Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1990 Ford Tempo LX, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Quick Lookups: Fluids
| FLUID CAPACITIES | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid Type | Application | Standard | Metric | Fluid Spec | Note | S/H | |
| Air Cond Refrigerant | 2.25 LBS. | 1.02 KG | R-12 | S | |||
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | FWD | 8.30 QTS. | 7.85 L | Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON | S | ||
| Brake Fluid | N/A | N/A | DOT 3 Brake Fluid | Fill to line on reservoir. | S | ||
| Engine Coolant | Automatic Trans | 7.80 QTS. | 7.38 L | 50/50 mixture of FORD Premium Cooling System Fluid and water | Add .5 qt. to Coolant Recovery Reservoir. | S | |
| Engine Oil | w/Filter | 5.00 QTS. | 4.73 L | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | S | ||
| Engine Oil | w/o Filter | 4.00 QTS. | 3.78 L | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | S | ||
| Fuel Tank | FWD | 15.90 GALS. | 60.18 L | S | |||
| Manual Transmission Fluid | 6.20 PTS. | 2.93 L | Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON | S | |||
| Power Steering Fluid | 1.60 PTS. | 0.75 L | Automatic Transmission Fluid Type F | S | |||
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.