2005-2007 Ford Focus Oil Change

Written By: David Hodson

Comments: 24

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

The following procedure is correct for all Duratec engines in the Ford Focus, including the 2.3L engine in 2004-2007 models. As stated on the oil filler cap, use 5W-20 oil when adding or changing oil. There are a number of different oil filters by different manufacturers that will work for the Focus, so you may want to consult the parts counter at your local auto parts store.

Convention has always been to change oil at 3,000 mile intervals, but modern oil and oil filters allow for much more time between changes. As long as you check your oil level regularly, you can easily make it 5,000 miles with conventional oil, and over 7,500 miles with synthetic oil.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

Use ramps or jack stands to raise the front of the car and chock the rear wheels to keep the car from moving.
Remove the oil filler cap by rotating it 1/4 turn counterclockwise and lifting it off the valve cover.

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junejimmy3 - 14/03/17

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junejimmy3 - 14/03/17

How do you fit a new oil filter to a 2006 ford banana 1.8 diesel utility van

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Step 2

Locate the oil pan drain plug underneath the car. It is a 13 mm hex bolt that faces towards the rear of the car.
Place an oil drain pan underneath the oil pan to catch the draining oil. Remember to place it towards the rear of the car, since the oil will come out of the oil pan in a stream.
Be very cautious when working under a car that has been running recently, because the oil pan and transmission will be very hot.
Loosen the oil pan drain plug with a 13 mm socket wrench until it comes off and oil is draining out of the oil pan.
Watch for shiny specks in the draining oil. Small metal flakes could mean a serious problem inside your engine.

My 2006 ford focus sedan uses a size 14mm socket, not a size 13mm. I just got finished changing my oil yesterday and I had to use a size 14mm socket to fit my plug bolt. Make sure what Size socket your Ford focus actually uses so that you gace the correct size socket before you start your oil change. It's better to check the correct size before you get started so you don't have to back track searching for the correct size. I don't know if my oil pan bolt has been modified in some way or not. I just know I had to use a 14mm socket

lynfranturn04 -

Step 3

This step is only necessary if you wish to flush all of the old oil from your engine. You may consider doing this if it has been an especially long time since your last oil change or if some foreign liquid has been poured into the filler hole.
Place a funnel in the oil fill hole in the valve cover.
Pour a quart of oil into the funnel and let all of it drain and collect in the oil drain pan.
Since very little of this oil will remain in your engine, you may want to use the least expensive oil you can find for this.

Step 4

Wipe off and replace the oil pan drain plug. Use a moderate amount of force, but do not over-tighten the bolt.
You can always tighten the bolt more if you notice oil leaking from the plug. A cracked oil pan, however, is a much more expensive repair.
Position the oil drain pan underneath the oil filter.

Step 5

Turn the oil filter counterclockwise (when looking up at it) to remove it.
If your filter is on too tight to loosen by hand, you may need to use an oil filter wrench or belt wrench to remove it.
Oil will begin to run down the sides of the oil filter. It is up to your discretion to either let it drain slowly this way or take the filter off quickly. Keep in mind that no matter what, the filter itself will still have oil in it that must be drained.
Set the old filter in your oil drain pan with the gasket facing down to allow the oil to drain out of it.
Once the oil filter is removed carefully inspect the old filter and the filter seating surface on the engine for the gasket from the old filter. Sometimes this will remain in place and is a guaranteed major leak if not removed prior to installing the new filter.
Let the rest of the oil from the engine drain and collect in the oil drain pan.

Once the oil filter is removed carefully inspect the old filter and the filter seating surface on the engine for the gasket from the old filter. Sometimes this will remain in place and is a guaranteed major leak if not removed prior to installing the new filter.

HRT -

My ex didn't check the old oil filter on my car and the o ring was left there, put on the new oil filter and blew my engine the next day. Always check!

daisysdonutshop - 14/02/16

Step 6

Apply a small amount of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter.
The use of gloves is highly recommended. If any oil gets on your skin, immediately wash your hands thoroughly.
Wipe off the oil filter mounting spot and install the new filter by rotating it clockwise until you cannot tighten it anymore.

Step 7

Pour five quarts of 5W-20 oil into a funnel in the oil fill hole.
Reinstall the oil filler cap by turning it 1/4 turn clockwise.
Start your car and let it run. Check for leaking oil underneath the car. If you notice any leaks, tighten the drain plug, being careful not to over-tighten it and crack the oil pan.
Close the hood and lower the car back to the ground: you're done!

