The 2016 Ford Taurus equipped with the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine (Engine Code [8] 2 Flex) relies on precise fluid maintenance to deliver the smooth, reliable performance owners expect from a mid-size sedan. Proper lubrication is critical for managing the heat and stress generated by this V-6 powerplant, especially when subjected to varying driving conditions, extreme temperatures, or extended service intervals. Using the correct viscosity and certified products ensures optimal wear protection, fuel efficiency, and longevity for the engine and associated drivetrain components.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for maximum protection against horsepower loss and wear, offering up to 25,000 miles of coverage between changes.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides a balance of performance and value with guaranteed protection for up to 20,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An OEM-mileage option that fights sludge and deposits while exceeding industry standards for engine protection.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and oil consumption while boosting cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Features a unique media design that offers superior filtration efficiency and greater capacity for small contaminants to extend engine life.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket filter option that outperforms standard OEM-branded filters with advanced media technology.
- WIX Oil Filter – A reliable and cost-effective choice that provides superior filtration compared to stock equipment filters.
For the 2016 Ford Taurus 3.5L engine, maintaining the correct oil capacity is vital for proper lubrication of moving parts. The system holds 6.0 quarts when performing an oil change with a filter replacement. Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure the dipstick reads within the safe operating range. Adhering to these specifications helps prevent oil starvation during high-load situations and ensures the engine operates at the optimal temperature. Additionally, torque specifications for the oil drain plug should be observed, typically around 20 ft/lbs, to ensure a secure seal without damaging the threads.
Engine Air Filtration and Cooling
A clean engine is a long-lasting engine, and air filtration plays a pivotal role in this process. The 3.5L flex-fuel engine draws in significant volumes of air, making a high-quality air filter essential for maintaining proper air-fuel ratios and preventing abrasive particles from entering the combustion chamber. The WIX Air Filter is recommended for this application, offering premium media that improves upon original equipment manufacturer standards to ensure unrestricted airflow and effective particle capture.
Cooling system maintenance is equally critical for the Ford Taurus. The 3.5L engine requires a substantial cooling capacity, with a system volume of 11.1 quarts. Using a high-quality antifreeze and coolant mixture protects the engine from corrosion, freezing, and overheating. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation designed for a wide variety of vehicles, providing protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. For those seeking a more concentrated solution that can be mixed with distilled water, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers exceptional protection, surpassing standards for metallic corrosion and erosion while remaining compatible with all other coolant colors.
Transmission Fluid for the 6F50 and 6F55
The 2016 Ford Taurus comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which may be either the 6F50 or 6F55 model. These transmissions are complex and require specific fluid characteristics to handle the rigors of shifting, towing, and varying driving conditions. The total fill capacity for the 6F50 is approximately 10.9 quarts, while the 6F55 holds about 11.6 quarts. Maintaining the correct fluid level is crucial for the longevity of the transmission components.
To ensure optimal performance, AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is an excellent choice. This fluid is engineered to withstand elevated temperatures, heavy towing, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions. It provides reserve protection during heavy use and abuse, helping to reduce sludge and wear. For those looking for a fluid that aligns closely with factory specifications, AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers robust protection against wear and extends service intervals, ensuring smooth shifting and reliable operation.
Differential and Transfer Case Lubrication
For vehicles equipped with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, the differential and transfer case require specialized lubricants to handle the torque distribution and power transfer. The transfer case, specifically the PTU model, requires SAE 75W-140 synthetic rear axle lubricant to meet Ford specifications. The capacity for the PTU is 1.1 pints, and proper torque application on the fill and drain plugs (15 ft/lbs and 9 ft/lbs respectively) is essential for a leak-free seal.
AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the recommended lubricant for the transfer case, offering advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway. For the rear differential, which on the AWD model typically requires 2.4 pints of SAE 80W-90 gear lube meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube provides the necessary durability. If a different viscosity is preferred or required by specific driving conditions, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube or AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube are also available, offering superior protection against rust, corrosion, and operating temperature extremes.
Brake Fluid and Fuel System Care
Safety is paramount, and the braking system requires a fluid that maintains stable viscosity across a wide temperature range. The 2016 Ford Taurus typically uses a DOT 4 fluid meeting Motorcraft specifications. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid ensures excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems, providing a reliable stopping power in all conditions. Furthermore, to maintain peak engine performance and fuel economy, AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive is recommended. This additive restores up to 14% horsepower, cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, and helps prevent carbon buildup, ensuring the 3.5L engine runs efficiently.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Ford Taurus represents the culmination of Ford’s engineering efforts to create a competitive, front-wheel-drive sedan that rivals luxury imports in terms of interior space and driving dynamics. Built on the D2 platform, the Taurus is known for its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and a focus on ride quality that appeals to both daily commuters and long-distance travelers. The 3.5L V-6 engine, available in this model year with flex-fuel capability, offers a robust power output that balances fuel efficiency with the acceleration needed for highway merging and passing.
This generation of the Taurus is particularly noted for its versatility and adaptability. It serves as a reliable family hauler, offering ample cargo space behind the rear seats while providing the technology and safety features expected in modern vehicles. The vehicle’s reputation is built on durability and comfort, making it a popular choice in the mid-size sedan segment. Owners appreciate the smooth ride characteristic of Ford’s suspension tuning, which absorbs road imperfections effectively without sacrificing handling precision. Whether used for suburban commuting or as a primary vehicle for large families, the Taurus remains a practical and capable automobile, provided it receives the proper maintenance and high-quality lubricants to sustain its performance over the years.