A 2017 ford f150 ecoboost oil change depends on the engine in your truck. This guide covers the 3.5-liter EcoBoost: supplies, safety, the oil change itself, and the checks after you refill. On Ford vehicles, Ford Motorcraft oil and a Ford Motorcraft oil filter are the preferred choice. Confirm the grade and part in your owner’s manual before you buy anything.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm your truck’s exact engine specifications: Check the owner’s manual for the required oil, capacity, filter, and service instructions before buying supplies.
- Refill in stages and verify the level: For the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, prefer Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 that meets Ford’s specification, plus a Motorcraft oil filter. Use the dipstick for the final amount.
- Work safely and complete the post-change checks. Support the truck properly. Inspect the drain plug and filter for leaks. Reset the oil-life monitor. Recycle used oil and the filter at an approved collection site.
Which Oil and Filter Does a 2017 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Need?
Before you buy supplies, confirm which EcoBoost engine is in your 2017 F-150. Oil grade and capacity can vary by engine, so use the owner’s manual as the final reference for your truck. The guidance below applies to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost. As you refill, treat the listed capacity as an estimate and use the dipstick to check the actual level.
Check Your Owner’s Manual for Engine Specs
Look up your engine’s oil grade, Ford oil specification, capacity, and filter information before starting the oil change. This matters because the 2017 F-150 was offered with more than one EcoBoost engine, and you should not assume every version uses the same supplies.
If you’re unsure which engine you have, check your vehicle information and confirm it in the manual. Ford’s owner-manual lookup lets you find the correct manual for your truck. Follow its instructions if they differ from general online guidance. Confirming the details first helps you buy the right oil and filter, and ensures you have enough oil available before draining the engine.
Prefer Ford Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
For the 2017 F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost, Ford lists Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 that meets specification WSS-M2C946-B1. That is the oil Ford prefers for this engine in the United States. The U.S. fill is Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend, part XO-5W30-QSP. Read the bottle for both SAE 5W-30 and the Ford specification before you buy.
A 3.5-liter EcoBoost oil-change guide also lists 5W-30 for this engine. If your F-150 has a different EcoBoost, follow that engine’s manual instead of this recommendation.
Start With About 6 Quarts, Then Check the Dipstick
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost takes approximately 6 quarts, or 5.7 liters, when changing the oil and filter. Use that amount as a guide, not as a quantity to add all at once. After draining the old oil and installing the new filter, pour in most of the estimated capacity, then check the dipstick and add oil gradually.
For a reliable reading, park on level ground and follow the waiting time in your owner’s manual. Make sure the level falls within the marks on the dipstick. A DIY oil-change demonstration shows adding about 6 quarts before checking the oil level. Small additions during the final top-up make it easier to reach the correct level without overfilling.
Use a Ford Motorcraft Oil Filter
A Ford Motorcraft oil filter is what Ford prefers on Ford vehicles. Ford says Motorcraft filters are the only filters it recommends for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. For this 3.5-liter EcoBoost, the usual Motorcraft filter is the FL-500S. Confirm that part against your engine before you buy it. The oil-change guide’s filter recommendation lists the Motorcraft FL-500S for this engine.
Before you install the new filter, make sure the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter. Wipe the mounting surface clean. Put a thin film of fresh oil on the new gasket, then tighten the filter the way the filter instructions say.
What Tools and Supplies Should You Gather?
Gather your supplies before you start so you can finish without leaving the truck halfway through. Check the owner’s manual before you buy parts, then lay the tools out near the truck.
| Item | What to use on a 3.5L EcoBoost |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 meeting WSS-M2C946-B1. |
| Oil filter | Motorcraft FL-500S, confirmed for your engine. |
| Capacity with filter | About 6 quarts (5.7 liters). Finish on the dipstick. |
| Drain plug tool | Commonly 15 mm. Confirm the fit on your plug. |
| Shield fasteners | Commonly 8 mm if an underbody shield is fitted. |
Gather New Oil, a Filter, and a Drain-Plug Seal if Needed
Have Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 and a Motorcraft oil filter ready before you drain the engine. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost takes about 6 quarts with the filter. Confirm the oil specification and the FL-500S filter against your truck before you buy.
