maintenance

Tune-Up - Major

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.9 h
Tools
15
Steps
12
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Complete major tune-up service including spark plugs, ignition coils, air filter, cabin filter, fuel filter, PCV valve, throttle body cleaning, and engine oil change for the 5.0L Coyote V8.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Exhaust manifolds and spark plugs can remain dangerously hot for over an hour after engine shutdown.
Spark plug removal on aluminum heads requires precise torque. Over-tightening can strip threads; under-tightening can cause plug ejection and catastrophic engine damage.
Do not disconnect battery without consulting owner's manual. Modern F-150s may require reset procedures for various electronic systems after reconnection.
ℹ️2015-2020 F-150 5.0L V8 may have in-tank fuel filter that is not serviceable separately. Verify your specific model year filter configuration before purchasing parts.

Tools required

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

  • Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 7.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
  3. Raise front of vehicle with jack and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
  4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on integrated clips (no tools required)
  5. Gather all parts, fluids, and tools before beginning
  6. Document any existing engine codes with OBD-II scanner for reference

Procedure

  1. 1
    Replace engine air filter
    Open hood and locate air filter housing on driver's side of engine bay. Release metal clips on both sides of air box and lift lid. Remove old air filter, clean any debris from housing with shop towel, and install new filter ensuring proper seating. Close lid and secure clips.
    Torque spec
    Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Replace cabin air filter
    Open passenger door and locate cabin filter access panel behind glove box. Remove glove box by pressing sides inward to release stop tabs. Slide out old cabin filter from housing, noting airflow direction arrow. Insert new filter with arrow pointing toward rear of vehicle. Reinstall glove box.
  3. 3
    Drain engine oil
    From under vehicle, locate oil drain plug on passenger side of oil pan. Position drain pan underneath. Remove drain plug with socket wrench and allow oil to drain completely (10-15 minutes). Inspect old crush washer and drain plug threads for damage. Clean drain plug and install new crush washer.
    Used engine oil may still be warm. Wear gloves to prevent skin contact with hot oil and contaminants.
    Torque spec
    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Replace oil filter
    Locate oil filter on driver's side of engine block, above frame rail. Use oil filter wrench to remove old filter by turning counterclockwise. Clean filter mounting surface on engine block. Apply thin film of fresh oil to new filter gasket. Hand-thread new filter clockwise until gasket contacts, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand only.
  5. 5
    Remove ignition coils
    Working from front to back, disconnect electrical connector from each ignition coil by pressing release tab and pulling straight up. Remove single 8mm bolt securing each coil. Gently twist and pull each coil straight up from spark plug well. Place coils in order to match cylinder position if reusing. Inspect coil boots for cracks or carbon tracking.
    ℹ️Coils may be tight in the wells. Avoid excessive force that could damage ceramic insulators. Use gentle rocking motion while pulling.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove and inspect spark plugs
    Use compressed air or shop vacuum to clean debris from around each spark plug before removal. Using 16mm or 5/8" spark plug socket with extension, carefully loosen each plug 1/4 turn to break free, then unthread completely. Remove plugs and inspect electrodes and ceramic for abnormal wear, oil fouling, or damage. Compare gap on old plugs to new plugs (should be 0.040").
    Never force spark plug removal. If plug binds, stop immediately and apply penetrating oil. Let soak 30 minutes before retry to prevent thread damage.
  7. 7
    Install new spark plugs
    Verify new spark plugs are pre-gapped to 0.040" (do not adjust if factory set). Apply small amount of anti-seize to threads only, avoiding electrode end. Hand-thread each plug clockwise into cylinder head until finger-tight, ensuring plug starts straight. Using torque wrench and spark plug socket, tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft). Do not over-torque.
    Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads will cause expensive damage. Always start plugs by hand and ensure smooth threading before using tools.
  8. 8
    Reinstall ignition coils
    Apply small dab of dielectric grease inside each coil boot. Align each coil with its spark plug and press down firmly until fully seated with audible click. Install retaining bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect electrical connector to each coil, ensuring positive engagement click.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Replace PCV valve
    Locate PCV valve in driver's side valve cover, integrated into oil separator. Disconnect hose from valve by pressing release tab or pulling firmly. Twist and pull PCV valve from grommet in valve cover. Clean area around grommet. Install new PCV valve by pushing firmly into grommet until seated. Reconnect hose ensuring secure fit.
  10. 10
    Clean throttle body
    Disconnect air intake tube from throttle body by loosening hose clamp. Using throttle body cleaner spray and clean shop towel, carefully clean carbon buildup from throttle plate and bore. Do not force throttle plate open; allow it to move naturally. Avoid spraying cleaner directly on throttle position sensor or electronics. Wipe clean and allow to air dry before reconnecting intake tube.
    ℹ️Electronic throttle bodies are sensitive. Do not use abrasive tools or excessive force on throttle plate as this will damage calibration.
  11. 11
    Refill engine oil
    Lower vehicle from jack stands. Remove oil filler cap on driver's side valve cover. Using funnel, add 7.0 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 full synthetic oil. Install filler cap. Start engine and run for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 2 minutes for oil to settle, then check dipstick. Add remaining oil to bring level between MIN and MAX marks (typically 0.5 quart). Check for leaks around drain plug and filter.
  12. 12
    Perform idle relearn procedure
    Start engine and allow to idle in park for 3 minutes without touching accelerator pedal. Turn off engine and wait 10 seconds. Restart and allow to idle for additional 2 minutes. This allows PCM to relearn idle characteristics after throttle body cleaning. Monitor for smooth idle and proper engine operation.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down until secure
  2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully engaged with audible click
  3. Check that no tools or parts are left in engine compartment
  4. Dispose of used oil and filter at approved recycling facility

Verification

  • Check engine oil level on dipstick after engine reaches operating temperature; level should be between MIN and MAX marks
  • Verify no oil leaks present at drain plug, oil filter, or valve covers after 5-minute test drive
  • Scan for diagnostic trouble codes with OBD-II scanner; no new codes should be present
  • Confirm smooth idle with no misfires or rough running conditions
  • Test drive vehicle and verify improved throttle response and acceleration
  • Check that all warning lights on instrument cluster are functioning normally
  • Verify engine runs smoothly through entire RPM range without hesitation or misfires
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More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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