🔧 F-150 - Engine Oil and Filter Change

Changing the oil removes contaminants and protects your F-150’s 3.7L V6 from internal wear. Replace the oil filter at the same time, then reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level, solid ground and never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• 🧤 Let the engine cool until the oil is warm, not hot, to prevent burns.
• 🛑 Keep the transmission in Park, apply the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• ♻️ Collect all used oil and take it to an authorized recycling facility.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm six-point socket
• 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench rated 10-80 ft-lbs
• Oil-filter wrench sized for the replacement filter
• Oil drain pan with 8-quart minimum capacity
• Automotive funnel with 1-quart minimum capacity
• Wheel chocks
• Vehicle ramps rated 3-ton minimum
• Nitrile mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• SAE 5W-20 engine oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C945-A - Qty: 6 quarts
• Engine oil filter for 3.7L V6 - Qty: 1
• Engine oil drain-plug sealing washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚙 Drive the front wheels onto 3-ton vehicle ramps on level pavement.
• 🛑 Shift into Park, apply the parking brake, shut off the engine, and place wheel chocks behind both rear tires.
• 🌡️ Wait approximately 10 minutes so the oil is warm but no longer dangerously hot.
• 📏 Confirm the vehicle sits level enough for an accurate dipstick reading. If the ramps create a steep angle, lower the vehicle before the final oil-level check.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Hood and Oil-Fill Cap

• Open the hood and locate the oil-fill cap on top of the engine.
• Remove the cap by hand. This lets air enter so the old oil drains smoothly.
• Pull out the dipstick by hand, wipe it clean, and reinstall it fully.
• Leave the cap near the hood latch as a reminder.

Step 2: Position the Drain Pan

• Put on nitrile mechanic gloves and safety glasses.
• Slide the 8-quart drain pan beneath the oil-pan drain plug. Position it slightly toward the rear because the oil initially exits with force.
• Verify the drain pan will not overflow and can catch oil as the flow slows.

Step 3: Drain the Engine Oil

• Use a 15mm six-point socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug carefully by hand while keeping upward pressure on it, then pull it away quickly.
• Allow the oil to drain until only an occasional drip remains, usually 5-10 minutes.
• Inspect the drain plug threads. Replace the sealing washer before installation.

Step 4: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Start the drain plug clockwise by hand for several turns. It should turn easily; resistance may indicate crossed threads.
• Use the 15mm six-point socket and 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to torque the drain plug to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).
• Do not overtighten the plug because the oil pan threads can be damaged.

Step 5: Remove the Old Oil Filter

• Move the 8-quart drain pan beneath the oil filter. Oil will spill as the filter seal releases.
• Turn the filter counterclockwise by hand. If it is stuck, loosen it with the correctly sized oil-filter wrench.
• Keep the filter upright while removing it, then empty it into the drain pan.
• Check the engine’s filter mounting surface. Make sure the old rubber gasket did not remain stuck to it.
• Two stacked gaskets can cause a major leak.

Step 6: Install the New Oil Filter

• Apply a thin film of fresh 5W-20 oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved fingertip.
• Thread the filter clockwise onto its mounting stud by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• Tighten the filter by hand approximately three-quarters of a turn beyond gasket contact, following the filter manufacturer’s printed marking if it differs.
• Do not use the oil-filter wrench to tighten the new filter.

Step 7: Add New Engine Oil

• Place the automotive funnel in the oil-fill opening.
• Pour in 5.5 quarts of SAE 5W-20 engine oil, then wait one minute.
• Remove the funnel and install the oil-fill cap by hand.
• The specified capacity with a new filter is approximately 5.7 L (6.0 US quarts), but approach the final level gradually to avoid overfilling.

Step 8: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

• Make sure all tools are clear of the engine compartment.
• Start the engine and let it idle for approximately 30 seconds. The oil-pressure warning light should go out within a few seconds.
• Shut off the engine immediately if the oil-pressure warning remains illuminated.
• While wearing safety glasses, inspect the drain plug and filter for fresh oil leaks. Do not touch moving or hot components.

Step 9: Verify the Final Oil Level

• Shut off the engine and wait at least five minutes for the oil to return to the pan.
• Move your F-150 off the ramps and park it on level ground before taking the final reading.
• Pull out the dipstick by hand, wipe it clean, reinstall it fully, and remove it again.
• Add the remaining 5W-20 oil through the automotive funnel in small amounts until the level reaches the upper edge of the dipstick’s crosshatched operating range.
• Do not fill above the maximum mark. Reinstall the dipstick and oil-fill cap securely by hand.

Step 10: Reset the Oil-Life Monitor

• For a cluster with physical SETUP and RESET buttons, switch the ignition to ON without starting the engine.
• Press SETUP repeatedly until OIL LIFE = XX% HOLD RESET = NEW appears, then hold RESET for approximately two seconds until OIL LIFE SET TO 100% appears.
• If equipped with steering-wheel message-center buttons, select Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset, then hold OK until the display confirms 100%.
• Switch the ignition off after the reset is confirmed.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine once more and confirm the oil-pressure warning light turns off normally.
• 🔍 Recheck the drain plug, oil filter, and ground beneath your F-150 for leakage.
• 📏 Check the dipstick again after the first drive and top up only if it is below the operating range.
• ♻️ Pour the used oil into a sealed container and recycle it with the old filter at an authorized collection facility.
• 📝 Record the date and mileage for future maintenance.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$130 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $35-$65 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.4-0.6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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