Inspect the drain plug’s sealing washer or gasket, too. Replace it if it’s damaged or flattened, or if your service information calls for a new one. Choosing oil and a filter by appearance alone can lead to a poor fit or incorrect specification, so verify each part before beginning.
Get a Drain Pan, Funnel, 15 mm Wrench or Socket, and Filter Wrench.
Use a drain pan with enough capacity for the oil in your engine, plus extra room to catch splashes. A wide opening can help catch the flow from the oil pan. A funnel makes it easier to pour fresh oil into the filler neck, and a measuring container can help you track how much you add.
A 15 mm wrench or socket is commonly used on the drain plug, but check the plug to confirm the size before you start. You’ll also need a filter wrench that fits your installed filter. The right fit helps loosen the old filter without crushing it or damaging nearby parts.
Get an 8 mm Socket for the Underbody Shield, If Equipped.
Your F-150 may have an underbody shield that needs to come off to reach the drain plug or oil filter. An 8 mm socket may fit the shield’s fasteners, though sizes and designs can vary. Check the hardware on your truck before starting, and use the correct service information if you’re unsure.
As you remove the shield, place its fasteners in a small tray or container so they’re easy to find when you reinstall it. Inspect the shield and fasteners for cracks or damage. Replace any parts needed to secure the shield properly, and don’t force a fastener that won’t turn.
Wear Gloves and Safety Glasses; Keep Rags, Cardboard, and Absorbent Material Handy.
Wear oil-resistant gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from hot oil, dirt, and splashes. Keep clean rags or shop towels nearby for wiping the dipstick, cleaning around the filter mount, and catching small drips. Cardboard under the work area can help you spot leaks and protect the floor.
Set absorbent material within reach in case oil misses the drain pan. When you finish, transfer the used oil to a sealed container and take it to an appropriate collection site. The EPA’s used-oil guidance explains how to handle and recycle it responsibly.
How Do You Prepare for the Oil Change?
A few simple checks can make an oil change safer and help keep your driveway clean. Gather your supplies before you start, work on a firm, level surface, and give yourself enough room to move around the truck. Check the 2017 Ford F-150 owner’s manual for model-specific service instructions and approved lifting points.
Warm the Engine Briefly, Then Let Hot Parts Cool
Run the engine for a few minutes so the oil flows more easily. Then shut it off and wait until nearby parts are safe to handle. Oil and exhaust parts stay hot, so wear gloves and keep your skin clear.
If the truck was just driven, give it extra time to cool. Never run the engine in a closed garage. Exhaust fumes can collect there. If a part still feels too hot, wait.
Park on Level Ground, Set the Parking Brake, and Chock the Wheels
Park on firm, level ground, such as a concrete driveway. Shift into Park, shut off the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the wheels that will stay on the ground. Chocks stop rolling. They do not hold up a raised truck.
Keep children, pets, and loose items away from the work area. If the ground is sloped, soft, or uneven, move the truck first.
Support the Truck with Jack Stands at Approved Points, Never Rely on a Jack Alone.
If you need to raise the truck, use a floor jack and rated jack stands on firm, level ground. Set the stands only at the lifting points in the owner’s manual. Check that they are stable before you go underneath.
A jack can shift or lose pressure. Never use a jack as the only support. If you do not have the right equipment, have a technician do the oil change.
Protect the Work Area and Set the Drain Pan Before You Loosen Parts.
Put cardboard under the work area, then set a drain pan under the drain plug. The pan needs room for about 6 quarts plus splashes, and it should sit flat. Keep shop towels and absorbent material within reach.
Lay out your tools before you loosen anything, so you do not move the pan while oil is flowing. After the job, pour used oil into a sealed, labeled container.
