1990 Ford Tempo Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (5.0 quarts)
The 1990 Ford Tempo takes 5W-30 motor oil — 5.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GL, 2D Sedan, Automatic | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GL, 2D Sedan, Standard | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GL, 4D Sedan, Automatic | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GL, 4D Sedan, Standard | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GLS, 2D Sedan, Automatic | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GLS, 2D Sedan, Standard | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GLS, 4D Sedan, Automatic | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| GLS, 4D Sedan, Standard | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| LX, Automatic | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| LX, Standard | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Tempo
🛞 1990 Ford Tempo Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1990 Ford Tempo Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1990 Ford Tempo Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1990 Ford Tempo Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.8 quarts (7.38 L) — 50/50 mixture of FORD Premium Cooling System Fluid and water. Add .5 qt. to Coolant Recovery Reservoir.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1990 Ford Tempo take?
The 1990 Ford Tempo takes 5W-30 motor oil (SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1990 Ford Tempo?
The 1990 Ford Tempo oil capacity is 5.0 quarts with a filter change, or 4.0 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1990 Ford Tempo?
Most 1990 Ford Tempo owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Ford recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1990 Ford Tempo?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1990 Ford Tempo. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.