How to Change Oil Yourself on Ford Expedition 3rd Generation 2007-17

Introduction

Changing the oil in your Ford Expedition is a straightforward task that can save you money and help you learn more about vehicle maintenance. This tutorial will guide you through the process of performing a complete oil and filter change on a 2007 to 2017 Ford Expedition equipped with a 5.4-liter engine.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have the following items ready:

• 5-20 motor oil (7 quarts)
• New oil filter
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan or collection receptacle
• Socket wrench for the drain plug
• Funnel
• Shop towels or rags

Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Open the hood and locate the oil cap on the passenger side.
2. Remove the oil cap and place it near the hood latch to prevent closing the hood without adding oil.
3. Check fluid levels:
   • Washer fluid
   • Brake fluid
   • Coolant
4. Inspect the air filter to ensure it’s clean.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

1. Lift the vehicle if necessary for easier access.
2. Locate the drain plug in the center of the vehicle, just behind the front wheels.
3. Position the drain pan under the drain plug to catch the old oil.
4. Remove the drain plug using a socket wrench. Allow the oil to fully drain into the pan.
5. Inspect the drain plug for wear. Replace it if necessary or ensure the gasket and threads are in good condition.
6. Reinstall the drain plug once the oil has stopped dripping. Torque it to 17 foot-pounds.

Step 4: Replace the Oil Filter

1. Locate the oil filter on the driver’s side of the engine.
2. Clean the filter base with a rag to prevent dirt from entering the engine.
3. Prime the new oil filter:
   • Pour a small amount of new oil into the filter.
   • Apply a bit of oil to the gasket on the filter.
4. Install the new oil filter by screwing it onto the filter base until it is snug. Use an oil filter wrench for an extra turn to ensure a secure fit.

Step 5: Add New Oil

1. Use a funnel to pour the 5-20 oil into the engine through the oil cap.
2. Replace the oil cap securely after adding oil.

Step 6: Check Oil Level

1. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a moment.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
4. Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level.
   • The oil should be between the hatch lines on the dipstick.
   • If it’s too low, add more oil as needed.

Step 7: Reset the Oil Light

1. Insert the key and turn it to the ON position without starting the engine.
2. Navigate to the setup button on the gauge cluster.
3. Press the setup button until you see the oil life reset option.
4. Hold down the button to reset the oil life to 100%.
5. Turn off the ignition and then turn it back on to verify the reset.

Step 8: Final Checks

1. Check tire pressure as a routine maintenance step. The recommended pressure is usually found on the driver’s side door jamb.
2. Clean up any spills and dispose of the old oil and filter properly at a recycling center.

Conclusion

You've successfully changed the oil and filter in your Ford Expedition! Regular oil changes are crucial for engine health, so aim to perform this task every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Consider exploring other DIY maintenance tasks to further enhance your automotive skills. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it or ask any questions in the comments!