engine

Oil Level Sensor

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
8
Steps
10

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the oil level sensor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot oil and components can cause severe burns.
Oil will drain from the sensor opening when removed. Have drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
ℹ️The oil level sensor is located on the driver side of the oil pan near the front. Access is from underneath the vehicle.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain panEssential
Shop towels or ragsEssential
Vehicle jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Flathead screwdriver or pick tool
Brake cleaner or degreaser

Parts

  • Oil level sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification (Motorcraft DY1303 or equivalent)
  • Oil level sensor O-ring × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

  • Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 0.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
  2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  4. Raise front of vehicle using jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
  5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath
  6. Position oil drain pan beneath oil pan on driver side

Procedure

  1. 1
    Locate the oil level sensor
    From underneath the vehicle on the driver side, locate the oil level sensor mounted to the side of the oil pan near the front. The sensor has a single electrical connector on top and is threaded into the oil pan housing.
  2. 2
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press down on the connector lock tab and pull the electrical connector straight off the oil level sensor. If connector is stubborn, gently work it side to side while pulling. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
  3. 3
    Clean around sensor
    Use shop towels and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean around the sensor mounting area. Remove any accumulated dirt, oil residue, or debris to prevent contamination when the sensor is removed.
  4. 4
    Remove old oil level sensor
    Position drain pan directly under the sensor. Using a 10mm socket, turn the sensor counterclockwise to unthread it from the oil pan. Expect approximately 1/4 to 1/2 quart of oil to drain from the opening. Remove sensor completely and allow oil to drain into pan.
  5. 5
    Inspect sensor mounting hole
    Once oil drainage has slowed, inspect the threaded hole in the oil pan for debris, old gasket material, or metal shavings. Clean threads with a shop towel if necessary. Verify threads are not damaged or stripped.
  6. 6
    Prepare new sensor
    Remove new oil level sensor from packaging. Verify new O-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean engine oil to aid installation. Do not use excessive lubricant.
  7. 7
    Install new oil level sensor
    Thread the new sensor into the oil pan by hand, turning clockwise until finger tight. Ensure sensor threads in smoothly without resistance. If binding occurs, remove and check for cross-threading or debris.
    Torque spec
    Oil Level Sensor15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Torque sensor to specification
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the oil level sensor to 15.0 Nm (11.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor housing or oil pan threads.
    Torque spec
    Oil Level Sensor15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new sensor until the lock tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
  10. 10
    Lower vehicle and check oil level
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Open hood and check engine oil level using dipstick. Add oil as necessary to bring level to the full mark, accounting for the oil lost during sensor replacement (approximately 0.5 quart).

Reassembly

  1. Ensure electrical connector is fully engaged with positive click
  2. Wipe down any spilled oil from underneath vehicle and surrounding components
  3. Dispose of used oil properly at a recycling center or service facility

Verification

  • Start engine and allow to idle for 30 seconds, then shut off
  • Check for oil leaks around the sensor mounting area
  • Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine and verify no oil level warning light or messages appear on instrument cluster
  • If equipped with digital oil level monitoring, check oil level reading through instrument cluster menu to verify sensor is functioning
  • Recheck oil level after test and top off if necessary

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