The Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost is a powerhouse of an engine — twin-turbocharged, direct-injected, and capable of hauling and towing numbers that embarrass far larger engines. But all that performance demands clean, fresh oil on schedule. Ford dealers typically charge $90–$130 for an F-150 oil change (the larger oil capacity and labor rate push prices up fast). A quick-lube shop isn't much better, and there's always the risk they'll use the wrong oil viscosity or filter for a turbo application. Do it yourself with the correct Motorcraft parts and OEM-spec 5W-30 full synthetic, and you're spending around $45–$55 total — saving $40–$80 every service. This guide covers 2015–2020 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost (also called the High-Output 3.5 in some years), walking you through every step with exact torque specs.
What You'll Save
Ford dealer oil change for a 3.5L EcoBoost F-150: $95–$135. DIY with Motorcraft OEM parts: $45–$55. Over four oil changes a year, that's $160–$320 in your pocket — enough to cover a set of wiper blades and an air filter with money left over.
Quick Parts List
The 3.5L EcoBoost uses a cartridge-style oil filter that requires a cap removal tool — don't skip it. Everything below is OEM-spec:
- Motorcraft FL-820S Oil Filter — the OEM cartridge filter for the 3.5L EcoBoost; do not substitute
- Motorcraft Drain Plug Gasket for F-150 — replace the crush washer each time to prevent seepage
- Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic 6qt — meets Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 spec; formulated for the EcoBoost's direct-injection and turbo demands
- Oil Filter Cap Removal Tool for 3.5L EcoBoost — 74mm cap wrench fits the EcoBoost filter housing; you'll need this for removal
- Oil Drain Pan — the 3.5L EcoBoost holds 6 quarts, so get a pan rated for at least 7–8 quarts
OEM Specifications at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Ti-VCT) — 2015–2020 |
| Oil Type | 5W-30 Full Synthetic |
| Oil Capacity (w/ filter) | 6.0 quarts |
| Oil Filter | Motorcraft FL-820S |
| Drain Plug Torque | 20–22 ft-lb (27–30 N·m) |
| Oil Filter Cap Torque | 25 ft-lb (34 N·m) |
| Ford Oil Spec | WSS-M2C946-B1 |
| Change Interval | Every 7,500 mi (Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor may vary) |
Tools You'll Need
- 15mm socket for the drain plug
- 74mm oil filter cap wrench (EcoBoost-specific — the standard 64mm Honda wrench will not fit)
- Torque wrench
- Oil drain pan (7–8 qt capacity minimum)
- Funnel
- Jack and jack stands (or use the factory-style frame contact points with a floor jack)
- Gloves and shop rags
Step-by-Step Oil Change Instructions
Step 1: Warm Up the Engine
Start the F-150 and let it idle for 5–10 minutes, or take a short drive. Warm oil drains significantly faster and more completely than cold oil. The EcoBoost's turbochargers retain heat — after shutting off, wait at least 10–15 minutes before reaching near the exhaust or turbo housings.
Step 2: Raise and Secure the Vehicle
The F-150 has generous ground clearance compared to most passenger cars, so you may be able to do this job on level ground if you're comfortable lying flat. For easier access, raise the front with a floor jack and support it on jack stands placed under the frame rails — the F-150 has clearly marked jack stand contact points on both sides. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. The truck should be on flat, solid ground.
Step 3: Locate the Oil Filter and Drain Plug
The oil drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan, accessible from underneath. The Motorcraft FL-820S oil filter is a cartridge-type unit housed in a plastic cap on the driver's side of the engine, near the front — it's accessible from the top or bottom. Locate both before placing your drain pan. On the 3.5L EcoBoost, the filter housing is on top of the engine block (driver's side front), which means less mess draining from below compared to a spin-on filter.
Step 4: Remove the Drain Plug
Position the oil drain pan under the drain plug. Using a 15mm socket, loosen the drain plug counterclockwise. Once loose enough to spin freely, remove it by hand — angle your wrist so the plug doesn't fall directly into the oil stream. Let the oil drain for 4–5 minutes. Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard it.
Step 5: Remove the Oil Filter Cap
Use your 74mm oil filter cap wrench to loosen the filter housing cap counterclockwise. Remove it slowly — there's residual oil inside the housing. Pull the cap out and inspect it: the old Motorcraft FL-820S filter element is retained inside the cap. Remove the old filter element and O-ring from the cap. The cap has two O-rings — inspect both and confirm the new filter kit includes replacements. Many Motorcraft FL-820S kits include the O-rings pre-installed on the new filter element.
Step 6: Install the New Drain Plug Washer and Plug
Thread the new crush washer (or drain plug gasket) onto the drain plug and start it by hand into the oil pan threads. A cross-threaded drain plug can ruin your oil pan — thread it in by hand for at least 2–3 full turns before using the wrench. Torque to 20–22 ft-lb (27–30 N·m). The F-150's steel oil pan is more forgiving than aluminum, but there's no reason to over-torque — you just need a reliable seal.
