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Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: How to Change Oil

It's often said that if there is one maintenance job to do to keep your engine running for a long time, it is changing your oil on schedule.

By AJ Mawley - October 15, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 (2005-2014).

Your engine oil is like blood to your body. You need it for your engine to survive. It lubricates all of your rotating internals and transfers heat from key components. Without engine oil, your engine will become scrap metal, as it will literally tear itself apart from friction. Therefore, it is recommended to check your engine oil level once a week since it's not worth the risk of running low and burning your engine up. It is a good idea to stick with Ford's recommendations when it comes to oil. Follow this DIY to learn more!

Materials Needed

  • 6 quarts oil
  • Oil filter
  • Oil filter wrench
  • 16mm socket and ratchet
  • Drain pan and rags
  • Jack stands or ramps

Step 1 – Lift front of vehicle

Lift the front of your vehicle with either jack stands or ramps. The rear doesn't need to be lifted to perform and oil change.

Figure 1. Mustang on ramps.

Pro Tip

If you are using jack stands, make sure the vehicle is supported on the frame to avoid damage.

Step 2 – Drain oil

First, open the oil cap on your valve cover and get ready to go under the car. Then, remove the drain plug with your 16mm socket. Once it is loose, be very careful pulling it out. You want to be able to control the flow of oil coming out of the engine with the removal of the drain plug. Make sure your drain pan is positioned underneath the drain plug.

  • Figure 2. Remove oil cap.
  • Figure 3. Remove drain plug.
  • Figure 4. Draining oil.

Pro Tip

Slowly pull out the drain plug to avoid spilling oil everywhere.

Step 3 – Remove oil filter and install new filter

After the engine oil is completely drained, the oil filter can be removed with your oil filter wrench. Spin it counterclockwise to remove the oil filter. Have your drain pan ready, as some oil will drop from the oil filter itself. Grab your new filter and use some of the spilled oil to lubricated the oil filter seal on the new filter. Then, carefully thread your filter onto the engine block. Once it is hand-tight, use your filter wrench to turn it a 1/4 turn clockwise to tighten it fully.

  • Figure 5. Removing oil filter.
  • Figure 6. Installing new seal.

Pro Tip

Pre-fill your oil filter, so you can better estimate how much oil to put in through the top of the engine.

Step 4 – Fill engine with new oil

Before filling your engine with new oil, it is extremely important to put your drain plug back on. It should be on tight, but not extremely tight since you will need to remove it for future oil changes. Now, you can fill six quarts of oil through the spout on top of the motor. Then run your car, check for leaks, and check for oil level to make sure it all looks OK. That's it, you have completed an oil change and extended the life of your engine!

Figure 7. Filling with new oil.

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