🔧 Outback - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

On your Outback, an oil change means draining the old engine oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling with the correct oil. This protects the engine from wear and helps it run smoothly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on level ground and support the vehicle securely before going underneath.
• 🔥 Engine oil can be very hot; let the engine cool 15–30 minutes if needed.
• 🧯 Keep oil off the exhaust and away from sparks/flames.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 14mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Oil drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Funnel
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop rags

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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
• 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.
• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Warm the engine for 2–3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap by hand to help it drain smoothly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front of your Outback

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift at the front center jack point.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the proper front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Give the vehicle a gentle push to confirm it’s stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Drain the old engine oil

• Place the oil drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 14mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to a drip (usually 5–10 minutes).

Step 3: Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

• Wipe the drain plug area clean using shop rags.
• Install a new oil drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (prevents cross-threading).
• Tighten using a 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range) and 14mm socket: Torque to 43 N·m (31.7 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove and replace the oil filter

• Move the oil drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil filter area (a little oil will spill).
• Remove the old oil filter by hand (turn counterclockwise). If it’s too tight, use a better grip with nitrile gloves and shop rags.
• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with shop rags, and confirm the old rubber gasket didn’t stick to the engine.
• Put a thin film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket (this helps it seal).
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket contacts, then tighten by hand an additional 2/3 turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten.

Step 5: Refill with fresh oil

• Lower the vehicle back to the ground using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Insert a funnel into the oil filler opening.
• Pour in 4.4 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic to start.
• Reinstall the oil filler cap by hand.

Step 6: Start, inspect for leaks, and set the final oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 3–5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.
• Check underneath for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter using safety glasses and shop rags.
• Check the dipstick and add oil as needed (small amounts at a time) using the funnel until the level is at/near the “F” mark.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Recheck for leaks after your first short drive.
• 🧾 Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly (many parts stores accept used oil).
• 🛠️ If your Outback shows an oil maintenance reminder, reset it:
  • On the center display: Settings > Maintenance > Engine Oil > Reset
  • If that menu isn’t present, tell me what screen you see and I’ll give the exact reset path.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$180 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$110 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.