How do I change the oil in my van myself? Or is something like that even possible?

Question

I have a Ford Windstar '98 edition.

Answer 1

You can change it yourself, but you need to do something with the old oil, like take it to a parts store for recycling. Your van takes 5W-30 weight oil. 5 quarts of it, and a Motorcraft filter number FL-400S. The oil plug is on the rear of the oil pan and takes a 16mm wrench to remove. The oil filter is above the frame on the passenger side, just to the left of the right front tire. A quick lube is a good deal if a reputable shop. I don't even change my own oil, I buy my own oil and filter and have my vehicle changed in the quick lube at the Ford dealership I work at. I only pay four bucks labor to have it changed with my own supplies, and he greases the 10 grease fittings and tops off all my fluids on my van, it's worth four bucks to me. Ah, the advantages of employee discounts.

Answer 2

As stated before, Yes you can change your own oil. Just jack the vehicle and place jack-stands underneath the frame kinda toward the rear somewhat behind the front tires. There should be a round part of the sub-frame in that area. That is where you want the jack-stands. Next find the drain plug, it should be facing toward the rear. Remove the plug with a box-end wrench, preferably six-point. The hardest part is getting the filter out. It is a little longer than a soda can is tall and located just above the passenger side frame rail also facing rear. I don't know the Motor Craft part number but the Fram equivalent would be a PH3600 if I remember right.

Answer 3

Yeah it is very possible. Have you changed oil in a vehicle before? If not, pick up a copy of Popular Mechanics or go to their website to see what you might be getting yourself into. If you are still game, do a web search on oil changes and view a couple of websites. They are posted all over the place. The main things you will need are a jack and Jack-stands or a ramp, basic hand tools, oil filter wrench that fits your vehicles oil filter and plenty of rags and a drip pan or large shallow pan for you old oil that drains from your engine. All of the above is a one time cost, you will also need at least 4 quarts of oil and the proper filter. With practice you can complete an oil change in 30 min at home, but for the first time expect at least an hour. One last tip you can turn in your old oil for recycling at most auto parts stores, service facilities and oil change shops. Don't dump it on the ground or into storm drains. You can take it to them in a one gallon jug or something like that. Good luck !

By the way, I do sometimes go to the quick change places myself. You may not save a bunch of money, but you know the oil was really changed, and the job was done right.

Some quick change shops don't change your oil or filter, and still charge you. Thats if your lucky, they also screw up cars while servicing them too. Always double check their work.

Answer 4

You will need to buy an oil filter and approximately 5 quarts of oil. You will need to read the owners manual on your vehicle if you really want to do it. If you take it to one of the chain oil changers it will only cost you about $5 to $10 more depending if you clip a coupon. You will need a drainage pan to catch the oil that you are draining. You will need a ratchet with the correct size attachment to take out the oil screw to drain the old oil. Then you will need to replace the old oil filter with a new one. Remember to put some of the old oil on the rubber casket of the new oil filter before installing it. You will need to get the oil and filter at your local auto store. there are books there where you can look up the model and year of your vehicle and it will tell you which one you need. Like I said unless you have the extra time on your hands to do this. I would suggest just taking it to the oil changing place to get it done. change it every 3000 - 5000 miles. Do not go over that or you may burn up your engine. Hope this help. below is a web site that tell you about car maintenance.

Answer 5

You must get up under the car and take a screw out that is holding the oil in. Be sure to put a big pan underneath to catch all the oil as it's very bad for the environment. Then after it is done draining put the screw back in. Change the oil filter, then pour your new oil back in. That simple ;)

Answer 6

At the quick change places the maechanic only make $3-6 for the service. By the time you get the oil filter and whatever else is needed plus clean-up they are realy very reasonable then you have to properly dispose of the old oil.
The actual job itself isn't hard , sometimes messy. several others have just basicly explained how to do it. good luck.
By the way I am a mechanic and sometimes take my own to the Quicky shops.

Answer 7

Yes it is possible. But by the time you buy at the stuff to do it with you can pay a Oil Change place to do it, without all the mess. They are very reasonable.

Answer 8

Its easy- Jack up the van, pull the plug and drain the oil. Yank out the filter, put a new one in, and refill the crankcase with new oil.

Answer 9

It is easy, but not as easy (or even as cheap) as letting WalMart or a Quick-oil change facility do it.
I have been in the car biz for 30 years and I don't bother changing my own oil anymore.

Answer 10

You can do it, as indicated by other responders, but it is messy, you have to get under the vehicle, and you have to do something with the old oil. For the slight extra cost of having a mechanic do it, I prefer that.