1985 Ford Ranger Oil Type & Capacity
The 1985 Ford Ranger oil type depends on the engine: the 2.0 C takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.3 A, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 2.3 A, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 2.3 A, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 2.3 E takes 5W-30 (7.0 quarts with filter); the 2.8 S, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.8 S, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.8 S, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.8 S, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.0 C: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.3 A, 4WD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 2.3 A, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 2.3 A, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 2.3 E: 5W-30, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 2.8 S, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.8 S, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.8 S, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.8 S, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 C — 2.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.3 A, 4WD — 2.3L Eng,Gas | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.3 A, RWD, Automatic — 2.3L Eng,Gas | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.3 A, RWD, Standard — 2.3L Eng,Gas | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.3 E — 2.3L Eng,Diesel | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 7.00 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.8 S, 4WD, Automatic — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.8 S, 4WD, Standard — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.8 S, RWD, Automatic — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.8 S, RWD, Standard — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
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More specs & repair guides for your Ranger
1985 Ford Ranger factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.5 quarts (6.15 L) — 50/50 mixture of FORD Premium Cooling System Fluid and water. Specification: ESE M97B44 A.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1985 Ford Ranger take?
It depends on the engine: 2.0 C uses 5W-30; 2.3 A, 4WD uses 5W-30; 2.3 A, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2.3 A, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; 2.3 E uses 5W-30; 2.8 S, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2.8 S, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; 2.8 S, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2.8 S, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 1985 Ford Ranger take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.0 C holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.3 A, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 2.3 A, RWD, Automatic holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 2.3 A, RWD, Standard holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 2.3 E holds 7.0 quarts with filter; 2.8 S, 4WD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.8 S, 4WD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.8 S, RWD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.8 S, RWD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1985 Ford Ranger?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1985 Ford Ranger. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.