🔧 Outback - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

Changing the oil and oil filter keeps your engine lubricated and helps prevent wear. On your Outback, you’ll drain the old oil from the oil pan, replace the spin-on oil filter, then refill with the correct amount and type of oil.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the vehicle with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot—let the engine cool 15-30 minutes to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off belts/exhaust; wipe spills immediately to prevent smoke/fire risk.
• ⚠️ Do not get under the vehicle supported only by a jack.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart)
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• Ratchet
• 17mm socket
• 12mm socket
• Torque wrench (10-80 ft-lb range)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Oil filter wrench (65mm 14-flute) (specialty)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off and wait 15-30 minutes. This helps the oil drain but avoids very hot oil.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap and dipstick (this helps the oil drain faster).
• If you raise the front, lift at the front center jack point and set the vehicle securely on jack stands.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower engine cover (if equipped)

• Slide the drain pan under the engine area first.
• Use a 12mm socket to remove any 12mm bolts holding the under cover.
• Use a trim clip removal tool (a small pry tool for plastic fasteners) and/or flathead screwdriver to pop out plastic clips.
• Lower and set the cover aside.

Step 2: Drain the engine oil

• Locate the oil pan drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan.
• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet to loosen the drain plug, then finish removing it by hand.
• Let the oil drain into the drain pan until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and install the new oil drain plug crush washer.

Step 3: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Wipe the oil pan drain area with shop rags.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (this prevents cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench with a 17mm socket: Torque to 42 Nm (31 ft-lbs).
• Hand-thread first, always.

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Locate the spin-on oil filter at the front/lower area of the engine.
• Position the drain pan under the filter area (oil will spill when it comes off).
• Use an oil filter wrench (65mm 14-flute) to loosen the filter, then spin it off by hand.
• Check that the old rubber gasket (seal) came off with the old filter. If it stuck to the engine, peel it off with a shop rag.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Put a small dab of new oil on your finger and lightly coat the new filter’s rubber gasket.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface.
• Tighten by hand an additional 2/3 to 3/4 turn (do not over-tighten).
• If using a torque wrench and suitable filter tool: Torque to 12.5 Nm (9 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the lower engine cover

• Reposition the cover and install clips by hand first.
• Use a 12mm socket to reinstall bolts snugly (do not strip plastic).

Step 7: Refill with new engine oil

• Lower the vehicle back to level ground (oil level reading must be on level ground).
• Insert a funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in about 4.2 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic (capacity with filter change).
• Reinstall the oil fill cap and dipstick.

Step 8: Start, check for leaks, and verify the oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Use the dipstick to verify the level is near the “FULL” mark; add oil in small amounts if needed.

---

✅ After Repair

• Recheck the dipstick again after your first short drive (5-10 minutes) and top off if needed.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at an oil recycling center/auto parts store (do not dump it).
• Wipe any spilled oil with shop rags to prevent burning smell/smoke.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 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.

---

🎯 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.