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Tools you need for oil change on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150

Easy · 45-60 minutes · Updated 2026-09-14
Must-have tools
  1. 15 mm socket, 3/8 in drive
  2. 76 mm 14-flute oil filter cap wrench
  3. Torque wrench, 3/8 in drive
  4. 8 mm socket for splash shield
  5. 10 qt oil drain pan

This is one of the easiest jobs on the 14th-gen F-150. Every engine in the lineup - 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost, 5.0 V8 and the 3.5 PowerBoost hybrid - uses a 15 mm hex-head drain plug and the same small Motorcraft FL-500S spin-on filter, so a 15 mm socket and a 76 mm 14-flute cap wrench cover the whole generation. The only real access hassle is the plastic under-engine air deflector on some trucks, which comes off with 8 mm and 10 mm hex-head screws.

Two things trip people up. First, capacity: the 5.0 V8 takes 8.8 quarts, which surprises anyone used to a 6-quart V6, and a standard 6-quart drain pan will overflow. Second, overfilling the EcoBoost engines - add slightly under spec, run the engine, then top up on the dipstick. Also remember the 2021+ trucks all spec 5W-30, not the 5W-20 that older Coyote engines used, and the oil life monitor has to be reset in the cluster menu or the truck will keep nagging you.

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Complete tool and parts list

ItemType
Floor jack
2.5 ton minimum, or drive-on ramps
Lifts the front of the truck for access to the pan and filter.
Requiredshop
Jack stands
3 ton pair, on frame rails behind front wheels
Supports the truck while you are under it.
Safetyshop
Wheel chocks

Keeps the truck from rolling with the rear wheels down.
Safetyshop
Socket wrench
3/8 in drive ratchet
Drives the drain plug and shield fasteners.
Requiredshop
Socket for splash shield
8 mm and 10 mm sockets, 3/8 in drive
Removes the plastic under-engine air deflector/shield screws to reach the filter.
Requiredshop
Oil drain plug socket
15 mm 6-point socket, 3/8 in drive
Loosens and tightens the oil pan drain plug on all 14th-gen engines.
Requiredshop
Oil filter cap wrench
76 mm, 14 flutes, 3/8 in drive
Grips the small FL-500S canister filter in tight quarters.
Requiredshop
Oil filter strap/claw wrench
3-jaw claw or strap type
Backup if the filter was overtightened and the cap wrench slips.
Recommendedshop
Drain pan
10 quart capacity minimum
The 5.0 V8 alone dumps 8.8 quarts.
Requiredshop
Funnel
Long-neck or flexible
Fills the engine without spilling down the valve cover.
Requiredshop
Torque wrench
3/8 in drive, 10-80 ft-lb range
Sets the drain plug correctly so the aluminum/steel pan threads survive.
Requiredshop
Nitrile gloves

Used oil is a skin irritant and gets everywhere on the EcoBoost filter.
Safetyshop
Safety glasses

Hot oil drips straight down when the filter releases.
Safetyshop
Engine oil
5W-30 full synthetic, Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 / API SP
6.0 qt for 2.7L, 3.5L EcoBoost and 3.5L PowerBoost; 8.8 qt for the 5.0L V8.
Consumablesshop
Oil filter
Motorcraft FL-500S (or equivalent)
Same spin-on filter across 2.7/3.5 EcoBoost, PowerBoost and 5.0 V8.
Partsshop
Drain plug washer
Ford crush/seal washer for oil pan plug
Cheap insurance against a weeping drain plug; reuse only if undamaged.
Partsshop
Shop towels

The filter sits above crossmembers and will run oil down them.
Consumablesshop
Brake/parts cleaner or degreaser

Cleans oil off the crossmember and skid plate so you can spot future leaks.
Consumablesshop
Oil catch jug
Sealable 2 gal container
Transports used oil to a recycling center.
Consumablesshop

Differences within the 2021-2024 generation

Drain plug (15 mm) and oil filter (FL-500S, 76 mm 14-flute cap) are the same on 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 3.5L PowerBoost and 5.0L V8. Capacity differs: 6.0 quarts for 2.7L, 3.5L EcoBoost and PowerBoost; 8.8 quarts for the 5.0L V8. EcoBoost and PowerBoost trucks are more likely to need the plastic under-engine deflector removed (8 mm/10 mm screws) for filter access than the 5.0.

