maintenance
60K Service
for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.6 h
Tools
12
Steps
13
Complete 60,000-mile scheduled maintenance service including engine oil change, filter replacements, fluid inspections, and multi-point inspection for the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠Engine oil and components may be hot if engine was recently running. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before beginning work.
⚠The 3.5L EcoBoost engine uses low-viscosity 0W-20 oil. Using incorrect oil weight can cause turbocharger damage.
ℹ️This service interval assumes normal driving conditions. Severe service conditions may require more frequent maintenance.
Tools required
3/8" drive ratchet and socket setEssential
Torque wrench (5-150 Nm range)Essential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Oil drain pan (8+ quart capacity)Essential
Floor jack and jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Funnel for fluidsEssential
Flat blade screwdriver set
Shop towels or ragsEssential
Flashlight or inspection lightEssential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
Battery terminal cleaner
Parts
- Engine oil filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-500-S or equivalent
- Engine air filter × 1 — Motorcraft FA-1927 or equivalent
- Cabin air filter × 1 — Motorcraft FP-71 or equivalent
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 6 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- If engine was running, allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes
- Gather all tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
- Review vehicle owner's manual for any specific service bulletins or recalls
Procedure
- 1Raise and secure vehicleUsing floor jack, lift front of vehicle at designated jacking points near front crossmember. Place jack stands under frame rails behind front wheels. Gently lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working underneath. Remove front wheels if additional access is needed for inspection.
- 2Drain engine oilLocate oil drain plug on bottom of oil pan. Position drain pan underneath. Using appropriate socket, loosen drain plug slowly and remove by hand once loose. Allow oil to drain completely (approximately 5-10 minutes). Inspect drain plug threads and oil pan threads for damage. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.⚠Hot oil can cause severe burns. Ensure engine has cooled sufficiently before draining.
- 3Replace oil filterLocate oil filter on driver's side of engine block, below exhaust manifold. Position drain pan underneath filter. Using oil filter wrench, turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Clean oil filter mounting surface on engine block with shop towel. Apply thin film of clean engine oil to rubber gasket on new filter. Install new filter by hand, turning clockwise until gasket contacts mounting surface, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn.
- 4Install drain plug and refill engine oilInstall new crush washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug into oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Torque to specification using torque wrench. Remove oil filler cap on top of driver's side valve cover. Using funnel, add 5.5 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 full synthetic oil initially. Install oil filler cap. Start engine and let idle for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 5 minutes for oil to settle, then check dipstick and add remaining oil to reach full mark.
- 5Replace engine air filterOpen hood and locate air filter housing on passenger side of engine bay. Release clips securing air box cover (typically 4-6 clips). Lift cover and remove old air filter. Inspect air box housing for debris or dirt and clean if necessary. Install new air filter ensuring proper seating with no gaps. Replace cover and secure all clips.
- 6Replace cabin air filterOpen passenger door and locate cabin air filter access panel behind glove box. Remove glove box by releasing side stops (squeeze inward). Remove cabin air filter access door by releasing tabs. Slide out old cabin air filter, noting airflow direction arrow. Clean filter housing if needed. Install new cabin air filter with airflow arrow pointing toward rear of vehicle. Reinstall access door and glove box.
- 7Inspect brake fluidLocate brake fluid reservoir on driver's side of engine bay near firewall. Check fluid level against MIN/MAX marks on translucent reservoir. Inspect fluid color; it should be clear to light amber. If fluid is dark brown or black, recommend brake fluid flush service. Verify reservoir cap seal is intact and reinstall securely.ℹ️Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. If fluid has not been changed in 3 years, recommend complete flush.
- 8Inspect coolant systemWith engine cool, inspect coolant overflow tank on passenger side of engine bay. Verify coolant level is between MIN and MAX marks. Inspect coolant color; Motorcraft Orange coolant should be bright orange. Check all visible hoses for cracks, swelling, or leaks. Inspect radiator and intercooler for damage or debris. On 3.5L EcoBoost, pay special attention to charge air cooler and associated hoses for leaks.⚠️Never open cooling system when hot. Pressurized coolant can cause severe burns.
- 9Inspect rear differential fluidFrom underneath vehicle, locate rear differential fill plug on front face of differential housing. Check for any leaks around differential cover, axle seals, and pinion seal. If RWD model shows leaks or has not had differential service in 100k miles, recommend differential fluid service. Standard 60k service does not require differential fluid change unless towing or severe service.
- 10Perform multi-point inspectionInspect front suspension components including control arms, ball joints, and tie rod ends for wear or damage. Check CV axles and boots for tears or leaks. Examine exhaust system for leaks, damage, or loose hangers. Inspect drive belt for cracks, glazing, or fraying. Check battery terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary. Inspect all four tires for wear, damage, and proper tread depth (minimum 4/32" recommended).
- 11Reinstall wheels and lower vehicleIf wheels were removed, reinstall them onto wheel hubs ensuring proper seating. Install lug nuts by hand, threading on at least 4-5 full turns. Using floor jack, slightly raise vehicle to remove tension from jack stands. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern using torque wrench.
- 12Check tire pressuresUsing tire pressure gauge, check all four tires plus spare. Refer to tire information label on driver's door jamb for correct pressures (typically 35-40 PSI front and rear for F-150, but verify for specific model). Adjust tire pressures as needed. Reset tire pressure monitoring system if required using steering wheel controls or instrument cluster menu.
- 13Verify oil level and check for leaksStart engine and let idle for 2-3 minutes. Observe instrument cluster for any warning lights. Shut off engine and wait 5 minutes. Check oil level on dipstick and verify it reads at full mark. Inspect underneath vehicle for any oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter. Check all areas inspected during service for any fluid leaks.
Reassembly
- Ensure all air filter housing clips are fully secured
- Verify glove box is properly reinstalled with side stops engaged
- Confirm all fluid reservoir caps are tightened securely
- Double-check that oil filler cap is installed on valve cover
Verification
- Start engine and verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
- Check that oil pressure builds immediately upon startup (within 1-2 seconds)
- Verify no oil leaks present underneath vehicle after test idle
- Confirm proper tire pressures on all four tires plus spare
- Test drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes and recheck fluid levels afterward
- Document service performed and reset oil life monitor using instrument cluster menu or scan tool