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How to Change The Oil in a Ford Mustang

Andrew Cilio
By:  Andrew Cilio  / May 31 2019
How to Change The Oil in a Ford Mustang

Proper Mustang maintenance and regular oil changes are the key to enjoying your car long term. Of the maintenance items you’ll run into, changing your Mustang’s oil ranks at the top of the list. Your engine’s oil is its lifeblood. Ignore it too long, and not only will performance suffer, but your engine can suffer permanent damage.

Contents
  1. How Easy Is it?
  2. How Much Oil Should I Buy for My Mustang?
  3. What Kind Of Oil Does My Mustang Need?
  4. Don't Forget Your Mustang's Filter
  5. Oil Filter Types and Interchangeability
  6. The Mustang Oil Change Process
  7. When to Drain The Oil From Your Mustang's Engine
  8. The Drain Plug
  9. Draining the Oil, and Replacing the Plug
  10. Removing the Oil Filter
  11. Installing the New Filter
  12. Refilling the Engine
  13. Checking the Oil Level
  14. Changing a 2015+ S550 Mustang's Oil
  15. How to Properly Jack Up Your Mustang
Shop Mustang Maintenance

For the maximum possible performance and life from your motor you must adhere to a regular maintenance schedule, this includes changing your oil every 3-5 thousand miles. Shop our complete selection of maintenance products and keep your motor running safe and efficiently.

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How Easy Is it?

Changing the oil is really a simple process, even for a beginner. You’re bound to get messy the first few times, but with some experience you’ll soon learn how to do it quickly and with minimal mess.

There are also a few tips that once you know them will help make the process easier and eliminate the mess. The first step is to swing by your local auto parts store and buy the supplies you need. You can choose synthetic or standard oil. Synthetic tends to be a little more expensive, but has some benefits in regards to longevity. I use synthetic in my GT but since we’re changing the oil in my 17-year olds car for this article, he opted to use standard oil due to his budget. The oil weight you require will be listed in your owner’s manual, as will the exact quantity of oil needed. Make sure you follow the specifications for your size engine, as the manuals are usually written for more than one vehicle. Purchase enough quarts of oil to cover your needs.

In the event you have misplaced your manual, you can download a copy from Ford. 

How Much Oil Should I Buy for My Mustang?

Oil capacity can vary greatly from engine model to engine model. On Mustangs, this is no exception. Consult this list below for your year range as well as your engine for your oil capacity. All of these include the oil filter as well.

  • 1979-1993 2.3L (non-turbo): 5 QTS
  • 1979-1993 2.3L Turbo: 5.5 QTS
  • 1979-1998 5.0L V8: 5 QTS
  • 1979-2004 3.8L V6: 5 QTS
  • 1994-2004 4.6L V8 (2 & 4 valve): 6 QTS
  • 2005-2010 4.6L V8: 6 QTS
  • 2005-2010 4.0L V6: 5 QTS
  • 2005-2012 5.4L GT500: 6.4 QTS
  • 2011-2017 3.7L V6: 6 QTS
  • 2011-2017 5.0L V8: 8 QTS
  • 2012-2013 5.0L Boss 302 & Track Pack: 8.5 QTS
  • 2013-2014 5.8L GT500: 8.5 QTS
  • 2015-2017 EcoBoost 2.3L: 5.7 QTS
  • 2015-2017 5.2L GT350 V8: 10 QTS

This is a rundown of not only how much engine oil your Mustang needs, but also the amount of oil the transmission and rear differential will need as well:

  • Gear Oil - 3 quarts
  • Transmission Fluid - 3.25 quarts

What Kind Of Oil Does My Mustang Need?

While there are a wide variety of oils your Mustang could use, Ford's Motorcraft oil is the one that recommended by Ford in your owner's manual. Check the oil cap in your engine for the required oil weight and to keep things in spec with the manufacturer's guidelines, then use motorcraft oil. Different enthusiasts may suggest using other oils, but it is important finding one you are comfortable putting in your engine. After all, your engine's oil is like the blood of your car-- it's what keeps it running.

