🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

This service replaces the old engine oil and filter with fresh fluid and a new filter to keep oil pressure and lubrication where they should be. On your F-150, the filter is a spin-on style, so this is a basic maintenance job with a few careful steps.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool down before draining the oil. Hot oil can burn skin.
• Work on level ground and set the parking brake.
• If you lift the truck, support it with jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Oil can drip when the filter comes off.
• Keep the old oil away from children, pets, and open flames.

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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
• Drain pan
• 13mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter wrench (strap style, specialty)
• Torque wrench
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic) - Qty: 7 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Shut the engine off and let it cool.
• Have the new filter, drain plug washer, and oil ready.
• Place the drain pan where you can reach the drain plug before loosening it.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front of the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the truck.
• Set the truck on jack stands.
• Install wheel chocks behind the rear tires.

Step 2: Open the oil fill

• Open the hood.
• Remove the oil fill cap by hand.
• Pull the dipstick up slightly to help the oil drain faster.
• Crack the fill cap first.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

• Position the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 13mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Remove the plug by hand and let the oil drain fully.
• Replace the drain plug washer if your plug uses one.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the filter.
• Spin the filter off by hand once it breaks loose.
• Keep the filter upright so it does not spill everywhere.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a shop towel.
• Lightly coat the rubber seal on the new filter with fresh oil.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the seal touches.
• Then tighten it an additional 3/4 turn by hand.
• Do not use the wrench to tighten the new filter.

Step 6: Refill with fresh oil

• Use a funnel and pour in about 6.5 quarts first.
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine for about 30 seconds, then shut it off.
• Wait a few minutes, then check the dipstick.
• Add oil in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 7 quarts with filter.

Step 7: Check for leaks

• Look under the truck for any dripping oil.
• Check around the drain plug and oil filter.
• Recheck the dipstick and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine again and confirm the oil pressure warning light goes out.
• Inspect for leaks after a short test drive.
• Reset the oil life monitor if your dash shows a maintenance reminder.
• Recycle the used oil and filter at a proper collection center.

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💰 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 0.8-1.0 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.