Step 8

Allow 12-24 hours for all of the oil to drain out of the old oil filter.
Take your old oil and filter to a recycling facility. Most auto parts stores and repair shops accept these at no charge to you. In addition, some cities and/or counties have a service where they will collect used oil and filters from your home. For more information, see the American Petroleum Institute's web page on used motor oil collection and recycling.
Do not just throw used oil in the garbage. It is a hazardous waste product that needs to be properly disposed.

Wow! I feel like I'd rather change my oil than pay someone $20-30 to do

BizyMom229 - 08/10/17

I paid $19 for 5 quart's of motor craft OEM 5-20w oil blend . At Walmart. No need to waste money on full synthetic. Your came from the factory with Motor craft 5-20w blend for a reason. Also bought a filter for under $4. In my area It cost over $60 at those oil change places for a oil blend with no say in what brand oil. U will have great satisfaction in doing the job yourself. Wear vinyl or nitrate gloves. Used oil is expecially toxic. P.S. always put news paper or painters disposable tarp cut to size. Under your drain pan. Expecially your first time u are bound to spill some of the old oil. Have fu

fordnut? - 08/05/19

U do not want to tighten the oil filter as tight as possible. When installing new filter. Once the filter gasket starts to seat. Tighten no more than 3/4 revolution. Or it will very hard to remove. + Over tighting might distort the gasket, causing a leak

fordnut? - 08/05/19

I tighten oil filters by hand, and go as tight as I can. Some will say it’s not tight enough but if you have strong arms and hands it’s plenty tight, but not too tight as my gloves inevitability have a tiny residue on from removing the old filter. Never had a problem in 20 years. If you use a wrench, as said seat the filter gasket hand-snug then no more than 3/4 turn.

rockingruvin - 05/06/19

Author

David Hodson

Member since: 14/04/10

150358 Reputation

14 comments

Excelente aporte David. Muy útil la información para realizarlo de una manera eficiante.

Saludos

JORGE ALVARADO - 14/02/17

My 07 ford focus ses has just surpassed the 300, 000 klm mark. Only idem I've had to replace is the alternator in the past year.

Car is still running flawlessly. Iam shooting

For 500,000 klms. Think I'll make it?

steveb.2088.sb - 11/03/17

How’s the car lasting?

BikeHelmet - 14/07/19

How's she running?

I just passed 217000

As rcics -

Thank you, especially for clear instructional photos :)

Anne - 24/08/17

Thanks,next Time I will service it myself.

Chris - 25/08/17

Great instructional presentation. Thanks a lot.

Capt. Michael B. Cuanzon

Michael Cuanzon - 20/04/18

This article gave me the confidence to go ahead and do the oil change myself for the first time. I wish I had always known how easy this is!

David - 24/08/18

1. Forgot to mention to park vehicle on level ground, turn off engine, wait at least 5 minutes & then check oil level.

2. The car engine roughly takes only 4 ½ quarts (4.3 L) of motor oil, With oil filter change. [otherwise you overfilled it.]

Joshua M Smith - 17/12/18

Could you please inform me is it possible to use in Ford Focus 2005 auto SL SX sedan the following oils:

5 l Valvoline SAE20W-50 API SG/CD

5l Valvoline Engine Armour Synthetic Blend for 15W-40 Motor oil

Yuri Annenkov - 31/01/19

Could you please inform me is it possible to use in Ford Focus 2005 auto SL SX sedan the following oils:

5 l Valvoline SAE20W-50 API SG/CD

5l Valvoline Engine Armour Synthetic Blend for 15W-40 Motor oil

Yuri Annenkov - 31/01/19

WOW! OUTSTANDING tutorial.

Sherri P2u - 03/06/19

This is well done, but why pour the extra quart in a non running engine? It wont touch anything except the bottom of the oil pan. It wont flush the oil gallerys, or anywhere the oil pump is designed to take the oil. I csn see using a flushing compound with the old oil and letting the engine run for a few minutes to flush it, but what does pouring oil in a non running engine do? If i am missing something please reply and let me know. I am admittedly not a mechanic, just wondering how this might work.

Jeffrey campione - 12/01/20

Hahaha he forgot to tell you people how to reset the oil indicater light cause if you keep driving it after an oil change or two it will come on. He forgot to mention that you have to put the ignition to the on position and to hold down the gas and brake pedal at the same time for roughly 20 seconds. Hope I could help.

WoLF SkY BLuE -