As far as viscosity recommendations go, a 302/pushrod 5.0L engine can primarily utilize 10w-30 oil. While Modular engines (2/3/4 valves) utilize 5w-20 oil. This does include the new Coyote 5.0. However, this is a general statement and can be affected drastically by climate (extreme temperatures). For a breakdown by year, take a look at our list below

  • 1979-1993 2.3L (non-turbo): 10w30 (above freezing temps), 5x30 (below freezing)
  • 1979-1993 2.3L Turbo: 10w30 (above freezing), 5w30 (below freezing)
  • 1979-1993 3.8L V6: 10w30 (above freezing), 5w30 (below freezing)
  • 1979-1993 5.0L V8: 10w30 (above freezing), 5w30 (below freezing)
  • 1994-1998 5.0L V8: 5w30
  • 1994-2000 3.8L V6: 5w30
  • 1994-2000 4.6L V8 (2 & 4 valve): 10w30
  • 2001-2014 4.6L V8 (2 & 4 valve): 5w20
  • 2001-2004 3.8L V6: 5w20
  • 2005-2010 4.0L V6: 5w30
  • 2005-2012 5.4L GT500: 5w50
  • 2011-2017 3.7L V6: 5w20
  • 2011-2017 5.0L V8: 5w20
  • 2012-2013 Boss 302 & Track Pack 5.0L: 5w50
  • 2013-2014 5.8L GT500: 5w50
  • 2015-2017 EcoBoost 2.3L: 5w30
  • 2015-2017 5.2L GT350: 5w50

Best Selling Mustang Oils Shop All Mustang Fluids

Don't Forget Your Mustang's Filter

Mustang Oil and Filter

You’ll also need a new Mustang oil filter, and the auto parts store can help you find the correct replacement. I’ve always been one to use Motorcraft filters, but there are other brands to choose from as well. Choose by quality, not by price, as you’re relying on the filter to keep your oil clean over the next few thousand miles. So for this Mustang oil change, we have 6 quarts of Valvoline motor oil, as well as a Motorcraft FL-400S oil filter.

Oil Filter Types and Interchangeability

For Mustang GT engines from 1996-2010 all oil filters are interchangable. However, on Cobra and Mach 1 engines, they are only interchangable with themselves. While one would presume Coyote filters are modular, they are only modular between generations. Therefore, 2011-2014 filters are compatible while 2015-2017 filters are compatable. As for the previous 5.0 pushrod engines, they are all compatible between years.

The Mustang Oil Change Process

The tools you’ll need are pretty basic, but will vary between engines and model year. Once you change your oil a couple times, you’ll know the socket size needed for the drain plug. The first time may require some experimentation with socket sizes however.

Here's a list of what you'll need for installation:

  • Socket (sized to fit oil plug)
  • Socket Wrench
  • Oil Filter Wrench
  • Drain Pan
  • Vehicle Jack
  • Jack Stands
  • Large Ziplock Bag and Latex Gloves (Optional but reduces mess)

When to Drain The Oil From Your Mustang's Engine

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 1

It’s best to change a Mustang’s oil when it’s warm. So make sure the vehicle has been warmed up before you begin. Warm oil will flow better, helping you to get as much used oil out of the engine as possible. It also tends to carry any residual sludge out as well, should there be any in the oil passages. Waiting about 15 minutes between shutting the engine off and draining the oil should give sufficient time for the oil to cool enough not to burn you, but still warm enough to flow well. The oil will still be very warm so use caution. Gloves will help during the draining to protect your hands.

1. You’ll want to jack the car up first, and set it on jack stands. In most cases, you’ll find the oil plug towards at the rear of the oil pan. So the car being level isn’t really necessary, and you can simply raise the front. Make sure the rear parking brake is set to prevent your Mustang from moving before you jack it up.

2. Now remove your engine’s oil cap, to further assist the used oil in draining from the engine.

The Drain Plug

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 2

3. Next locate the drain plug on your Mustang’s oil pan. In some cases, such as older 5.0 Mustangs they’ll be two drain plugs, one at the back, and one closer to the middle of the pan. Most other engine configurations will make use of a single oil drain plug.

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 3

4. Position your drain pan under the plug. Then use a socket and socket wrench to loosen the oil drain plug. After it’s broken loose, you should be able to spin it by hand.

Draining the Oil, and Replacing the Plug

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 4

5. Once the plug is loose, you can quickly move your hand back avoiding the warm oil. Make sure your pan is catching the oil draining from the engine and adjust it if needed. When the oil has stopped draining, replace the drain plug. Do not over-tighten the plug, thread it in by hand, and then simply snug it up with your socket wrench an 1/8 of a turn or so.

TIP: I’ve seen threadlock used for the drain plug before, usually by novices. So I want to point out that you do not want to use threadlock on the drain plug.

