler replacement

1 NHTSA safety recall for the 2020 Ford F-250. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Campaign: 19V633000 Date: 28/08/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence

A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

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F-250 — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220212019201820172016
See Also
2020 Ford F-250 Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2020 Ford F-250All Vehicles Using 5W-30 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2020 Ford F-250Wiper Replacement: 2020 Ford F-250