🔧 Engine Oil and Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter keeps the turbo engine lubricated, helps control heat, and removes dirt from the system. On your F-150, this is a straightforward service if you can safely raise the front of the truck and access the drain plug and oil filter.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and set the parking brake before you start.
• The engine oil and exhaust parts can be hot. Let the engine cool enough to work safely.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone. Jack stands are metal supports that hold the truck up safely.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Used oil can splash during draining.
• Do not overfill the crankcase. Too much oil can damage the engine or turbocharger.
• If you raise the truck, chock the rear wheels.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 32mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Oil filter wrench
• Rags or shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Shift into Park and chock the rear wheels.
• If the engine is cold, start it for a few minutes only so the oil flows better, then shut it off.
• Raise the front of the truck only if needed for access, then support it with jack stands.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm and secure the truck

• Run the engine for 3-5 minutes if it is cold, then shut it off.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• If needed, use the floor jack to raise the front of the truck and set it on jack stands.
• Let it cool enough to avoid burns.

Step 2: Remove the oil drain plug

• Place the oil drain pan under the oil pan.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Replace the drain plug washer if your plug uses one.

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use a 32mm socket and ratchet to loosen the filter cap.
• Remove the cap and old filter element.
• Let the filter housing drain into the pan.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Remove the old filter element from the cap.
• Install the new filter element onto the cap.
• Lightly coat the new filter O-ring with clean engine oil.
• Reinstall the cap and tighten with the 32mm socket.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Clean the drain plug and sealing surface.
• Install the drain plug with the new washer if used.
• Use the 15mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill the engine with oil

• Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
• Use a funnel and add about 5.5 quarts first.
• Add the rest slowly until the dipstick shows near the full mark.
• Install the oil filler cap.

Step 7: Start and check for leaks

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

Step 8: Reset the oil life monitor

• Use the steering wheel buttons or dash menu to find the oil life reset function.
• Reset the oil life indicator to 100%.
• If your display menu differs, follow the message center prompts for oil life reset.

---

✅ After Repair

• Drive the truck for a short test drive and recheck for leaks.
• Verify the oil level again after the truck sits for a few minutes.
• Check that the oil life monitor was reset.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling location.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $110-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $75-$110 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

---

🎯 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.