Step 7: Install the New Oil Filter
Install the new Motorcraft FL-820S filter element into the filter cap. Confirm the new O-rings are seated correctly in the cap grooves — lightly lubricate the O-rings with fresh 5W-30 oil. Thread the cap clockwise back into the housing by hand until it seats, then torque to 25 ft-lb (34 N·m) with your torque wrench and 74mm cap socket. Do not overtighten — the plastic housing can crack if you exceed 25 ft-lb.
Step 8: Lower the Truck and Add Fresh Oil
Lower the F-150 off the jack stands. Open the hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine (labeled "5W-30"). Remove it and insert your funnel. Add 6 quarts of 5W-30 full synthetic meeting Ford spec WSS-M2C946-B1 (Motorcraft's own 5W-30 synthetic meets this spec). Pour all 6 quarts in — the 3.5L EcoBoost's larger displacement means it holds more oil than smaller engines, and running it short is especially damaging to turbochargers.
Step 9: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks
Replace the oil filler cap firmly. Start the engine and watch the oil pressure warning light — it should extinguish within 5 seconds as oil circulates. Let it run for 60 seconds. Check underneath at the drain plug and around the oil filter housing cap for any drips. If the filter housing shows seepage, tighten slightly — but do not exceed 25 ft-lb. Shut off the engine and fix any leaks before driving.
Step 10: Verify the Oil Level
Wait 5 minutes after shutting off the engine. The F-150 3.5L EcoBoost's dipstick is located on the passenger side of the engine. Pull it, wipe clean, re-insert fully, and pull again. Oil should read at or near the upper mark. The 6-quart capacity means the "add" and "full" marks span a fairly wide range on the dipstick — aim for the upper mark but don't exceed it.
Step 11: Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor
The 2015–2020 F-150 uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM), which tracks engine conditions to estimate oil degradation. Resetting it after an oil change is important so the system starts tracking fresh:
- Turn the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine (press Start without pressing the brake).
- Press the brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously and hold both for 20 seconds until the oil life indicator flashes.
- Alternative method (SYNC display): From the main menu on the center screen, go to Settings → Vehicle → Oil Life Reset and confirm.
- Instrument cluster method: Use the left steering wheel controls to navigate to the oil life indicator in the trip computer. Hold the OK button until reset is confirmed.
The reset method varies slightly between 2015–2017 and 2018–2020 models (the 2018 refresh updated the infotainment system). Consult your owner's manual Section 5 if the steps above don't match your display.
Step 12: Dispose of Old Oil Responsibly
Six quarts of used motor oil needs to go somewhere safe — not down a storm drain or into the trash. Pour it into a sealed container (the old oil jugs work perfectly) and bring it to AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, or any Ford dealer service center. All accept used motor oil at no charge for recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil does the 2015–2020 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost take?
Ford specifies 5W-30 full synthetic meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-B1 for the 3.5L EcoBoost. This is a specific Ford certification — not all 5W-30 synthetics meet it. Motorcraft's own SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic and several major brands (Pennzoil Platinum, Castrol Edge) carry this certification. Using an oil that meets WSS-M2C946-B1 is especially important for the turbocharger CHRA bearings, which depend on oil quality far more than a naturally aspirated engine does.
How many quarts does the F-150 3.5L EcoBoost take?
The 3.5L EcoBoost takes 6.0 quarts with a filter change. This is one of the larger oil capacities in the F-150 lineup — budget for a 6-quart jug or two 3-quart bottles. Confirm on the dipstick after filling.
How tight should the F-150 drain plug be?
Torque the 3.5L EcoBoost drain plug to 20–22 ft-lb (27–30 N·m). Ford's spec is conservative by design. The steel oil pan can handle more, but there's no benefit to over-torquing — it just makes future removal harder and risks damaging the crush washer seal.
Do I need a special tool to change the oil on the 3.5L EcoBoost?
Yes — the 3.5L EcoBoost uses a cartridge-style oil filter in a plastic housing that requires a 74mm cap wrench for removal and installation. A standard band-style filter wrench will not work reliably on this housing. The 74mm cap wrench is inexpensive and will also fit many other Ford EcoBoost applications. Don't attempt to remove the housing with pliers — you'll crack the plastic cap.
Stay Ahead of Every Service Interval
The 3.5L EcoBoost is a complex, performance-oriented engine. Beyond oil changes, it has specific intervals for fuel filter replacement, spark plugs (longer interval than most), air filter, trans fluid, and coolant. Don't guess — follow a proven schedule. See our full Ford F-150 Maintenance Schedule for every service interval by mileage, covering all 2015–2020 engine options.