2012 FORD F-150

5.0L V8 Coyote4WDAUTOMATICgas
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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maintenance

90K Service

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
5.2 h
Tools
14
Steps
15

Complete 90,000 mile scheduled maintenance service including fluid changes, filter replacements, and comprehensive inspection for the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L Coyote V8 engine and 4WD system.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine and exhaust components to cool completely before beginning work. Hot oil and components can cause severe burns.
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands on solid, level ground.
Gear oils are highly viscous and difficult to drain when cold. Warm the vehicle by driving 5-10 minutes for easier draining.
Dispose of all used fluids according to local environmental regulations. Most auto parts stores accept used oil and fluids for recycling.
ℹ️Front differential fill plug is located higher than drain plug. Vehicle must be level during fill procedure.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack stands (rated for truck weight)Essential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric and SAE)Essential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Fluid transfer pumpEssential
Drain pans (multiple, at least 8 quart capacity)Essential
Funnel setEssential
Oil filter pliers or strap wrench
Spark plug socket (16mm or 5/8 inch)Essential
Spark plug gap toolEssential
Ratchet extensions (3 inch and 6 inch)Essential
Inspection light or flashlightEssential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
Shop ragsEssential

Parts

  • Engine oil filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-910S or equivalent
  • Engine air filter × 1 — Motorcraft FA-1927 or equivalent
  • Cabin air filter × 1 — Motorcraft FP-67 or equivalent
  • Spark plugs (SP-546 equivalent) × 8 — Motorcraft SP-546 or equivalent platinum
  • Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Front differential drain plug seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Rear differential drain plug seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Transfer case drain plug seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Engine Oil — 7.5 qt
  • 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (Front Differential) — 1.5 qt
  • Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil (Rear Differential) — 2 qt
  • Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid — 2.5 qt
  • Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt
  • Motorcraft MERCON LV (Power Steering) — 0.25 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Allow engine and drivetrain to cool if recently driven (wait at least 30 minutes)
  3. Gather all required tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
  4. Raise vehicle using floor jack and secure with jack stands at all four corners, ensuring vehicle is level
  5. Remove all four wheels for brake and suspension inspection access
  6. Place drain pans strategically under vehicle for multiple fluid changes

