How to Change Your F-150 Oil Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide
What You'll Need
Before you start changing your oil filter, gather all the tools and materials you'll use. Having everything ready means you won't have to stop halfway through the job to find something you forgot.
Here's what to collect:
- A new oil filter (the right size for your F-150 model year)
- An oil filter wrench
- A drain pan or container
- Jack and jack stands (if you need to lift the truck)
- Rags or paper towels
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
You can find oil filters at auto parts stores, online retailers, and many general stores. Make sure you have the correct filter for your specific F-150 year and engine size. Your owner's manual or an auto parts store employee can help you pick the right one.
Prepare Your Truck
Park your F-150 on a flat, level surface. If you just drove the truck, let the engine cool for several minutes before you start. Hot oil can burn your skin, and hot engine parts can cause injuries. Safety should always come first when working on your vehicle.
Depending on your F-150 model year and body style, you may need to lift the front of the truck to reach the oil filter easily. If you do need to lift it, use a jack to raise the truck, then place jack stands underneath to support it. Never rely on just a jack alone—always use jack stands as a backup safety measure. This prevents serious injury if the jack fails.
Once your truck is positioned safely, put on your work gloves and safety glasses. These protect your hands and eyes from oil splashes and debris.
Locate the Oil Filter
On most F-150 models, the oil filter is mounted on the driver's side of the engine block. However, the exact location can vary depending on your truck's year, generation, and engine type. Some newer models may have the filter in a different spot.
Check your F-150 owner's manual to find the exact location for your specific vehicle. The manual will have a diagram showing where the filter sits. If you don't have your manual handy, you can search online for your model year, or ask at an auto parts store. Once you know where to look, you'll find it more easily the next time you need to change it.
Remove the Old Filter
Position your drain pan directly underneath the oil filter before you start loosening it. Old oil will drip out when you remove the filter, and you want to catch it all. This prevents oil from spilling on your driveway or garage floor.
Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. The wrench grips the filter so you can apply steady pressure without your hand slipping. Once the filter is loose enough that you can grip it safely, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Turn it slowly and carefully—oil will still be inside and will drip out as you remove it. Keep the drain pan positioned below to catch any remaining oil. Set the old filter aside in the pan so the oil can drain completely.
Clean the Filter Housing
After you remove the old filter, take a clean rag and wipe down the filter housing—the part of the engine where the old filter was attached. Remove any old gasket material, dirt, or debris. The gasket is a rubber ring that seals the filter to the engine. Sometimes bits of the old gasket stick to the housing.
Cleaning the housing thoroughly is important because it helps the new filter seal properly. A good seal prevents oil leaks. If you leave old gasket material on the housing, the new filter won't fit snugly, and oil could leak out. Take your time with this step and make sure the surface is clean and dry before installing the new filter.
Install the New Filter
Before you screw on the new filter, apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket around the rim of the new filter. You can use some of the new oil you'll be putting in your F-150. This thin coating helps the gasket create a tight seal with the engine housing. It also makes it easier to remove the filter next time you change it.
Screw the new filter onto the housing by hand. Start threading it slowly to make sure it's going on straight. Turn it until you feel the rubber gasket touch the housing surface. At that point, turn the filter an additional three-quarters of a turn. This is the correct amount of tightness. Do not use the oil filter wrench to tighten the new filter—hand-tight is the right way. Over-tightening can damage the filter or the housing, and it makes removal difficult next time.
Check Your Work
If you lifted your truck earlier, carefully lower it back to the ground using the jack. Make sure it's stable and level before you proceed. Remove the jack stands and jack only after the truck is fully resting on the ground.
Start your F-150 engine and let it run for about one minute. This circulates the new oil through the filter and the engine. While the engine runs, look underneath the truck near the new filter. Watch for any oil drips or leaks around the filter. If you see oil leaking, turn off the engine immediately and check that the filter is tight enough. You may need to turn it a bit more by hand.
Turn off the engine and wait about one minute for the oil to settle. Then check your oil level using the dipstick. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to read the level. If the oil level is low, add the recommended amount of new oil for your F-150. Check your owner's manual to see how much oil your truck's engine holds and what type to use.
Dispose of the Old Filter
The old oil filter and the oil that came out of your truck need to be disposed of properly. Never pour used oil down a drain, into the ground, or into a storm drain. Used oil is harmful to the environment and can contaminate water supplies.
Take your old filter to a recycling center, an auto parts store, or a service station. Many auto parts stores will take old filters for free, especially if you bought your new filter there. Some stores may even take used oil for free as well. Call ahead to confirm what they accept and whether there are any fees. Proper disposal protects the environment and follows local laws.
Key Takeaways
Changing your F-150 oil filter is a task you can do yourself with basic tools and a little time. The main steps are preparing your truck safely, finding the filter, removing the old one, cleaning the housing, installing the new filter correctly, and checking for leaks. Always let your engine cool before starting, use jack stands if you lift the truck, and never over-tighten the new filter. Dispose of the old filter and oil responsibly at a recycling center or auto parts store. Regular oil filter changes help keep your F-150 running smoothly and extend the life of your engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my F-150 oil filter?
Most F-150 owners change the oil filter every time they change the engine oil. For newer F-150 models, this is often every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Older F-150 models may need oil changes every 5,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the recommended schedule for your specific truck. Following the manufacturer's schedule helps keep your engine in good condition.
What happens if I over-tighten the new oil filter?
Over-tightening the oil filter can damage the rubber gasket and the filter housing threads. This may cause oil leaks and make the filter very difficult to remove the next time you need to change it. It can also crack the filter itself. Hand-tightening the filter until the gasket touches the housing, then turning it three-quarters of a turn more, is the correct method. This provides a good seal without causing damage.
Can I change my oil filter without lifting my F-150?
On many F-150 models, you can reach the oil filter without lifting the truck, depending on your model year and body style. However, some trucks have the filter positioned in a tight spot that requires lifting for comfortable access. If you're not sure whether you need to lift your truck, try accessing the filter from ground level first. If you can't reach it comfortably or safely, then use a jack and jack stands to lift the front of the truck. Always prioritize your safety and comfort when working on your vehicle.