🔧 Engine Oil and Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your F-150 helps protect the turbocharged 3.5L engine from wear and keeps oil flow clean. This truck uses a cartridge-style oil filter, so the filter element and O-rings are replaced inside the filter housing.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Engine oil, exhaust parts, and the oil pan can be very hot after driving. Let the engine cool first.
• Use jack stands if you lift the truck. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep the drain plug and filter housing clean so dirt does not enter the engine.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• 15mm socket
• Oil filter cap socket
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-30 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge kit - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and put the transmission in Park.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
• If the engine is warm, let it sit until it is cool enough to touch safely.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap before draining the oil. This helps the oil drain faster.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the truck if you need more access underneath.
• Support it with jack stands placed at the proper frame lift points.
• Make sure the truck is stable before crawling under it.

Step 2: Remove the oil drain plug

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully. This can take several minutes.
• Install a new drain plug gasket on the plug.
• Reinstall the drain plug and tighten to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the oil filter cap socket to loosen and remove the filter cap.
• Pull out the old filter element from the cap.
• Remove the old O-rings from the cap. There are usually two O-rings.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with clean engine oil, then install them in the same grooves.
• Install the new filter element into the cap.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Thread the filter cap back into the housing by hand first.
• Use the oil filter cap socket and torque wrench to tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Do not overtighten the plastic housing.

Step 5: Add fresh engine oil

• Lower the truck if needed, then place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Add about 5.5 quarts of SAE 5W-30 full synthetic first.
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back.
• Check the dipstick and add oil in small amounts until it reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 6 quarts with the filter.

Step 6: Check for leaks and reset the oil life monitor

• Look under the truck for leaks at the drain plug and filter housing.
• Use the dash menu to reset the oil life monitor: Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• If your screen layout differs, use the steering wheel controls to find the oil life reset in the vehicle settings menu.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck the dipstick after a short test drive.
• Inspect again for leaks after the engine has reached operating temperature.
• Dispose of used oil and filter at a recycling center or auto parts store.
• Record the mileage and service date for your next oil change.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$80 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$80 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.