Procedure

  1. 1
    Engine oil and filter change
    Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Remove drain plug and allow oil to drain completely into drain pan (approximately 10 minutes). Install new crush washer on drain plug and reinstall. Remove oil filter using filter wrench (located on driver side of engine block). Apply thin film of clean oil to new filter gasket, install new filter hand-tight plus 3/4 turn. Fill engine with 7.5 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil through oil filler cap.
  2. 2
    Replace engine air filter
    Open hood and locate air box assembly on driver side of engine bay. Release air box clips and remove cover. Remove old air filter element and inspect air box housing for debris. Clean housing if necessary. Install new air filter ensuring proper seating in housing. Replace cover and secure clips.
  3. 3
    Replace cabin air filter
    Open passenger door and locate cabin filter access panel behind glove box. Remove screws securing access panel. Slide out old cabin air filter noting airflow direction arrow. Insert new cabin air filter with airflow arrow pointing in same direction. Reinstall access panel.
  4. 4
    Replace spark plugs
    Remove ignition coil connectors by pressing release tabs. Remove mounting bolts securing each coil-on-plug assembly using socket and extension. Carefully pull coils straight out from valve cover. Use spark plug socket with extension to remove all 8 spark plugs. Check and gap new spark plugs to 0.052-0.056 inches. Apply small amount of anti-seize to spark plug threads (avoid electrode area). Hand thread each spark plug, then torque to specification. Reinstall ignition coils in reverse order.
    Do not over-torque spark plugs in aluminum heads. Follow torque specifications precisely to avoid thread damage.
  5. 5
    Front differential fluid service
    Locate front differential on front axle assembly (pumpkin shape in center). Clean area around drain plug and fill plug. Remove fill plug first to ensure it's not seized. Remove drain plug with new seal ready and drain fluid into pan. Once drained, install drain plug with new seal. Using fluid transfer pump, fill differential with 1.5 quarts of 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil through fill hole until fluid begins to drip from fill hole. Install fill plug with new seal.
    ℹ️Always remove fill plug before drain plug. If fill plug is seized and drain plug already removed, differential cannot be refilled.
  6. 6
    Rear differential fluid service
    Locate rear differential under rear of vehicle. Clean area around drain plug and fill plug on differential cover. Remove fill plug first. Remove drain plug with new seal ready and drain fluid completely. Install drain plug with new seal. Using fluid transfer pump, fill differential with 2.0 quarts of Motorcraft 75W-140 synthetic gear oil through fill hole until fluid reaches bottom of fill hole threads. Install fill plug with new seal.
  7. 7
    Transfer case fluid service
    Locate transfer case on driver side of transmission (behind engine). Clean area around drain and fill plugs. Remove fill plug first to verify access. Remove drain plug with new seal ready and drain fluid completely into drain pan. Install drain plug with new seal. Using fluid transfer pump, fill transfer case with 2.5 quarts of Motorcraft transfer case fluid through fill hole until fluid reaches bottom of fill hole. Install fill plug with new seal.
  8. 8
    Brake system inspection and fluid top-off
    Inspect all four brake rotors for scoring, minimum thickness, and warping. Inspect brake pads for remaining thickness (replace if less than 3mm). Check brake lines and hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Inspect brake calipers for fluid leaks around piston seals. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir under hood. If low, top off with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to MAX line. Inspect fluid color (should be clear to light amber; dark fluid indicates contamination).
    Do not reuse brake fluid. Always use fresh brake fluid from a sealed container as it absorbs moisture from air.
  9. 9
    Power steering fluid check
    Locate power steering reservoir on passenger side of engine bay. Check fluid level on dipstick (engine cold). Fluid should be between MIN and MAX marks. If low, add Motorcraft MERCON LV to bring to proper level. Inspect power steering hoses and pump for leaks or damage.
    ℹ️2011-2014 F-150 5.0L uses hydraulic power steering, not electric. Verify fluid type before adding.
  10. 10
    Suspension and steering inspection
    With vehicle raised and wheels removed, inspect all suspension components. Check ball joints for excessive play by grasping tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock. Check tie rod ends for looseness. Inspect shock absorbers for leaks or damage. Check sway bar links and bushings for wear. Inspect control arm bushings for cracking or deterioration. Check CV axle boots (4WD) for tears or grease leaks.
    Torn CV boots require immediate replacement to prevent joint failure. Do not drive extended distances with damaged boots.
  11. 11
    Tire rotation and inspection
    Inspect all four tires for tread depth (minimum 4/32 inch), uneven wear patterns, cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. Check tire sidewalls for cracks or damage. Rotate tires according to 4WD rotation pattern: front left to rear right, front right to rear left, rear left to front left, rear right to front right. Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final lug nut torque check.
  12. 12
    Coolant system inspection
    With engine cold, inspect coolant level in overflow reservoir (should be at FULL COLD mark). Check coolant color (should be orange for Motorcraft Orange Coolant). Inspect all coolant hoses for cracks, softness, or bulging. Check hose clamps for tightness. Inspect radiator for leaks or damage. Check water pump for leaks around weep hole. Pressure test cooling system if any leaks are suspected.
    ⚠️Never open radiator cap or coolant reservoir when engine is hot. Pressurized coolant can cause severe burns.
  13. 13
    Belt and hose inspection
    Inspect serpentine belt for cracks, fraying, glazing, or missing ribs. Check belt tension using manual deflection test (should deflect 1/2 inch with moderate thumb pressure at longest span). Inspect belt tensioner for proper operation and smooth movement. Check all accessible hoses (vacuum, PCV, breather) for cracks or deterioration. Inspect engine mounts for cracks or separation.
    ℹ️Serpentine belt should be replaced if any cracks are visible or if belt shows more than 10% material loss on ribs.
  14. 14
    Battery and electrical system check
    Inspect battery terminals for corrosion (clean if necessary with baking soda solution). Check battery hold-down bracket for tightness. Test battery voltage with multimeter (should read 12.4-12.7 volts with engine off). Inspect alternator belt area for oil leaks. Check all exterior lights for proper operation (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights). Inspect wiper blades for cracking or tearing.
    Disconnect negative battery terminal before cleaning terminals to prevent short circuits.
  15. 15
    Final fluid level verification and test drive
    Start engine and verify oil pressure gauge reads normal. Check for oil leaks around drain plug and filter. Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant leaks. Recheck all differential and transfer case fill plugs for seeps. Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature (dipstick located at rear of engine on passenger side). Set tire pressures to specification on door jamb sticker. Perform test drive to verify proper operation of all systems. Recheck all fluid levels after test drive.
    ℹ️Oil pressure light should extinguish within 2-3 seconds of starting. If light remains on, shut off engine immediately and investigate.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all drain plugs and fill plugs are torqued to specification with new seals installed
  2. Verify all ignition coils are fully seated and electrical connectors are secured
  3. Confirm all air box clips and filter covers are properly secured
  4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern after lowering vehicle
  5. Reset oil life monitor using instrument cluster menu or scan tool if equipped

Verification

  • Start engine and verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
  • Check under vehicle for any fluid leaks from drain plugs or filters after 5 minutes of engine run time
  • Verify engine oil level is between MIN and MAX marks on dipstick with engine off
  • Confirm all tire pressures match door jamb specifications
  • Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, verifying smooth operation, no unusual noises, and proper shifting
  • Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off if necessary
  • Verify brake pedal feels firm with no unusual travel or softness
  • Document service completion with mileage and date for maintenance records

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