The 2004 Ford F-150 5.4 has an engine oil capacity of 7.0 quarts, and you’ll need to maintain that level to keep your truck’s engine in its optimal functioning condition.

The Ford F-150 is a hugely popular American vehicle that folks love for both its comfort features and its utility. The F-150 lets you go from work to play with ease, but only if you keep up with its regular servicing and

maintenance schedules

. Those can, admittedly, get a little expensive, so why not save money at the garage by changing your own oil?

DIYing your oil change is a beginner-friendly car maintenance task as long as you know your engine oil capacity and a few other details. And

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2004 Ford F-150 5.4 engine oil capacity

First, exactly how much oil does a 2004 Ford F-150 5.4-liter engine need? The engine oil capacity for this truck is 7.0 quarts or 6.6 liters.

Be sure you keep those liter measurements straight! The 2004 F-150 has a 5.4-liter engine, meaning its cylinders take up a volume of 5.4 liters—that is known as the

engine’s displacement

. That 5.4-liter engine has an engine oil capacity of 6.6 liters or 7.0 quarts. The two values cannot be interchanged, so be careful with them.

What kind of oil does a 2004 Ford F-150 5.4 need?

Just as it’s crucial to put the right amount of oil in the engine, it’s crucial to put the right kind of oil in. The right kind of oil for a 2004 Ford F-150 5.4 won’t be just any kind of oil, but, per the owner’s manual, 5W-20motor oil.

5W-20 is the oil grade recommended by Ford for this model of truck and it discloses the oil’s viscosity levels at both the cold start temperature of the engine and the engine’s normal operating temperature.

5 and W (which stands for “winter”) tell us that the oil has a low viscosity at the engine’s cold start temperature. 20 tells us the oil is slightly more viscous, but still relatively thin when the engine reaches its normal operating temperature of around 212°F.

You can use either synthetic oil, which typically lasts in good condition and resists breakdown for longer periods of time, or you can use

conventional oil

. Whichever oil you use, just make sure it has the recommended oil grade of 5W-20, or one grade above or below that if it’s an emergency.

If you need help selecting an acceptable oil, try these options out:

For high mileage vehicles:

Mobil 1 Extended Performance High Mileage 5W-20 Motor Oil

For everyday protection:

Valvoline Daily Protection 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

To go longer between oil changes:

Castrol Edge Extended Performance 5W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2004 Ford F-150 5.4

When you know the correct oil capacity and oil type, you could be ready to change your oil at any time—but how will you know

how often you should get it changed

Ford recommends an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles for the 2004 Ford F-150 5.4 when you’re using synthetic motor oil. If you opt for the conventional stuff, you should look into changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles instead.

Keep in mind that these are simply benchmarks to make your maintenance scheduling easier, but the actual oil change timeline your engine needs will also be affected by things like your driving environment and driving habits. Long commutes and tough terrain put your engine through more work than bi-weekly trips to the corner store.

Make a habit of

checking your oil

about once a month. You want to ensure you have an acceptable oil level and consistency, both of which could be compromised if you notice any of these bad oil symptoms:

Dark brown or black oil. Make sure your oil looks amber or light brown

Sludge or grittiness. Clean oil should be smooth

Burning, smoky oil smell. This is likely the result of a too-low oil level or oil contamination

Unfamiliar noises from the engine. Your engine will have to work harder and might take on some damage if your oil quality is compromised

Worsening engine performance. Things like a dip in your fuel economy or a sputtering when you try to turn your engine on can be signs of bad oil

MORE:

The most common Ford problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

When you determine that the time for an

oil change

is upon you, round up your materials before heading out to the garage:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement oil filter

7.0 quarts of 5W-20 motor oil

Start the process by getting your engine up to its normal operating temperature. Bring the heat by going for a cruise around your neighborhood or let your truck idle for five to 20 minutes. Then, turn your vehicle off while it’s on level ground, open the hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Head under the engine with your socket wrench and drain pan to remove the oil drain bolt and allow the old oil to flow into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter and allow the old oil to drain out completely

Install the new oil filter

Refill the engine with 7.0 quarts of 5W-20 and replace the oil fill cap

Use a rag to clean up any areas with excess oil and then turn your F-150 back on to make sure nothing is leaking. And you’re done! Now you’ll just need to clean up. You cannot dump oil on the ground or in your trash can, so be sure to pour it into a sealed container and bring it to your local recycling center for proper disposal.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Feeling like a car maintenance pro yet? Keep the good flow going by performing a bit of

Ford car insurance cost

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