The 2017 Ford Escape uses a cartridge-style oil filter located on top of the engine

The oil filter on a 2017 Ford Escape sits in a plastic housing on the top of the engine, rather than screwing onto the side like older vehicles. This cartridge design means you remove a cap, pull out the filter element, and drop in a new one — you do not unscrew the whole filter. The housing is usually white or black plastic and sits near the center-front of the engine bay.

Finding it is straightforward: open your hood, look toward the middle of the engine, and you will see a cylindrical plastic cap about three inches tall. That cap is your filter housing. On some models, it sits closer to the driver's side; on others, it is more centered. Either way, it is one of the most accessible parts of the engine to reach.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Ford Escape has a cartridge oil filter in a plastic housing on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need a filter wrench (usually 86 mm or 89 mm) to remove the cap, a new filter element, and fresh oil for the refill.
  • The whole job takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right tools and know where the housing sits.
  • Ford recommends changing the filter every time you change the oil, which for most 2017 Escapes is every 10,000 miles or once a year.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the hood: a new oil filter element (the part that actually filters the oil), a filter wrench sized for your Escape's housing cap, fresh oil in the correct weight for your engine, an oil drain pan, and a wrench or socket set to remove the drain plug if you are changing the oil at the same time.

The filter element itself is a small cartridge, usually white or yellow, about two inches long and one inch wide. Ford part number FL-2051S is the original part, though many aftermarket filters work the same way. The filter wrench is the tool that grips the plastic cap to unscrew it; most 2017 Escapes use an 86 mm or 89 mm wrench, which you can buy for $10 to $20 at any auto parts store. If you are unsure which size, bring a photo of your engine bay to the parts counter and they will match it.

How to remove the old filter

Start with the engine cold. Locate the filter housing cap on top of the engine — it is the white or black plastic cylinder. Place your oil drain pan underneath it to catch any spilled oil, though the cartridge design spills less than a spin-on filter would.

Fit your filter wrench onto the cap and turn it counterclockwise. It will take some force the first time, especially if the filter has been on for months. Once it breaks loose, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Lift the cap straight up and out of the housing. Inside, you will see the old filter element sitting in the bottom of the housing. Pull it out — it may stick slightly, so wiggle it gently if needed.

Look inside the empty housing. You should see a rubber O-ring seal at the bottom. Wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If the O-ring looks cracked or hardened, it is fine to leave it — Ford does not require you to replace it every time — but if it is visibly damaged, you can order a replacement seal for a few dollars.

Installing the new filter

Before you drop the new filter in, check the rubber gasket on the top of the new element. It should be soft and pliable. If the old filter left any debris in the housing, wipe it out with a clean cloth. Then insert the new filter straight down into the housing, pushing gently until it seats. You should feel a slight resistance as the gasket enters the housing.

Screw the cap back on by hand first, then use the filter wrench to tighten it. You do not need to crank it hard — hand-tight plus a quarter turn with the wrench is enough. Over-tightening can damage the plastic housing or the gasket.

Refilling the oil and checking your work

If you are changing the oil at the same time, drain the old oil from the pan underneath the engine, replace the drain plug, and refill with the correct oil type and amount for your Escape. Check your owner's manual for the exact specification — most 2017 Escapes use either 5W-20 or 5W-30, and the capacity is usually 5.7 quarts with a filter change.

Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to a minute. The new filter will fill with oil, and the oil pressure light on your dashboard should go out within a few seconds of starting. Turn off the engine, wait two minutes for the oil to settle, then check the dipstick or use the electronic oil level monitor in your instrument cluster. Top up if needed.

When to replace the filter and what to do with the old one

Ford recommends changing the filter every time you change the oil. For most 2017 Escapes driven normally, that is every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you drive in severe conditions — towing, frequent short trips, or dusty environments — change it every 5,000 miles instead.

The old filter element is not hazardous waste and can go in your regular trash. If it is soaked with oil, let it drain into your oil pan first, then wrap it in newspaper before throwing it away. Some auto parts stores will take old filters for free if you bought a new one from them, so ask when you purchase the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the filter without changing the oil?

Yes. The filter and oil are separate systems, and you can replace one without the other. However, Ford recommends changing them together because a new filter works best with fresh oil, and old oil degrades faster in a new filter. If you change the filter alone, you are not adding new oil to the engine.

What if the filter cap is stuck and will not turn?

explore penetrating oil like WD-40 around the cap's edge and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then try again with the wrench. If it still will not budge, tap the wrench gently with a rubber mallet to help break the seal. Do not use excessive force, as you can crack the plastic housing.

How do I know if I bought the right filter?

The filter element should be a cartridge about two inches long that slides into the housing from the top. If you bought a spin-on filter (the kind that screws onto the engine), it is the wrong type for a 2017 Escape. Return it and ask for a cartridge filter instead. The parts counter can confirm the fit before you leave the store.

Do I need to replace the O-ring seal at the bottom of the housing?

No, Ford does not require it. The seal usually lasts for many filter changes. Replace it only if it looks cracked, hardened, or damaged. A replacement seal costs a few dollars if you need one.