How to Change the Oil on a 2008 to 2012 Ford Escape

Changing the oil and oil filter in your 2008-2012 Ford Escape is a regular maintenance task that is meant to help maintain engine performance and protection to ensure a long engine life. The oil filter helps trap contaminants in the oil before it’s recirculated throughout your Escape’s engine to cool and lubricate the internal moving parts. It’s recommended that your Ford Escape’s oil filter be replaced during each oil change, in addition to adding fresh motor oil. Most 2008-2012 Ford Escape owner’s manuals suggest you change your SUV’s oil and oil filter when you see the Oil Change light illuminated on your dashboard, since your vehicle has an oil life monitoring system that continuously evaluates oil condition. You can also check the service manual for your Ford Escape, which details the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals. Avoiding oil changes can eventually lead to engine wear, damage, and failure. These detailed instructions and video can help you perform a complete oil change on your Ford Escape.

Tools and Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions to Change the Oil on Your 2008 to 2012 Ford Escape

Today, we’ll be changing the oil in this 2008 Escape XLT, and procedures will be similar for many Ford Escapes from 2008 to 2012, but be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Ford Escape up on lift supports in preparation for an oil change

Step 1: Raise the Front End of the Vehicle

Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature, or until the fan comes on. Then, turn off the engine. First, raise and support the front end of your vehicle with a jack.

Do It Right: Learn how to safely lift your vehicle with this How-To page: How to Safely Jack Up Your Vehicle

Black drain pan underneath a Ford Escape

Step 2: Place an Oil Drain Pan

Slide a drain pan into place under the drain plug.
Mechanic using a ratchet to remove a drain plug from under the vehicle

Step 3: Remove the Drain Plug

Use your ratchet and 13mm socket to remove the drain plug and let the oil run out completely.
Mechanic using a shop towel to wiper down all of the surfaces

Step 4: Wipe Any Excess Oil from Surfaces

Use a rag or shop towel to wipe any excess oil from around the opening. Then, wipe down the drain plug.
Mechanic using a ratchet to tighten the drain plug

Step 5: Replace the Drain Plug

Replace the drain plug and tighten it until secure.
Mechanic pointing at oil filter under the Ford Escape

Step 6: Locate the Oil Filter

Locate the oil filter and make sure your drain pan is directly under it.
Man using an extended wrench to loosen the oil filter

Step 7: Loosen the Oil Filter

Use the filter wrench to loosen it, if needed.
Mechanic holding the oil filter over the drain pan

Step 8: Remove the Oil Filter

Finish removing it by hand and pour the oil from the filter into the drain pan.

Do It Right: Wipe down the area where the filter was threaded and make sure the old o-ring came off with the filter.

Install the New Oil Filter & Add New Motor Oil

Mechanic using his finger to apply oil to the new oil filter’s o-ring

Step 9: Lubricate the New O-Ring

Lubricate the new o-ring with fresh oil.
Mechanic using an extended wrench to secure the new oil filter into place

Step 10: Install the New Oil Filter

Thread the new oil filter into place by hand. Once the o-ring is against the oil pan, give the filter three-quarters of a turn to secure it.
Mechanic in gloves holding onto the oil fill cap

Step 11: Locate the Oil Fill Cap

Open the hood and locate the oil fill cap. Remove the cap.
Mechanic pouring the motor oil into the vehicle

Step 12: Refill the Motor Oil

Refill the oil with the amount and type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. In our case, we’ll put in 3.7 quarts of 5W-20.
Man holding a dipstick up against a shop towel to check the oil level

Step 13: Check the Oil Level

Replace the oil fill cap and use the dipstick to check the oil level.

Do It Right: Start the engine and let it run for at least 3 minutes. Then, turn off the engine and check the oil level again.

Man bending down to look under the Ford Escape

Step 14: Check for Leaks

Make sure there are not any leaks under the vehicle. Once you are sure there are not any leaks, slide your drain pan out from under the car.
Mechanic closing the hood of the Ford Escape

Step 15: Lower the Vehicle and Close the Hood

It’s now safe to lower the front end and close the hood.
Man in blue gloves pointing at the setup and reset button

Step 16: Reset the Oil Life Indicator

To reset the oil life indicator, press and release the SETUP button twice until you see the “Oil Life Percentage Hold Reset” displayed. Press and hold the RESET button for two seconds or until “Oil Life Set to 100%” is displayed.

Additional Resources

These step-by-step instructions and detailed video show an oil filter replacement and oil change on a 2008 Ford Escape XLT, and will be similar for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Ford Escapes. Replacing the oil filter and old oil ensures there is fresh, filtered oil to properly cool and lubricate your Escape’s engine components. Low oil levels, a clogged oil filter, and dirty oil can all cause engine damage, so make sure to perform a complete oil change when the Oil Change light appears or at the interval recommended in your owner’s manual. If you notice reduced engine performance, oil pressure problems, or metallic noises from the engine, you can also perform oil changes more often to ensure the best engine performance and service life.


The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.