🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Your Outback uses a spin-on oil filter and a drain plug with a crush washer. This service is straightforward, but you need to drain the oil fully, replace the filter, and refill with the correct amount and viscosity.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work only on a cool engine to avoid burns from hot oil and exhaust parts.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone. A floor jack lifts the car, but jack stands hold it safely.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Keep used oil away from skin and eyes. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• Do not overfill the engine. Too much oil can damage seals and cause leaks.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool enough to work safely, but warm oil drains faster.
• Gather all parts first so the drain plug does not sit open too long.
• Put the transmission in Park and chock the rear wheels before lifting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to raise the front at the proper lift point.
• Place the vehicle securely on jack stands before going underneath.
• Make sure the car is stable before continuing.

Step 2: Remove the under cover

• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the fasteners for the lower engine cover.
• Lower the cover carefully and set it aside.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Position the oil drain pan under the drain plug.
• Use the 14mm socket to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely. Warm oil drains faster.
• Replace the drain plug crush washer with the new one.
• Reinstall the drain plug and torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the oil drain pan under the filter area.
• Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket comes off with the filter.
• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with shop towels.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the base.
• Tighten the filter by hand, then use the oil filter wrench only if needed for a small final snug.
• Do not overtighten. Torque to 13.5 Nm (10 ft-lbs) if using a torque method.

Step 6: Reinstall the under cover

• Put the lower engine cover back in place.
• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to reinstall the fasteners.

Step 7: Refill with engine oil

• Lower the vehicle to level ground.
• Use the funnel to add about 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic first.
• Wait a minute, then check the dipstick and add oil slowly until the level is near the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 4.7 quarts with filter, but always finish by dipstick reading.

Step 8: Start and inspect

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Check for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Shut the engine off, wait a few minutes, then recheck the oil level and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or parts store.
• Recheck the oil level after your first drive.
• Reset your maintenance reminder if your Outback shows one in the display.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$55 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 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.