How Do You Change the Oil in a 2017 Ford F-150 EcoBoost?
Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and support the truck if you raise it. Let hot parts cool. Warm oil still drains more easily. Wear gloves and safety glasses, and keep the drain pan close. Check the owner’s manual for details that differ on your truck.
- Remove the underbody shield if the truck has one.
- Drain the oil and inspect the plug and seal.
- Swap the filter, then reinstall the plug and shield.
- Refill with Motorcraft oil and check for leaks.
Remove the Underbody Shield, If Equipped
Some 2017 F-150 EcoBoost trucks have an underbody shield over the oil pan and filter. If yours does, remove the fasteners with the correct socket. An 8 mm socket is common, but check the hardware on your truck first.
Set the shield and fasteners aside where they will stay clean and easy to find. Lower the panel carefully, and don’t pull on it while any fasteners remain attached. If you need to raise the truck for access, use jack stands at approved support points. Never work underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Set the Drain Pan in Place and Remove the Drain Plug.
Position a drain pan beneath the oil pan, leaving enough room to catch the stream as it flows out. Put on gloves and safety glasses, then use a correctly fitting wrench or socket to loosen the drain plug. A 15 mm tool is commonly used for this step, though you should confirm the fit on your truck before applying force.
Once the plug is loose, finish unscrewing it by hand while pressing it gently toward the oil pan. Move your hand aside as the oil starts to flow, and watch for splashes. If the plug feels stuck or the tool slips, stop and check your setup before continuing. A poorly fitting tool can damage the plug and make removal harder.
Drain the Oil and Inspect the Plug and Seal
Let the old oil drain into the pan until the flow slows to a drip. This may take several minutes. Keep the pan in place and avoid touching the oil, which may still be hot. When the flow has slowed, inspect the drain plug, threads, and sealing surface for damage.
Check the plug’s seal or O-ring for cracks, wear, or flattening. Replace it with the correct part if it looks damaged. Wipe the plug and drain opening with a clean rag, and check that no debris is left around the opening. A clean surface makes it easier to seat the plug properly and spot leaks later. Keep the used oil contained so you can take it to an approved recycling location.
Remove the Old Filter and Check for Its Gasket.
Move the drain pan beneath the oil filter before loosening it, since oil will spill as the filter comes off. Use a filter wrench if needed, then turn the filter carefully and lower it without tipping it more than necessary. If the filter is hard to reach, adjust your position or tool rather than pulling on nearby hoses or wiring.
Inspect the filter’s mounting surface after removal. The old rubber gasket should come away with the filter. If it remains stuck to the engine, remove it before installing the replacement. Leaving the old gasket in place can prevent a proper seal and lead to a leak. Wipe the mounting surface with a clean, lint-free rag, taking care to keep dirt and debris out of the opening.
Lubricate the New Filter’s Seal and Install It as Directed.
Compare the new filter with the old one before installation to confirm that the size and gasket placement match. Apply a thin layer of fresh engine oil to the new filter’s rubber seal. This helps the seal meet the mounting surface smoothly and makes the filter easier to remove at the next oil change.
Thread the filter onto the engine by hand, turning it carefully to avoid cross-threading. Tighten it according to the instructions printed on the filter or provided by its manufacturer. Filter designs vary, so follow the directions for the part you purchased instead of relying on a general rule. Once the filter is seated, wipe away spilled oil and check that the gasket is in place.
Tighten the Drain Plug to Specification and Reinstall the Shield.
Make sure the drain plug’s seal is in good condition, then start threading the plug by hand. Tighten it with a torque wrench to the specification for your exact engine and drain-plug setup. Consult Ford service information or a trusted repair reference for the correct value. Avoid guessing or overtightening, which can damage the plug, seal, or oil pan.
Wipe the plug and surrounding area clean so you can check for leaks after refilling the engine. Reinstall the underbody shield if you removed it, and return each fastener to its original position. Confirm that the shield sits flush and all fasteners are secure. Keep the drain pan beneath the truck until you finish refilling the oil and checking the filter and drain plug for leaks.
