🔧 Outback - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

On your Outback, an oil change replaces old oil (which breaks down with heat/time) and the oil filter (which traps debris). Doing both together protects the engine and helps prevent sludge and wear.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.75-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the vehicle with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool 15-30 minutes; hot oil can burn you.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Never rely on a floor jack alone—always use jack stands.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair)
• Wheel chocks (pair)
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• 17mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive)
• 12mm socket
• Trim clip removal tool
• Oil filter wrench (cup or band style)
• Plastic scraper

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic) - Qty: 7 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks (pair) behind the rear wheels.
• Gather everything first—once you drain the oil, you don’t want to hunt for parts.
• Warm oil drains faster. Let it cool so it’s safe to touch.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the front (if needed)

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the center jack point.
• Set the vehicle down onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair) at the left and right front support points.
• Give the vehicle a gentle push to confirm it’s stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the front under cover (if it blocks access)

• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop out the plastic clips.
• Use a 12mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove any bolts holding the cover.
• Set the clips/bolts aside in a small tray so you don’t lose them.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Position the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Remove the old washer from the drain plug and install the new oil drain plug crush washer.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (this helps prevent cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench (3/8" drive) with a 17mm socket to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 42 N·m (31 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Replace the oil filter (top-mounted)

• Open the hood and locate the oil filter on top of the engine.
• Place shop towels around the filter base to catch spills.
• Remove the filter by hand; if it’s tight, use an oil filter wrench (cup or band style).
• Make sure the old rubber gasket isn’t stuck to the engine (a “double gasket” can cause a major leak). If needed, use a plastic scraper to remove it.
• Lightly coat the new filter’s rubber gasket with fresh oil (dip a gloved finger into new oil).
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten 3/4 turn more by hand.

Step 6: Reinstall the under cover

• Reposition the cover and start all fasteners by hand.
• Use a 12mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to snug bolts (do not over-tighten plastic panels).
• Reinstall all clips using the trim clip removal tool to align them, then push them in.

Step 7: Refill with new oil

• Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
• Use a funnel and add Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic) slowly.
• Start by adding about 6.5 quarts, then you’ll top off after checking the dipstick.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

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

• Start the engine and let it idle 30-60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and under the hood at the filter area.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.
• Pull the dipstick, wipe it with shop towels, reinsert fully, then read the level.
• Add oil as needed to reach the upper mark (don’t overfill).

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck for leaks after your first short drive.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at an auto-parts store or recycling center (do not pour it out).
• If your Outback has an oil maintenance reminder, reset it through the multi-function display settings (tell me what you see on the dash and I’ll guide you).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $75-$130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 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.