What you need to do before you start

An oil change on a Ford Escape takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you have done it before, or 60 to 90 minutes if this is your first time. You will need to get under the vehicle, so a level surface, jack stands or ramps, and good lighting are essential. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Gather your supplies before you begin: the correct oil type and amount for your model year (see your owner's manual or the inside of the driver's door jamb), a new oil filter, an oil drain pan, a wrench or socket set, an oil filter wrench, and rags or paper towels. If you do not have an oil filter wrench, the job becomes much harder — it is worth buying one for about $10 to $15.

Check your owner's manual for the exact oil specification. Ford Escapes typically use 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on the year and engine size, but do not guess. The manual will also tell you the total capacity, which ranges from about 4.5 to 5.7 quarts depending on whether you are changing the filter at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need to lift the vehicle safely on ramps or jack stands, locate the drain plug underneath, and let the old oil drain completely into a pan before removing the filter.
  • The oil drain plug is on the bottom of the engine pan and requires a wrench; the filter location varies by model year but is usually on the side or top of the engine.
  • After draining, you replace the crush washer on the drain plug, reinstall it, then remove the old filter by hand or with a filter wrench and screw on the new one by hand until snug.
  • Pour in the new oil through the top of the engine, wait a minute for it to settle, check the dipstick or electronic gauge, and run the engine briefly to circulate the oil before checking the level again.
  • Dispose of old oil at a recycling center, auto parts store, or municipal hazardous waste facility — never pour it down a drain or into the ground.

Lifting the vehicle safely and accessing the drain plug

Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. If you are using a jack, place it under the frame reinforcement point (your manual shows where), raise the vehicle, and when ready place jack stands under the frame on both sides. Never rely on the jack alone. If you are using ramps, drive slowly and carefully up both ramps until the front wheels are centered on them.

Once the vehicle is find, locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine oil pan. On most Ford Escapes, it is toward the rear of the pan. You may need to remove a plastic undertray or splash shield first — these are usually held on by a few bolts or plastic clips. Slide your drain pan underneath the plug before you loosen it. The oil will be hot if the engine has run recently, so be careful.

Use the correct wrench or socket size (usually 13mm, 14mm, or 15mm — check your manual) and turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside. Let the oil drain completely into the pan. This takes 5 to 10 minutes. While you wait, locate the oil filter so you know where it is.

Removing and replacing the oil filter

The oil filter on a Ford Escape is typically located on the side of the engine block or, on some newer models, on top. It is a cylindrical canister about 3 to 4 inches tall. Before you remove it, position your drain pan underneath it — old oil will spill out.

Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once it is loose, unscrew it by hand the rest of the way. Tip it carefully into the drain pan so the remaining oil drains out. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove any old rubber or debris.

Take the new filter and explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on top of the filter. This helps create a good seal. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the gasket and cause leaks.

Reinstalling the drain plug and adding new oil

Before you reinstall the drain plug, inspect the crush washer — the small metal ring that sits under the plug head. If it is flattened or damaged, replace it with a new one. This washer prevents leaks. Screw the drain plug back in by hand first, then use your wrench to tighten it. The correct torque is usually 15 to 25 foot-pounds; if you have a torque wrench, use it. If not, tighten it firmly but do not over-tighten, which can strip the threads in the aluminum pan.

Lower the vehicle back to the ground. Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Place a funnel in the opening and pour in the new oil slowly. Check your manual for the exact amount; most Escapes hold between 4.5 and 5.7 quarts with a filter change. Pour in about three-quarters of that amount first.

Wait a minute for the oil to settle into the pan, then check the level. On older Escapes, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to read the level. On newer models, check the electronic oil level display on the dashboard. Add oil in small amounts until the level is at the full mark or within the acceptable range shown on the dipstick or display.

Starting the engine and final checks

Replace the oil filler cap. Start the engine and let it run for 30 to 60 seconds. You will see the oil pressure warning light come on briefly, then go out once oil circulates through the engine. This is normal. Do not rev the engine; just let it idle.

Turn off the engine and wait two to three minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Check the level again using the same method you used before. Add a small amount of oil if needed to bring it to the full mark. This second check catches the oil that is still in the filter and upper engine passages.

Reinstall the oil filler cap and close the hood. If you used ramps, drive slowly off them. If you used a jack and stands, lower the vehicle carefully and remove the stands.

Disposing of old oil and filter

Old motor oil is a hazardous material and cannot go in the trash or down the drain. Most auto parts stores that sell oil will take used oil for free, even if you did not buy it from them. Many also accept old oil filters. Call ahead to confirm they accept filters, as some do not.

If you do not have a nearby auto parts store, check your city or county website for hazardous waste collection events or permanent drop-off locations. Some service stations and quick-lube shops will also accept used oil. Never pour it on the ground, into a storm drain, or down a household drain — it contaminates groundwater and harms aquatic life.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is forgetting to replace the crush washer on the drain plug. This small metal ring flattens when you tighten the plug and creates the seal that prevents leaks. If you reuse a flattened washer, the plug will leak. Always use a new one.

The second mistake is over-tightening the oil filter. Many people use the wrench to tighten it as hard as they can, which damages the rubber gasket and causes the filter to leak. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the correct method. If you over-tighten it, you may have to remove it and start over with a new filter.

A third mistake is checking the oil level when ready after running the engine without waiting for it to settle. Oil in the upper engine and filter has not yet drained back into the pan, so the reading will be low. Always wait a few minutes before the final check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in my Ford Escape?

Ford recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months for most Escapes, whichever comes first. Some newer models with synthetic oil may go 15,000 miles between changes. Check your owner's manual or the maintenance schedule on the driver's door jamb for your specific model year.

What if I cannot get the oil filter off by hand?

If the filter is stuck, wrap a rubber band or old inner tube around it to improve grip, then try again. If that does not work, use the oil filter wrench and turn slowly and steadily rather than jerking. As a last resort, carefully puncture the filter with a nail or screwdriver to break the seal, then unscrew it. You will need a new filter anyway.

Can I change the oil without lifting the vehicle?

Not safely. The drain plug is on the bottom of the engine pan, and you cannot reach it or position a drain pan underneath without raising the vehicle. Attempting to work under a car without proper support is dangerous and can result in serious injury.

What should I do if oil leaks from the drain plug after I reinstall it?

Stop driving when ready and check the plug. It may be loose — tighten it a quarter turn. If it still leaks, the crush washer is likely damaged or missing. You will need to drain the oil again, remove the plug, install a new crush washer, and reinstall the plug.

Can I mix different oil types or weights?

You should use the oil type and weight specified in your owner's manual. Mixing different weights or types is not recommended because it can affect engine performance and protection. If you have already added the wrong oil, you can top off with the correct type in an emergency, but plan a full oil change as soon as possible.