Tune-Up - Major

Complete major tune-up for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 including spark plug replacement, ignition coil inspection, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, PCV valve service, throttle body cleaning, and engine oil change.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Spark plugs (Set of 6) × 6 — Motorcraft SP-546 or equivalent iridium plugs
• Engine air filter × 1 — Motorcraft FA-1927
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-910S
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PCV valve × 1 — Motorcraft EV-273
• Cabin air filter (optional) × 1 — Motorcraft FP-67

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands if accessing oil drain plug from below
4. Open hood and prop securely
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electrical issues
6. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retention clips (no tools required)
7. Gather all parts and verify spark plug gap specifications before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake system
   Disconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Release the air box clips securing the intake tube to the air filter housing. Remove the intake tube from the throttle body to air box. Remove air box mounting bolts and lift air box assembly out of engine bay.
   Torque spec

   Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Replace engine air filter
   Open air filter housing by releasing clips or removing screws. Remove old air filter and inspect housing for debris. Clean housing interior with a dry cloth if needed. Install new air filter ensuring proper seating in housing. Secure housing cover.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove ignition coils
   Locate all six ignition coils on top of the engine (three per cylinder bank). Disconnect electrical connector from each coil by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Remove the single mounting bolt from each coil. Carefully pull each coil straight up with a twisting motion to break the seal. Inspect coil boots for cracks or carbon tracking and replace coils if damaged.
   ⚠Mark or photograph coil positions and connections before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove old spark plugs
   Use compressed air or a clean cloth to remove debris from around spark plug wells to prevent contamination. Using a spark plug socket with extension, carefully unthread each spark plug counterclockwise. Remove plugs slowly to avoid dropping debris into cylinders. Inspect old plugs for abnormal wear, oil fouling, or incorrect gap which may indicate engine issues.
   ⚠Never force spark plugs. If resistance is felt, stop and verify you are turning counterclockwise and that plug is not cross-threaded.
5. 5

   Install new spark plugs
   Verify new spark plugs are gapped to specification (0.030-0.032 inches). Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads (avoid getting any on electrode). Hand-thread each spark plug clockwise into cylinder head, being extremely careful not to cross-thread. Once hand-tight, use torque wrench to tighten spark plugs to manufacturer specification. Note: Ford does not provide specific torque for these plugs - tighten to 1/16 turn (about 6 degrees) past hand-tight for previously installed plugs, or 1/4 turn for new plugs in new holes.
   ⚠️Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads will require expensive head repair. Always start threading by hand and stop immediately if resistance is felt.
6. 6

   Reinstall ignition coils
   Apply small amount of dielectric grease to inside of coil boots. Align each coil over its corresponding spark plug and press down firmly until coil seats completely. Install mounting bolt for each coil and torque to specification. Reconnect electrical connector to each coil, ensuring positive click engagement.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Service PCV valve
   Locate PCV valve on driver's side valve cover (integrated into valve cover on EcoBoost). Disconnect PCV hose from valve cover by releasing clamp and pulling hose off. Remove PCV valve by twisting counterclockwise and pulling out. Install new PCV valve by pressing in and twisting clockwise to lock. Reconnect PCV hose and secure with clamp.
   ℹ️Some 3.5L EcoBoost engines have integrated PCV systems that are not serviceable separately. Verify your specific engine configuration before ordering parts.
8. 8

   Clean throttle body
   Locate throttle body on intake manifold. Ensure ignition is off and battery is disconnected. Open throttle plate manually by hand. Spray throttle body cleaner onto throttle plate and bore, avoiding sensors. Use clean cloth to wipe away carbon deposits. Allow cleaner to evaporate completely before proceeding. Do not force throttle plate.
   ⚠Do not spray cleaner directly on throttle position sensor or other electronic components. Damage may result.
9. 9

   Drain engine oil
   Position drain pan under oil drain plug on bottom of oil pan. Using appropriate socket, loosen drain plug counterclockwise and remove by hand once loose. Allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10-15 minutes). Once drained, inspect drain plug threads and sealing surface. Remove old crush washer from drain plug and install new crush washer. Thread drain plug in by hand to verify proper threading, then torque to specification.
   ⚠Engine oil may still be warm even after extended cooling period. Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin contact.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Replace oil filter
    Locate oil filter on driver's side of engine block. Position drain pan under filter to catch residual oil. Using oil filter wrench, turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Allow oil to drain from filter mounting surface. Clean mounting surface with clean cloth. Apply thin film of clean engine oil to rubber gasket on new filter. Thread new filter onto mounting surface by hand, turning clockwise. Once gasket contacts mounting surface, tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn by hand only. Do not use filter wrench to tighten.
    ⚠Do not overtighten oil filter. Hand-tight plus 3/4 turn is sufficient. Overtightening may damage gasket and cause leaks.
11. 11

    Refill engine oil
    Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised. Using funnel, add 5.5 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 full synthetic oil through oil filler cap opening. Wait 2 minutes for oil to drain into pan, then check dipstick level. Add remaining oil in small increments until level reaches full mark on dipstick. Install oil filler cap securely.
    ℹ️Total capacity is 6 quarts with filter. Add 5.5 quarts initially and check level to avoid overfilling.
12. 12

    Reinstall air intake system
    Position air box assembly in engine bay and install mounting bolts, torquing to specification. Connect intake tube to air box and throttle body, ensuring secure fit. Fasten air box clips to secure intake tube. Reconnect mass airflow sensor electrical connector, ensuring positive engagement.
    Torque spec

    Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Align engine cover over engine and press down firmly on mounting points until clips engage. Reconnect negative battery terminal. Ensure all tools and parts have been removed from engine bay.
    ℹ️After reconnecting battery, some vehicles may require throttle body relearn procedure. This typically involves turning ignition to ON position (not starting) for 30 seconds, then OFF for 30 seconds, repeating 3 times.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
2. Confirm engine cover is fully secured to all mounting points
3. Double-check that no tools or materials remain in engine bay
4. Ensure air intake system is properly sealed with no loose connections

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
• Check for oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter after 30 seconds of running
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no check engine light illuminates
• Monitor oil pressure gauge or warning light to confirm proper oil pressure
• Listen for any unusual noises from ignition system or engine operation
• After initial test run, shut off engine and recheck oil level on dipstick - adjust if necessary
• Clear any stored diagnostic codes if throttle body was cleaned (codes may set during cleaning process)
• Test drive vehicle to verify smooth acceleration and no performance issues
• After test drive, perform final inspection under hood for leaks or loose connections

More procedures for this vehicle