Removing the Oil Filter

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 5

6. Next, you’ll focus on the removal of the oil filter. Use your filter wrench to turn it counter-clockwise. For strap-type wrenches, such as what’s used in the picture, position the wrench close to the end of the filter. The filter is strongest at that point, and the ridges help provide better grip for the wrench.

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 6

7. Once you’ve loosened the filter, you can spin it off by hand. I like to use a large ziplock bag around the filter to minimize the mess. Place the bag around the filter to help catch any draining oil, keeping it off of the car’s chassis, as you remove the filter. In the event you don’t use a ziplock bag, position the drain pan under the filter to catch any oil that runs out.

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 7

8. Examine the old filter. Make sure the rubber seal is still attached to the filter. If it’s missing, retrieve it from the oil filter mount where you removed the old filter. Your new filter will already have a seal on it, and leaving the old one on the engine will result in an oil leak because the new seal will not seat properly.

Installing the New Filter

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 8

9. Use a little oil to lubricate the seal on the new oil filter.

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 9

10. While it’s not necessary, I prefer to pre-fill the new filter. This helps to eliminate excess air in the oiling system upon the initial startup as well as making sure the engine isn't lacking in lubrication after being drained. Keep in mind that you may have to tilt the filter some to install it, so you likely won’t be able to fully fill it. Between ½ and ¾ full will be fine. Hand-tighten the new filter into place. Then use the filter wrench to snug the filter up between ¼ and ½ a turn.

Refilling the Engine

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 10

11. Many people don’t realize that quarts of oil are designed with the spout off to one side for a reason. Utilize this design to your advantage, and pour the oil properly. Keep the spout towards the top of the bottle, as it allows the quart to be nearly level before oil starts to pour out of it. In most cases, when a quart of oil is poured in the correct manner, there’s no need for a funnel.

Checking the Oil Level

How To Change Mustang Oil Step 11

12. You can go ahead and pour several quarts of oil into the engine. Stop about a quart shy of what your manual listed as the capacity, as some of the used oil will always remain in the engine. You don’t want to overfill the engine with oil. Wait a few minutes to allow the oil to flow to the bottom of the engine, and then check the oil using the dipstick. Remove the dipstick, wipe it off, then return it to the tube, and pull it out again. You should see a trail of oil on the dipstick, indicating the oil level.

Usually the target level is indicated by crosshatching as well as a couple of holes. You’ll want the oil to fall between these two marks. If the oil is still low, add some more oil, wait a few minutes, and then check the level again. Repeat as necessary, and then replace the oil cap.

13. After the oil level is correct, start the engine up. Check to ensure that your oil pressure gauge indicates oil pressure, and that you see no leaks under the car. It’s a good idea to check your oil again after the first drive on a new oil change. As the filter fills completely up with oil, you may find that the oil level needs to be topped off again. Make a note of your mileage, and change your oil again at the next recommended interval.

Changing a 2015+ S550 Mustang's Oil

For 2015 Mustangs the process for changing the oil is different depending upon which model that you own. For the Performance pack models the oil filter is located on the drivers side near the tire. It is covered by a small flap which is secured by a 7mm bolt. Once this bolt is removed the flap will open and the oil filter can be accessed. For Non-Performance pack models there is a middle shield which is held in place by two 10mm bolts and four 7mm bolts. Once this shield is removed the oil filter can be accessed. The drain plug is a 15mm socket no matter which model you have.

How to Properly Jack Up Your Mustang

Jacking up a Mustang is quite simple, but can be dangerous if not done properly. There are many ways to correctly raise a Mustang. The easiest way is to start with the front of the car. Before you even take the jack out of the garage, chock the rear wheels (and if a manual, put the car in reverse) as a safety precaution. Also, never climb under a car with only a jack under it, jacks can fail.    

1) Position the jack under the k member of the car. The K member on the front part of the car that holds the engine up and secure.

2) When raised enough to slide jack stands underneath the car, slide one on each side of the k member in order to lower the jack.

3) For jacking the rear up, the differential is a good point of raising the rear. In order to protect the differential from wear and damage, it is advised to place a block of wood on the jack (so it is between the jack and the differential).

4) Jack it up until it is at an adequate height.

5) Next, place the stands underneath the axle tubes of the rear end.     

The way to drop the car is the opposite way you raised it. Start with the rear end, jacking up the differential slightly in order to remove the jackstands and then lower the rear end. Chock the rear wheels and proceed to lower the front of the car with the same method.

Fitment includes: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, GT, V6, Cobra, ShelbyGT500, Mach1, Bullitt, Boss, LX, SVO, EcoBoost, ShelbyGT350