🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Replacement

Changing the oil and filter keeps your engine lubricated, cool, and free of wear particles. On your F-150, this is a straightforward service if you can safely raise the truck and catch the old oil cleanly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and let the engine cool before draining oil.
• Use jack stands on solid lift points. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Hot oil and the exhaust can burn you. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• Do not overfill the engine. Check the dipstick after refilling.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a proper recycling center.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Oil filter wrench
• Torque wrench
• Funnel
• 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-20 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.
• Run the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap to help the oil drain smoothly.
• If your truck has an underbody shield, make sure you can access the drain plug and filter before starting.

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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 at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Use wheel chocks at the rear wheels so the truck cannot roll.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug

• Position the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely. This may take several minutes.
• Tip: Loosen the plug by hand at the end.

Step 3: Replace the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket comes off with the filter.
• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a shop towel.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with clean engine oil.
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten another 3/4 turn by hand.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Inspect the drain plug and washer.
• Install a new drain plug washer if equipped.
• Reinstall the drain plug with a 15mm socket.
• Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Fill with new oil

• Lower the truck if needed so it sits level.
• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Add about 7.5 quarts of engine oil (SAE 5W-20 synthetic) first.
• Wait a minute, then add oil in small amounts until the level is near the full mark.
• Install the oil fill cap.

Step 6: Check for leaks and verify level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5-10 minutes.
• Use the dipstick to confirm the oil level is at the full mark.
• Add small amounts of oil if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the oil level again after your first short drive.
• Inspect the drain plug and filter area one more time for seepage.
• Reset the oil change reminder in the instrument cluster if it is on.
• Record the mileage and date of the service.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $95-$165 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$85 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$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.