Routine oil change on a 2013 F150 goes wrong
This video documents a routine oil change on a 2013 Ford F-150 that encounters an unexpected complication requiring extra repair steps. The process covers draining old oil, replacing the oil filter and drain plug hardware, addressing a seized/rounded drain plug or damaged threads, and refilling and verifying the oil system.
Build Sequence
1. Preparation and safety
Park on a level surface, engage parking brake, loosen fill cap. Lift the truck with a jack and secure on jack stands or drive onto ramps to access the drain plug and filter safely.
2. Position drain pan and remove drain plug
Place oil catch pan under the drain plug. Using the correct socket, remove the drain plug and allow oil to drain. If the plug is seized or rounded, stop and assess removal options (penetrating oil, extractor socket, or bolt-extractor kit).
3. Address seized or damaged drain plug (if encountered)
If the drain plug won't come out normally, use a bolt/drain extractor or vice grips to remove it. For rounded heads, use an extractor socket. If threads in the oil pan are damaged, clean them and decide whether to install a helicoil/thread repair insert or replace the drain plug with a repair-style plug.
4. Repair/replace drain plug hardware
Install a new crush washer and replacement drain plug, or install a helicoil/thread insert per the kit instructions if the pan threads were repaired. Torque the new drain plug to the manufacturer's specification.
5. Remove and replace oil filter
Remove the old oil filter with a filter wrench, ensure the old gasket is removed from the mounting surface, lubricate the new filter gasket with fresh oil, and hand-tighten the new filter per instructions.
6. Refill oil and check for leaks
Lower the truck, add the correct amount and type of oil through the fill neck using a funnel, reinstall the fill cap, start the engine and let it reach operating temperature, then check drain plug and filter areas for leaks. Recheck oil level and top off as necessary.
7. Cleanup and disposal
Wipe up spills, properly seal and store used oil in a container for recycling, and clean tools and work area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil type and how much does a 2013 F-150 take?
Oil type depends on the engine; many 2013 F-150 engines use 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic. Capacity is typically around 5–6 quarts; check the owner's manual or under-hood sticker for exact specification.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →How tight should I torque the drain plug and oil filter?
Follow manufacturer torque specs. Drain plug torque varies by engine/pan but is commonly around 18–30 ft-lbs; oil filters are typically hand-tight plus a fraction turn or to the filter manufacturer's spec. Use a torque wrench when required.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →Can I drive the truck immediately after topping off the oil?
After refilling, start the engine, let it idle briefly, check for leaks, and recheck the oil level once the engine is off and oil has settled. If there are no leaks and oil level is correct, normal driving is fine.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →What should I do if the drain plug is rounded or seized?
Stop and use a bolt/drain extractor kit or an appropriately sized extractor socket. Applying penetrating oil and letting it sit can help. If the plug can't be removed cleanly or the pan threads are damaged, a thread-repair (helicoil) or replacement plug and crush washer may be required.
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Typical engine oil for 2013 F-150 (approx. 5-6 quarts depending on engine). Check owner's manual for viscosity (commonly 5W-20/5W-30).
Replace whenever drain plug is removed to ensure a proper seal.
Used if the original plug is rounded, seized, or damaged during removal.
Vehicle-specific; replace every oil change.
Optional — used if drain threads are stripped and need to be repaired.