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Ford Mustang GT 1996-2004: How to Replace Oil

Replacing the oil and oil filter is the most important piece of maintenance you can do for your Ford Mustang GT to lengthen the life of it. Learn how to do so here.

By Bassem Girgis - October 19, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (1996-2004).

After a while, the oil in your Ford Mustang GT loses its effectiveness and become less of a lube; this is due to the high temperature that the oil is constantly in. Without proper lubing, the inside of your engine will start getting worn, which is not an easy, quick, or a cheap fix. Replacing the engine oil and oil filter is a procedure that can be done quickly with common tools. The recommended intervals for oil change is 5,000 miles; however, as the car gets older and racks some miles, you're better off changing it every 3,000 miles, especially if you're always putting your Mustang to the test. Read on to learn how to do this DIY.

Materials Needed

  • 7 quarts engine oil
  • Oil filter
  • Oil filter wrench
  • 16mm socket
  • Drain pan
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Tire iron
  • Rag
  • Funnel

Pro Tip

This DIY is best done with the engine warm to allow the oil to drain smoothly. Run the engine for five to seven minutes before starting. Be sure not to touch the oil.

Step 1 – Raise the car

Make sure your emergency brakes are engaged. Then raise the front of the car using your jack and secure it with jack stands.

Figure 1. Proper jack point.

Step 2 – Drain the old oil

Before draining the oil, remove the oil cap from under the hood to allow the oil to drain smoothly. Locate the oil drain bolt on the side of the oil pan, place the drain pan underneath it, and loosen it with your 16mm socket by gently turning it counterclockwise. Note that as soon as the bolt comes loose, oil will pour down, so be ready to get your hand out of the way. Let the oil drain in the drain pan until it's completely stopped draining. Tighten the drain bolt by turning it clockwise, but don't over-tighten.

  • Figure 2. Open oil cap.
  • Figure 3. Loosen oil drain bolt.
  • Figure 4. Drain the oil.

Step 3 – Replace oil filter

Put a rag under the oil filter to catch any oil when you remove it. You can't miss the oil filter from under the vehicle; it's located in front of the oil pan, just deeper up. Most of the time, you will be able to remove the oil filter by hand; however, if it's too tight, use an oil filter wrench to remove it.

Put some oil on your new oil filter's gasket by simply rubbing it with your fingers. Align the new filter in place and hand-tighten it.

  • Figure 5. Oil filter wrench.
  • Figure 6. Remove oil filter.
  • Figure 7. Rub seal with oil.

Step 4 – Fill engine with oil

Use the funnel to pour oil in the engine. Put six quarts, then lower the car, and check the dipstick. If you need to add more oil, pour half a quart at a time until you've reached the proper mark on your dipstick. Continue to check the dipstick for a few days, and continue to check for leaks.

Figure 8. The dipstick is right next to the engine oil fill hole.

Featured Video: How to Change Oil on Mustang

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