How do I add engine oil to my Ford?

You should check your vehicle’s oil level every time you fill up the fuel tank. You can find tips and instructions for checking the oil level and adding engine oil below.

Preparing to Check the Oil Level

• Get a metal or plastic oil-fill funnel, an oil rag, and one or two quarts of the vehicle's correct grade of oil. You can find the grade in your Owner’s Manual.
• Park the vehicle on level ground. If the vehicle is not level, the oil level may be incorrect when you check it.
• Turn your engine off and then wait 10 minutes so all the engine’s oil drains into the oil pan.
• Roll up or remove loose clothing, and keep your arms away from the cooling fan(s) when checking the oil. Fans can turn on automatically, even when the engine is off.

Checking and Adding Motor Oil  

1. Open the hood and find the oil dipstick. It’s near the engine and usually has a brightly colored handle. If uncertain, refer to your vehicle's Owner Manual for the exact location of the dipstick and fill location.
2. Pull the dipstick out, wipe the metal section clean with a rag, then fully insert it and remove it, your oil level is the highest point on the dipstick that is coated with oil.
   Note: If the oil level is between “MIN” and “MAX,” you don’t need to add oil and can replace the dipstick and close the hood. If the oil level is at or below “MIN,” you will need to add oil now.
3. Find the oil fill location. It may have an oil can icon on it. 
4. Remove the fill cap and place the small end of the funnel into the fill hole.
5. Pour in roughly a quarter of the container.
6. Wait a minute for the oil to drain into the pan.
7. Repeat Step 2 until the dipstick shows oil at or just below the “MAX” mark.
   Important: Add oil in small amounts, and never add oil past the dipstick’s “MAX” level. Too much oil in your engine can be just as bad as too little.
8. Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick and oil fill cap. Make sure both are fully secured in place, then close the hood.

Quick Tip

Your motor oil should be changed every 5,000-10,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s model year and driving conditions. Many newer Fords have an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor System that can help you keep track of when an oil change is needed.

Between changes, your vehicle’s oil level can drop a bit within the normal range. However, if it drops to the “MIN” mark or lower between oil changes, you should take the vehicle to your Ford Dealer.

Additional Information

Are there coupons for having your oil changed at the dealer?
How often should I change the engine oil?
What is the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor System?