How Do You Refill the Engine and Check for Leaks?
After installing the new filter and drain plug, refill the engine and verify the oil level before driving. Keep the truck on level ground, and confirm the capacity and oil requirements for your specific engine in the 2017 F-150 owner’s manual. Many EcoBoost configurations take about 6 quarts, including the filter, but check your manual rather than relying on a general estimate.
Add Oil Gradually, Using Capacity as a Guide
Remove the oil-fill cap and set a clean funnel in the opening. Add most of the listed capacity, and hold some oil back for the final check. Pour slowly. Pause so the oil can settle in the crankcase.
If you are unsure of the capacity, check the owner’s manual before you add more. Put the fill cap back on before you start the engine. Adding oil in stages keeps you from overfilling.
Start the Engine Briefly and Check the Filter and Drain Plug.
Check that the oil-fill cap is tight and that no tools are near moving parts. Start the engine and let it run about 30 seconds so oil fills the new filter. Watch the oil-pressure light. Shut the engine off if the light stays on.
From beside the truck, look for fresh drips at the filter and drain plug. Never reach under a running vehicle. If you see a leak, shut the engine off, let hot parts cool, and fix the leak before you start it again.
Shut Off the Engine, Wait, and Check the Dipstick on Level Ground.
Shut the engine off and wait several minutes so oil can drain back into the pan. Keep the truck on level ground. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, push it in fully, and pull it out again.
Read the level between the marks. If it is below the minimum, or the stick looks dry, add oil before you start the engine again.
Top Up Gradually Without Overfilling
If the level is low, add a small amount through the fill opening, then wait and check again. About half a quart is a useful start. Add less if you are already close to the minimum mark.
Wipe and reinsert the dipstick each time. Stop when the oil sits in the marked range, and do not go past the maximum. Too much oil can hurt the engine. When the level is right, seat the dipstick and fill cap, then look under the truck once more for drips.
How Do You Reset the Oil-Life Monitor?
Reset the monitor after changing the oil and confirming the level is correct. This lets the truck track oil life from the fresh fill, but it does not replace checking the dipstick or keeping maintenance records.
Find Oil Life Reset in the Instrument-Cluster Settings
Turn the ignition to the on position without starting the engine. Use the steering-wheel controls to open the instrument-cluster menu, then look for Settings, Vehicle, and Oil Life Reset. Menu labels can vary by instrument cluster, so check your owner’s manual if you do not see those exact options. Ford’s owner-manual page lets you find the manual for your truck.
Keep the truck parked while you use the display. If the menu does not appear, make sure the ignition is on and try opening the settings again. You can also consult this F-150 EcoBoost oil-change guide for an overview of the reset menu.
Hold OK or the Confirm Control Until the Display Shows 100%
Select Oil Life Reset, then press and hold the OK or confirm button. Keep holding it until the display indicates the oil life has returned to 100%. A quick press may select the menu item without completing the reset, so watch the screen for confirmation before releasing the button.
If the reading does not change, return to the oil-life setting and repeat the steps with the ignition on and the engine off. Follow any prompts displayed in the instrument cluster. Once the screen confirms the reset, the truck can begin tracking oil life for the new oil.
Confirm the Reset and Follow the Truck’s Oil-Life Monitor
Return to the oil-life screen and confirm that it reads 100%. If it still shows the previous percentage, repeat the reset procedure and check that you held the button until the display confirmed the change.
Use the monitor as a guide for future service, and pay attention to maintenance messages in the instrument cluster. Your driving habits and conditions can affect when the truck calls for an oil change. If a warning remains after the reset, refer to the owner’s manual or ask a service professional to inspect the system.
Log the Date, Mileage, and Oil Type
Record the date and odometer reading each time you change the oil. Note the oil grade and specification, along with the filter you installed. A written record helps you plan future service and verify what was used, even after the oil-life monitor has been reset.
