F-150 2013 Oil Change Made Simple-don't Miss This
To change the oil on a 2013 Ford F-150, warm the engine briefly, park on level ground, drain the old oil, replace the drain plug and oil filter, refill with the correct oil, then start the engine, check for leaks, and verify the oil level on the dipstick.
What you need
The basic oil change job on a 2013 F-150 is straightforward, but the exact oil type and capacity depend on the engine. Common DIY supplies include a drain pan, funnel, rags, socket or wrench for the drain plug, and an oil filter wrench if the filter is tight. Ford's owner manual is the best source for the exact specification for your truck.
- New engine oil in the correct viscosity for your engine.
- New oil filter that matches your 2013 F-150 engine.
- Drain pan, funnel, gloves, and shop towels.
- Socket or wrench for the drain plug.
- Jack and stands if you need more access under the truck.
Step-by-step process
Most guides for the 2013 model follow the same sequence: open the filler cap, drain the oil, remove and replace the filter, reinstall the drain plug, refill the crankcase, and check for leaks after a short run. A 2013 F-150 owner can usually complete the work in about 30 to 60 minutes if the tools are ready and the truck is easy to access.
- Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and shut the engine off.
- Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap to help the oil drain more smoothly.
- If needed, raise the front of the truck safely and support it with jack stands.
- Place the drain pan under the oil pan and remove the drain plug carefully.
- Allow the oil to drain completely, then reinstall the drain plug snugly.
- Move the drain pan under the filter area and remove the old oil filter.
- Lightly coat the rubber seal on the new filter with fresh oil.
- Install the new filter by hand until it seats, then tighten it per filter instructions.
- Add the specified amount of fresh oil through the fill opening.
- Reinstall the fill cap, start the engine for 30 to 60 seconds, then shut it off and check for leaks.
- Wait a few minutes, check the dipstick, and top off the oil if needed.
Typical specs
The exact fill amount changes by engine, which is why the owner's manual matters. A V6 model and an EcoBoost model may use the same viscosity in some climates but not always the same capacity, and the filter style can vary as well. Treat the table below as a quick reference and confirm it against your engine code before pouring in oil.
| Engine | Common oil viscosity | Approximate capacity with filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L V6 | 5W-20 | About 6 quarts | Common on XL and fleet trucks. |
| 5.0L V8 | 5W-20 | About 7 quarts | Filter is often mounted high on the engine side. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost | 5W-30 in many cases | About 6 quarts | Always verify by trim and manual before filling. |
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is overfilling the engine, which can cause foaming, leaks, or poor performance. Another frequent error is forgetting to replace the drain plug washer or not tightening the filter enough, both of which can lead to drips after the first drive. A clean, deliberate filter swap matters because the filter area can spill oil when removed.
- Do not skip the leak check after starting the engine.
- Do not guess the oil capacity; verify the fill amount for your engine.
- Do not overtighten the drain plug or filter.
- Do not work under an unsupported truck.
Maintenance interval
Oil-change intervals depend on driving style, climate, tow use, and oil type. A conservative service rhythm for older trucks is often around 5,000 miles for conventional oil and longer for synthetic oil, but the manufacturer schedule should always win. If your truck idles a lot, tows heavy loads, or sees dusty roads, shorter intervals are usually smarter.
"The best oil change is the one matched to the engine, the climate, and the real driving cycle-not just the mileage sticker."
How to know it worked
After the refill, the engine should run smoothly, the oil warning light should stay off, and no fresh drips should appear under the truck. Recheck the dipstick on level ground after the engine has been off for several minutes, because the reading is more accurate then. If the oil level is between the marks and there are no leaks, the job is complete.
Quick checklist
This checklist helps confirm the job before you close the hood. A careful final check takes only a minute and can prevent a messy rework later.
- Drain plug installed and snug.
- New filter installed and sealed.
- Correct oil added.
- Fill cap reinstalled.
- No leaks after startup.
- Dipstick level in the safe range.
FAQ
Bottom line
The 2013 F-150 oil change is a simple driveway maintenance task when you follow the right sequence and use the correct oil and filter. Work carefully, verify the engine-specific fill amount, and always finish with a leak check and dipstick inspection.
Everything you need to know about F 150 2013 Oil Change Made Simple Dont Miss This
How much oil does a 2013 Ford F-150 take?
The capacity depends on the engine, but many 2013 F-150 configurations take roughly 6 to 7 quarts with the filter. Check the owner manual or engine-specific service data before filling.
What oil should I use in a 2013 Ford F-150?
Many 2013 F-150 engines use 5W-20, while some configurations may call for 5W-30. The correct choice depends on the engine and operating conditions, so confirm the recommendation for your exact truck.
Where is the oil filter on a 2013 F-150?
On many 2013 F-150 engines, the filter is accessible from underneath or near the front/side of the engine bay. It can be messy to remove, so keep the drain pan positioned under the filter area.
How do I reset the oil life reminder?
Most 2013 F-150 trucks use the steering-wheel menu and a reset command to clear the oil-life message after service. The exact button sequence can vary by instrument cluster setup.
How long does an oil change take?
For a first-time DIY job, expect about 45 minutes to an hour. Once you know the layout and have the tools ready, it can go much faster.