WD40’s Escape V6 Oil Change, “How To”
The original headline: “WD40’S OIL CHANGE 101 — click a thumbnail to get the party started.” Twelve steps, real photos, real notes from a 2003 Escape 3.0 L V6 4X4. The step photos are the ones that survived the 2004 web capture; the written instructions for every step are intact.
The twelve steps
- Step 01
On the ramps. Lock the 4X4 on, drive up, set the parking brake.
- Step 02photo lost
Tools. A 15 mm box end and a good drain pan.
- Step 03
The 15 mm drain plug. Yes, it really is metric — not 9/16 inch.
- Step 04photo lost
Latex gloves. Keeps hands clean — and that oil can be HOT.
- Step 05photo lost
Unthreading the plug. A little inward pressure; watch the last of the threads.
- Step 06photo lost
Placing the drain pan. Start far back; that oil shoots out.
- Step 07photo lost
Reaching the filter. Tight fit behind the radiator; a clamp-type wrench works.
- Step 08photo lost
Clean the filter mount. And wipe the oil off the exhaust first.
- Step 09photo lost
Wix 51372. Wet the gasket, pre-lube the filter, 3/4 turn past contact.
- Step 10photo lost
Fill with 5W-20. 5.5 quarts for the 3.0 V6 4X4; recheck the dipstick.
- Step 11
Wrench comparison. The clamp type works; a cap wrench is better.
- Step 12
Epilogue. Second change at ~9,000 mi with the Rite Fit A252 cap wrench.
- Drain plug: 15 mm (use a box end) — a 1”-long bolt
- Filter: Wix 51372 (wet the gasket before installing)
- Oil: Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend, 5.5 quarts (3.0 V6 4X4)
- Torque: hand-tighten the filter 3/4 turn past contact; finger-tight on the plug
- Wrench upgrade: 3/8”-drive cap wrench, Rite Fit A252 (93 mm × 15 flutes)