2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote Oil Change — Gen 3 V8, 5W-20, Step-by-Step DIY Guide

The 2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8 is one of the most satisfying engines to work on. Big, accessible oil pan, easy filter location, and the kind of no-nonsense layout that makes a 30-minute oil change feel like it should. I've done this job on multiple Gen 3 Coyotes and the process is consistent across the 2018–2020 model years.

The Coyote takes 7.7 quarts — don't let that number scare you off. Just buy two 5-quart jugs and you're covered. Ford dealers charge $120–$160 for this service on the F-150 V8. DIY parts cost about $55.

Engine and Oil Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	5.0L Gen 3 Coyote V8 (Ti-VCT)
Oil viscosity	5W-20 full synthetic
Oil capacity	7.7 quarts (7.3L) with filter
OEM oil filter	Motorcraft FL-500-S
Drain plug size	14mm
Drain plug torque	20 lb-ft (27 Nm)
Drain plug washer	Motorcraft PM-3 (or Ford W700616S) — replace every change
Oil change interval	10,000 miles (Ford Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor)

The Gen 3 Coyote uses Ford's variable valve timing on all four cams (intake and exhaust, both banks). This system is hydraulically actuated via oil pressure — degraded oil directly impacts VVT response and cam phaser longevity. Run full synthetic and don't push past the 10,000-mile interval.

Tools and Parts List

• Motorcraft FL-500-S oil filter
• 7.7 quarts 5W-20 full synthetic (Ford Motorcraft 5W-20 or equivalent API SP certified)
• Motorcraft PM-3 drain plug washer (buy a 5-pack for ~$5)
• 14mm socket (drain plug)
• 15/16" or 24mm socket (filter — some use strap wrench for the spin-on)
• Torque wrench (15–30 lb-ft range)
• Drain pan (8-quart capacity minimum)
• Funnel (the Coyote fill neck is easy but a funnel prevents drips)
• Ramps or floor jack + jack stands

Cost Comparison

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
5W-20 full synthetic (8 qt)	$38–$45	—
Motorcraft FL-500-S filter	$10–$12	—
Drain plug washer	$1	—
Total parts	~$50–$58	—
Labor	$0	$65–$100
Total	~$50–$58	$120–$160

You save $70–$110 every oil change. On the F-150's 10,000-mile interval, that's $70–$110 per year back in your pocket for 30 minutes of work.

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Oil (5 minutes)

Start the truck, let it idle or drive lightly for 5 minutes. You want the oil warm enough to flow freely but not so hot it burns you. The F-150 drain plug sits at about thigh height on most people — you can reach it without ramps if your truck is stock height. Lifted trucks definitely need ramps.

2. Access the Drain Plug

The FL-500-S spin-on filter lives on the passenger side of the engine, above the front crossmember. It's visible from above once you open the hood — you don't need to go underneath for the filter.

The drain plug is on the driver's side of the oil pan, near the rear of the pan. 14mm socket. On stock-height F-150s, you can reach this from the driver's side wheel well with the wheel cranked full right.

3. Drain the Oil

Slide your drain pan into position. Break the drain plug loose, spin it off by hand. The oil comes out fast from a 7.7-quart V8 — make sure your pan has capacity. Let it drain fully (7–10 minutes for this volume).

While it drains, remove the old FL-500-S filter from the top. Use a strap wrench or a 24mm socket if it's tight. Have a rag ready — some oil will spill from the filter.

4. Install the New Filter

The FL-500-S is a spin-on cartridge. Apply a thin film of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. Thread it on by hand until the gasket contacts the seating surface, then turn an additional 3/4 turn — no more. Do not use a wrench to tighten the filter; hand-tight plus 3/4 turn is correct.

5. Install New Drain Plug Washer

Install the Motorcraft PM-3 aluminum washer on the drain plug. Thread the plug back in by hand, then torque to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm). The Coyote oil pan is aluminum — stay at 20 lb-ft and don't improvise.

6. Add Oil

The Coyote fill cap is on the driver's side valve cover — easy to find, easy to access. Pour in 7 quarts first, then start the engine, let it run 60 seconds, shut off, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick. Add the remaining oil to hit the "MAX" mark. The full 7.7-quart fill can take two checks to dial in.

7. Start and Check

Run the engine for 2 minutes, checking around the filter and drain plug for leaks. The F-150 oil pressure gauge should rise to normal within 5–10 seconds. If the oil light stays on after 10 seconds, shut it off immediately and check your work.

8. Reset the Oil Life Monitor

In the F-150, press the left arrow on the steering wheel cluster buttons to navigate to SETTINGS. Scroll to OIL LIFE — select RESET. Confirm when prompted. This clears the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor.

Coyote-Specific Tips

Don't skip the drain plug washer. The aluminum Motorcraft PM-3 washer is a one-time-use crush washer. Reusing it risks a seeping drain plug — and at 7.7 quarts, a Coyote leak makes a mess.

VVT cam phaser noise after an oil change is a common complaint on Coyotes. If you hear a rattle for 2–3 seconds on cold start after an oil change, that's normal — the phasers are purging air from the galleries. It should disappear within 2–3 cold starts.

For a complete look at what's in a full F-150 V8 service, see the OwnerDrop oil change guides library.

And if you're tracking multiple vehicles or want to stay ahead of every service interval, the OwnerDrop maintenance schedules tool makes it easy.

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