DIYers Take Note - the 2019 Ford Ranger's Oil Change Procedure Contains a Big Extra Step [UPDATED]

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Ever swapped out the battery in a cloud-car Chrysler, or maybe an old Sebring or PT Cruiser? You’ll be reminded of that when the time comes to change your new-generation Ford Ranger’s oil, assuming you’re a proud member of the DIY crowd.

Job One for those looking to freshen the Ranger’s internal lubricant, besides heading to the store for a couple of jugs of synthetic and a filter, is to break out the jack. You’ll need to remove a wheel.

(Editor’s Note: Ford has reached out to us to inform us that the service procedure we referenced below is incorrect, and that the wheel does not need to be removed. We regret the error, and we have further addressed it here.)

Because the 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder found in the 2019 Ranger isn’t exactly the same beast as that found in other Ford vehicles, the oil filter migrates to a slightly new location. A larger oil cooler means the filter no longer hangs towards the oil pan near the rear of the engine. Instead, the filter sticks out the left side, at right angles to the engine’s cylinders, making it less accessible for fumbling hands.

Sliding under there and going to town just isn’t in the cards, at least for the oil filter phase of the operation.

A service procedure obtained by TTAC states that, after removing the left front wheel, a technician or owner must then remove an access panel secured by nine push-pin retainers. From there, one removes the filter with an end cap tool. To actually drain the oil, which of course you’ll accomplish before attacking that filter, you’ll first need to unbolt the power steering control module underbody shield. Four bolts hold that on.

In all, there’s quite a few steps to take before replenishing the truck’s 6.2 quarts of 5W-30.

Tailoring the 2.3L for Ranger duty produced a setup that isn’t likely to annoy those who can’t be bothered to change their own oil — which, let’s face it, represents the vast majority of vehicle owners. They’ll just be happy to have 270 hp and 310 lb-ft to push their rig around. Maybe they’ll stop to boast to their friends about that 26 mpg highway rating, too. Ford would love it if they did.

For others, or perhaps the truck’s second or third owner, this oil change procedure sets the Ranger apart from domestic and foreign rivals, none of which require the removal of a wheel. At worst, there’ll be a skid plate or shield to get out of the way. The V6 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins make up for their lacklustre interior with an oil filter that’s accessible from under the hood. Less time spent on one’s back on cold pavement is a good thing, but there’s tradeoffs for everything.

[Image: Chad Kirchner/TTAC, Ford Motor Company]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Jeff S Jeff S on Jan 06, 2019

    I remember those filters. My granddad's 63 IH had a cartridge one that had a drain plug on it as well as having the usual drain plug. The filter was huge much like a tractor filter on the old gas tractors. My parents 64 Impala wagon had a cartridge filter as well. I heard about using the roll of toilet paper but that would be all over the inside of a engine. My father's 62 Chevy II had a spin on filter.

    • See 1 previous
    • JD-Shifty JD-Shifty on Jan 06, 2019

      Art Vandelay, you hang out on bobistheoilguy much? lol

  • Mountainman Mountainman on Jan 06, 2019

    Ranger off my list. No way I am taking off a tire and the wheel well clips to change the oil. Same reason I am getting rid of the wife's Acadia the next time the headlight goes out. Don't fuck with the department of DIY, Mr. Anderson....

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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