Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection against horsepower loss and wear for up to 25,000 miles. This formulation is ideal for those seeking the maximum performance benefit for their turbocharged engine.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers extended-life protection with 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother, lasting up to 20,000 miles between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A budget-friendly 100% synthetic option that outperforms conventional oils and effectively fights sludge and deposits while meeting manufacturer requirements.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically engineered for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge, boost detergents, and protect older engines while maintaining the required 5W-20 viscosity.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K51-EA) – Provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns with greater capacity to trap contaminants, reducing engine wear and offering extended service life.
- WIX Oil Filter (51348-EA) – A premium aftermarket alternative featuring improved media over original equipment manufacturer branded filters, suitable for budget-conscious maintenance schedules.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mixed ethylene glycol formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated coolant that requires mixing with distilled water, offering superior protection against corrosion and erosion for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Signature Series ULV 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain, remaining fluid even in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The ideal choice for the transfer case and differential, controlling thermal runaway and protecting against rust and corrosion in GL-5 applications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ideal for the vehicle’s braking system.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver – A gasoline additive that restores up to 14% horsepower and clears carbon deposits from GDI fuel injectors to ensure efficient combustion.
Engine Oil Specifications and Capacities
The heart of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport’s 1.5L engine is a high-revving turbocharged unit that benefits significantly from the fluid dynamics of high-quality synthetic motor oil. Ford specifies a 5W-20 viscosity grade for standard operation. However, if you reside in an environment where ambient temperatures drop below -22°F (-30°C), the manufacturer advises using 0W-20 oil that meets the WSS-M2C962-A1 specification to ensure proper cold starts.
The total oil capacity for this engine, including the filter replacement, is 5.3 quarts. It is crucial to adhere to this volume. Overfilling can lead to foaming and excessive pressure, while underfilling results in insufficient lubrication. After refilling the engine, the oil level should always be checked via the dipstick or electronic sensor to ensure the proper level is achieved. When servicing the vehicle, the oil drain plug must be torqued to a specific 29 ft-lbs to ensure a secure seal without risking damage to the aluminum pan threads.
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 stands out as the premier choice for this engine. It contains a unique blend of synthetic base stocks and additives that offer 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to conventional oils. For owners who prefer a more standard maintenance schedule or are on a tighter budget, the AMSOIL OE 5W-20 provides a fully synthetic alternative that still exceeds factory requirements. It is formulated to fight sludge and deposits effectively. For vehicles that have accumulated significant mileage, the High-Mileage 5W-20 variant includes enhanced anti-wear additives and boosted detergents that help reduce sludge by 67%, promoting better performance in older engines.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
The automatic transmission in the Bronco Sport, specifically the 8F35 8-speed unit, operates under considerable stress, particularly when the vehicle is used for its intended off-road capabilities or heavy towing. The transmission fluid must remain stable under high heat and provide smooth shifting characteristics over a wide range of temperatures. The total fill capacity for this automatic transmission is 8.5 quarts.
AMSOIL Signature Series ULV 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is engineered to withstand the rigors of this application. It is formulated to remain fluid in sub-zero temperatures while providing a reserve of protection during heavy use and abuse. This fluid is designed to handle the elevated temperatures generated during off-roading and towing, ensuring the transmission operates smoothly and preventing premature wear on gears and clutches.
For the transfer case and differential, the Ford specifications call for SAE 75W-85 synthetic hypoid gear lubricant meeting the WSL-M2C942-A specification. The transfer case capacity varies depending on the configuration: models with a cooler require 1.1 pints, while those without a cooler require 0.8 pints. The rear differential requires 1.6 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is an excellent match for these components. It contains advanced additives that control thermal runaway, a common issue in transfer cases subjected to heavy loads. It also protects against rust and corrosion while helping to reduce operating temperatures, which extends the life of the seals and equipment. The lubricant includes friction modifiers for limited-slip applications, ensuring proper operation if your Bronco Sport is equipped with a limited-slip differential.
Coolant and Brake Fluid
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the longevity of the turbocharged engine, which runs hotter than naturally aspirated units. The cooling system capacity for the 2021 Bronco Sport is 7.7 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free formulation. It is an ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix that protects all metals, gaskets, and hoses from corrosion and erosion. For those who prefer to mix their own, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers a concentrated option that can be mixed with distilled water to achieve the same high level of protection.
The braking system requires a fluid that does not absorb moisture, as water contamination leads to a lower boiling point and potential brake fade. Ford specifies a Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction-control systems. Its synthetic formulation ensures a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, preventing the fluid from boiling under heavy braking conditions and ensuring a firm pedal feel.
Vehicle Background and Owner Insights
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport represents a unique position in the automotive market, blending the rugged, go-anywhere capability of the iconic Bronco nameplate with the practicality and fuel efficiency of a crossover utility vehicle. Introduced to fill a gap between the Ford Escape and the full-size Bronco, the Sport is built on the C2 architecture, which is the same platform used for the Ford Maverick. This shared platform provides a solid foundation for off-road adventures while maintaining a ride quality that is comfortable for daily commuting.
Powered by a choice of engines, the 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder is a popular option for owners who prioritize fuel economy and responsive city driving. The turbocharger delivers a punch of power that belies the engine’s small displacement, making it surprisingly capable in towing scenarios, with a maximum tow rating of 2,000 pounds. Owners appreciate the Bronco Sport’s approach angles, ground clearance, and available All-Wheel Drive system, which includes a Terrain Management System with various modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud. This versatility makes it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts who want a capable off-roader that doesn’t require a massive footprint or poor gas mileage.
Despite its robust design, the Bronco Sport is not immune to the wear and tear that comes with spirited driving and off-road use. One common issue faced by owners of turbocharged engines, including the 1.5L EcoBoost, is carbon buildup on intake valves and fuel injectors. This accumulation can restrict airflow and reduce fuel efficiency over time. Regular use of a high-quality fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver can help restore injector flow and clear these deposits, keeping the engine running at peak efficiency.
Another area where owners may notice issues is with the transfer case and drivetrain components. While the Bronco Sport is built for adventure, the continuous cycling of the AWD system, especially in dusty or wet off-road conditions, can lead to thermal stress on the transfer case fluid. Thermal breakdown in these systems can result in sluggish shifting or premature wear of internal gears. Using a synthetic AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube helps maintain the fluid’s integrity under these demanding conditions.
Additionally, the electronic components in modern vehicles, including sensors and wiring harnesses, can be sensitive to moisture and corrosion. The high humidity and water exposure associated with off-roading can accelerate corrosion on metal components. Protecting these areas with a rust inhibitor or using a synthetic coolant that prevents corrosion is essential for long-term reliability. Finally, for those who use their Bronco Sport for towing or carrying heavy loads, the suspension and chassis components undergo significant stress. While not a lubrication issue per se, the added weight and vibration can accelerate wear on bushings and joints, making it even more critical to keep the vehicle’s fluids fresh to minimize overall vibration and harshness. By addressing these potential vulnerabilities with high-performance lubricants, owners can ensure their Bronco Sport remains a reliable companion for years of off-road exploration.