Keep your notes in a maintenance notebook, spreadsheet, or vehicle-service app. This home oil-change demonstration also recommends recording the date, mileage, and oil type. Save receipts with your notes so you can quickly check the products used during the service.
Which Oil-Change Mistakes and Cleanup Issues Should You Avoid?
A careful oil change is about more than draining and refilling the engine. The right oil and filter, safe vehicle support, and a thorough leak check help protect your F-150 and your work area. Keep these common mistakes in mind as you finish the job.
Use the Correct Oil Grade, Ford Specification, and Filter
The wrong oil or filter leaves the engine short on protection. Prefer Ford Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 and a Ford Motorcraft oil filter, then match both to your owner’s manual. For this 3.5L EcoBoost, that is Motorcraft 5W-30 meeting WSS-M2C946-B1 and a Motorcraft FL-500S.
Start with about 6 quarts, then check the dipstick. The listed capacity is a guide, not a reason to pour in the full amount unchecked.
Remove the Old Filter Gasket and Avoid Over-Tightening Parts
Make sure the old filter’s rubber gasket came off with the filter. If it stays stuck to the engine, the new filter can sit on top of it and leak. Wipe the mounting surface clean.
Coat the new seal with a thin layer of fresh oil. Tighten the filter by hand unless the instructions say otherwise. Overtightening can damage the seal.
Check the Oil Level and Look for Leaks
After refilling, start the engine briefly so oil can circulate. Watch for an oil-pressure warning, and look at the drain plug and filter for drips. If you see a leak or a warning light, shut the engine off before you drive.
Wait several minutes, then check the dipstick on level ground. Add oil in small amounts if the level is low. Do not overfill.
Support the Truck Properly and Avoid Hot Oil.
A short drive warms the oil so it drains faster, but hot oil can burn you. Let parts cool, wear gloves, and keep your hands clear of the drain stream.
Park on firm, level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the wheels. If you raise the truck, use jack stands at the approved points. Never work under a truck held only by a jack. If you cannot support it securely, have a technician do the oil change.
Prevent Spills, Clean Them Promptly, and Keep Oil Out of Drains.
Set the drain pan under the plug before you loosen it. Leave room to slide the pan if the stream shifts. Keep rags close when you remove the filter. Oil can run onto the frame or shield.
Clean spills right away with an absorbent. Do not rinse oil into a sink, a storm drain, or onto the ground. Keep used oil in a sealed, labeled container, away from other fluids.
Recycle Used Oil and the Filter at an Approved Collection Site.
Never pour used oil on the ground, into a storm drain, or down a drain in the house. Let it cool. Pour it into a clean container with a tight lid. Keep it separate from coolant and brake fluid. Many sites will not take mixed fluids.
Let the old filter drain, then bag it. Call an auto parts store, recycling center, or waste facility first. Ask if they take used oil and filters, and whether there is a quantity limit. Store both where children and pets cannot reach them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same oil and filter for every 2017 F-150 EcoBoost?
No. The truck came with different EcoBoost engines, and the supplies can differ. On a Ford, prefer Ford Motorcraft oil and a Ford Motorcraft oil filter, then confirm the grade and part in your owner’s manual.
Should I pour in all 6 quarts at once?
No. For the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, about 6 quarts is a starting estimate when you also change the filter. Add Motorcraft oil gradually, then check the dipstick on level ground.
What should I do if the oil-pressure warning stays on?
Shut off the engine. Check the oil level and look for leaks at the drain plug and the Motorcraft filter. If the warning remains, do not keep driving. Use the owner’s manual or call a service professional.
Do I need to reset the oil-life monitor?
Yes. Use the instrument-cluster settings and confirm the display shows 100%. Also write down the mileage, the Motorcraft oil, and the filter you installed.
Where can I take used oil and the old filter?
Let the oil cool, then store it in a sealed, labeled container, separate from other fluids. Call a recycling center, auto parts store, or waste facility and confirm it accepts used oil and filters.