🔧 F-150 - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

This job drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter, and refills your F-150 with fresh oil. Clean oil protects the 5.0L V8 from wear, heat, and sludge buildup.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool until it is warm, not hot. Hot oil can burn skin.
• ⚠️ Always support the truck with jack stands if lifting it. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves to protect your eyes and skin from used oil.
• ⚠️ Do not over-tighten the drain plug or oil filter. This can damage threads or cause leaks.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not 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
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench 93mm 36-flute
• Oil drain pan 10-quart minimum
• Funnel
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil 5W-20 full synthetic or synthetic blend - Qty: 8.8 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine oil drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your F-150 on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🛞 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• 🌡️ Run the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• 🧰 A torque wrench is a tool that tightens bolts to an exact tightness so parts are not damaged.
• ♻️ Have a sealed container ready for used oil. Recycle used oil and the filter at an approved recycling center.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Secure the Front

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the front of your F-150 at a proper front frame/jacking point.
• Place the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the frame rails.
• Lower the truck gently onto the jack stands.
• Use wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.

Step 2: Remove the Oil Fill Cap

• Open the hood and locate the engine oil fill cap on top of the engine.
• Remove the cap by hand and set it aside on a clean surface.
• This lets air enter the engine so the oil drains more smoothly.
• Tip: Do not drop dirt into the opening.

Step 3: Position the Drain Pan

• Slide the oil drain pan 10-quart minimum under the oil pan drain plug.
• The drain plug is at the bottom of the engine oil pan.
• Make sure the pan is offset slightly in the direction the oil will flow.
• Tip: Oil shoots outward at first.

Step 4: Drain the Engine Oil

• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Finish removing the drain plug by hand while pressing inward lightly, then pull it away quickly.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to occasional drips.
• Use shop towels to wipe the drain plug area clean.

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Install the new engine oil drain plug gasket on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first. This helps prevent cross-threading, which means the plug starts crooked and damages the threads.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs)

Step 6: Remove the Old Oil Filter

• Move the oil drain pan 10-quart minimum under the oil filter area.
• Use the oil filter wrench 93mm 36-flute with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the oil filter.
• Spin the filter off by hand once loose.
• Keep the open end facing upward as much as possible to reduce spills.
• Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter.
• Tip: Two gaskets can cause a major leak.

Step 7: Prepare the New Oil Filter

• Open one quart of new engine oil 5W-20.
• Use a clean gloved finger to wipe a light coat of oil on the new oil filter’s rubber gasket.
• This helps the gasket seal and makes the next oil change easier.

Step 8: Install the New Oil Filter

• Thread the new engine oil filter on by hand.
• Turn it until the gasket first touches the mounting surface.
• Tighten it by hand another 3/4 turn.
• If using the oil filter wrench 93mm 36-flute, use only gentle pressure.
• Torque to 16 Nm (12 ft-lbs) if using a torque wrench and filter cup.

Step 9: Add New Engine Oil

• Place the funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in about 8 quarts of engine oil 5W-20.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.

Step 10: Check and Top Off the Oil Level

• Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with shop towels.
• Reinsert the dipstick fully, then pull it out again.
• Add oil through the funnel in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity with filter is about 8.8 quarts.
• Do not overfill. Too much oil can cause engine problems.

Step 11: Check for Leaks

• Use safety glasses and look under the truck near the drain plug and oil filter.
• Use shop towels to wipe both areas clean.
• Start the engine and idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut it off and inspect again for fresh oil leaks.

Step 12: Reset the Oil Life Monitor

• Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the steering wheel controls to open Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• Press and hold OK until the display shows the oil life has reset to 100%.
• If your XL display uses the simpler menu, use the steering wheel controls to select Truck Info > Oil Life > Hold OK to Reset.

Step 13: Lower the Truck

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the front slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower the truck slowly to the ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Recheck the oil level after the first short drive and top off if needed.
• ✅ Look under the truck for drips after parking for a few minutes.
• ✅ Confirm the oil life monitor shows 100%.
• ✅ Pour the used oil into a sealed container and recycle it with the old oil filter.
• ✅ Write down the mileage and date of the oil change.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $100-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$95 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 hours.

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