🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your F-150 helps protect the 5.0L engine from wear, heat, and sludge buildup. This job is straightforward if you can safely raise the truck and reach the drain plug and filter underneath.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool before draining oil. Hot oil can burn skin.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Chock the rear wheels and set the parking brake before lifting the front.
• Keep oil away from belts, exhaust parts, and the serpentine drive system.
• Use gloves and safety glasses. Engine oil is messy and can irritate skin and eyes.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Clean shop towels
• Torque wrench
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 8 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes only if the oil is very cold. Do not make it hot.
• Raise the front of the truck and support it securely with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the truck at a proper lift point.
• Set the truck on jack stands before you go underneath.
• Make sure the truck is stable before continuing.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully.
• Replace the drain plug washer with a new one.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 26 Nm (19 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter.
• Spin the filter off by hand once it is loose.
• Check that the old gasket came off with the filter.
• Tip: Keep a towel under the filter.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mount clean with a shop towel.
• Lightly oil the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches.
• Turn it another 3/4 turn by hand.
• Do not use a wrench to tighten the new filter.

Step 5: Refill the engine oil

• Lower the truck if needed for easier access to the oil fill cap.
• Use a funnel and pour in about 7.5 quarts first.
• Add the rest slowly until the dipstick shows near the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 7.7 quarts with filter change.
• Install the oil fill cap securely.

Step 6: Start and inspect

• Start the engine and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Check the dipstick and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Reset the oil life monitor.
• On the cluster, use Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• Dispose of used oil and filter at a recycling center.
• Recheck for leaks after your first drive.

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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 0.5-1 hour.

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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.