Torque specs

Oil pan drain plug (all engines)20 ft-lb (27 Nm) - verify in the service manual for your engine
Oil filter (FL-500S)Hand tight, about 3/4 turn after gasket contact (roughly 15-18 ft-lb)
Under-engine splash shield screwsSnug only, approx 4-6 ft-lb (verify in the service manual)
Oil fill capHand tight until it clicks/seats

How the job goes

  1. Warm the engine 5-10 minutes so the oil flows, then shut it off and let it sit 5 minutes. Do not drain oil at full operating temperature.
  2. Chock the rear wheels, set the parking brake, lift the front of the truck and set jack stands on the frame rails. Keep it as level as practical so the pan drains fully.
  3. Remove the engine oil fill cap on the valve cover to help the pan vent and drain.
  4. From below, remove the plastic under-engine air deflector/splash shield if fitted (8 mm and 10 mm hex-head screws, plus a few push clips). EcoBoost trucks generally need this off; many 5.0 trucks have clear access.
  5. Position the drain pan, then break the 15 mm drain plug loose with the ratchet and spin it out by hand. Pull it sideways and away so the stream misses your arm.
  6. Let it drain 10-15 minutes. On the 5.0 expect nearly 9 quarts, so check your pan capacity mid-drain.
  7. Inspect the drain plug and washer. Fit a new seal washer if the old one is flattened or nicked, then reinstall the plug and torque to spec. Do not over-crank it - the pan threads are the weak link.
  8. Reposition the drain pan under the oil filter. Fit the 76 mm 14-flute cap wrench and break the filter loose, then unscrew by hand and let it drain into the pan as you pull it out.
  9. Wipe the filter mounting boss clean and make sure the old rubber gasket did not stay stuck to it.
  10. Smear fresh oil on the new FL-500S gasket, thread it on by hand until the gasket contacts, then tighten about 3/4 turn more. Snug by hand is enough - do not use the wrench for final tightening.
  11. Reinstall the splash shield and lower the truck.
  12. Add oil: 6.0 quarts for 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost and 3.5L PowerBoost; 8.8 quarts for the 5.0L V8. Start with about a half quart less than spec.
  13. Reinstall the fill cap, start the engine and let it idle 30-60 seconds until the oil pressure light is out and any rattle stops. Look under for leaks at the plug and filter.
  14. Shut off, wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top up to the upper hole/crosshatch. Do not overfill - EcoBoost engines are sensitive to high oil level.
  15. Reset the oil life monitor through the instrument cluster: Settings > Vehicle (or Information) > Oil Change > Reset, and hold OK to confirm.
  16. Record the mileage and take the used oil and filter to a recycler.

Watch out

The 15 mm drain plug, FL-500S filter with 76 mm 14-flute cap, and 6.0/8.8 quart capacities are correct for the 14th-gen lineup, but confirm your exact capacity and drain plug torque against the owner's manual or Ford workshop manual for your VIN, since fill amounts assume a filter change.

Frequently asked

What size socket is the oil drain plug on a 2021-2024 F-150?

15 mm, six-point, on a 3/8 in drive ratchet. It is the same on the 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost, the 5.0 V8 and the PowerBoost hybrid.

How much oil does a 2021-2024 F-150 take?

With a filter change: 6.0 quarts for the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost and 3.5L PowerBoost, and 8.8 quarts for the 5.0L V8. All use 5W-30 full synthetic meeting Ford WSS-M2C961-A1.

What oil filter wrench fits the FL-500S?

A 76 mm, 14-flute cap-style wrench on a 3/8 in drive is the best fit and works in the tight space around the filter. A 3-jaw claw or strap wrench is a useful backup if a shop overtightened the old filter.

How do I reset the oil change reminder on a 2021+ F-150?

Use the steering wheel controls to go into the instrument cluster menu: Settings > Vehicle (or Information) > Oil Change, then hold OK/Reset until it confirms 100% oil life. On SYNC 4 trucks it can also be done under Settings > Vehicle on the center screen.

Other jobs on the 2021-2024 Ford F-150

Front Brake Pads and RotorsRear Brake Pads and RotorsBattery ReplacementSpark Plug ReplacementAlternator ReplacementStarter ReplacementCoolant FlushSerpentine Belt ReplacementTire RotationHeadlight Bulb ReplacementWiper Blade ReplacementThermostat ReplacementFront Strut ReplacementCabin Air Filter ReplacementEngine Air Filter ReplacementTransmission Fluid ChangeFront Wheel Bearing ReplacementOxygen Sensor ReplacementWater Pump Replacement

Oil Change on other vehicles

2009-2014 Ford F-1502019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 15002019-2024 Ram 15002018-2024 Toyota Camry2020-2024 Toyota Corolla2019-2024 Toyota RAV42016-2023 Toyota Tacoma2022-2024 Honda Civic2018-2022 Honda Accord2017-2022 Honda CR-V