🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter keeps your F-150's engine clean and protected. On your F-150, this service is straightforward if you have the right drain pan, socket, and filter wrench. Use the correct oil spec and replace the drain plug washer if equipped.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool down before draining oil. Hot oil can burn skin.
• Support the vehicle on jack stands if you raise it. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels if the front is raised.
• Keep oil off the exhaust and belts. Wipe spills right away.
• Do not overfill the crankcase. Too much oil can damage the engine.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter wrench (appropriate size)
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic) - Qty: 8 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Warm the engine for a few minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• If you raise the front, lift at the proper jacking points and support with jack stands.
• Have the new filter, drain washer, and oil ready before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the truck if needed.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Use wheel chocks to block the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the oil filler cap

• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap from the engine.
• This helps the oil drain smoothly.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully, then inspect the plug and washer.
• Install a new drain plug washer if your truck uses one.
• Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs) when reinstalling the drain plug.

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the filter area.
• Use an oil filter wrench (appropriate size) to loosen the filter.
• Spin it off by hand once it breaks loose.
• Make sure the old filter gasket comes off with the filter.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with clean engine oil.
• Spin the new oil filter on by hand until the gasket touches.
• Then tighten it by hand about 3/4 turn more.
• Do not use the wrench to overtighten.

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug

• Clean the drain plug and sealing surface.
• Install the plug with the new washer.
• Use the 15mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Add fresh oil

• Use a funnel to add about 7.5 quarts of engine oil (SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic) first.
• Install the oil cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.

Step 8: Check for leaks and set the final level

• Shut the engine off and wait 5-10 minutes.
• Check the drain plug and filter for leaks.
• Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
• Add oil a little at a time until the level reaches the FULL mark.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine again and verify there are no oil leaks.
• Recheck the dipstick after another short idle and top off if needed.
• Reset the oil life monitor if your truck has one: Settings > Advanced Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a proper recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.