🔧 Outback - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter, then refill with the correct fresh oil. This keeps the engine lubricated, reduces wear, and helps prevent sludge buildup.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the Outback with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be very hot; let it cool if you can’t touch parts comfortably.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts to avoid smoke and smells.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is 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
• 17mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• 12mm socket
• Trim clip removal tool
• Oil drain pan (at least 8-quart)
• Funnel
• Oil filter wrench (specialty)
• 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: 6 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Warm the engine 2–3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and loosen the oil fill cap by hand (this helps the oil drain smoothly).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the front safely

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the front center jack point.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the front pinch welds and lower the Outback onto them.
• Give the vehicle a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a 12mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the bolts.
• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop out any plastic clips.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside so you don’t lose them.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the oil drain pan (at least 8-quart) 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 to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range) with a 17mm socket to tighten it.
• Torque to 42 Nm (31 ft-lbs).

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

• Open the hood. The oil filter is at the top of the engine (easy access).
• Place shop rags around the filter area to catch drips using shop rags.
• Unscrew the old filter by hand. If it’s stuck, use an oil filter wrench (specialty) (this is a strap/cup tool that grips the filter canister).
• Make sure the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter (a stuck gasket can cause a leak).
• Put a thin wipe of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved finger and nitrile gloves.
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten by hand an additional 3/4 turn. Hand-tight is usually correct.

Step 6: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reposition the shield and install clips by hand first.
• Use a trim clip removal tool to seat clips as needed.
• Use a 12mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to reinstall bolts snugly.

Step 7: Refill with new oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill hole.
• Add about 5.1 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic (typical fill with filter change). Start slightly low; top off later.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.

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

• Start the engine and let it idle 30–60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 3–5 minutes for oil to drain back.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug and around the filter.
• Pull the dipstick, wipe it with shop rags, reinsert, then re-check level and top off as needed using the funnel.

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✅ After Repair

• Re-check the dipstick level after a short 5–10 minute drive and top off if needed.
• Reset the oil maintenance reminder (if it’s on): Home > Settings > Maintenance > Engine Oil > Reset.
• Dispose of used oil and the filter at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts waste oil.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$170 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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