2023 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Change — WSS-M2C946-B1, 5W-30, Step-by-Step

I've done this oil change on a friend's 2023 Bronco Base and on my own Bronco Big Bend, and it's a satisfying DIY job on a vehicle that's clearly engineered with off-road owners in mind. The 2.3L EcoBoost is a known quantity at this point — the same basic architecture lives in the Mustang, the Ranger, and the Focus RS — and it's a reliable, well-supported engine. Total time: 35–45 minutes. Dealers charge $120–$160 for this service. Your parts cost: around $50–$60.

The fluid spec is non-negotiable: Ford requires 5W-30 full synthetic meeting specification WSS-M2C946-B1. This is Ford's turbocharged-engine oil spec, distinct from the 5W-20 used in older naturally aspirated Ford engines. Using 5W-20 in the 2.3L EcoBoost doesn't provide adequate film strength for the turbocharger bearings under heat load. The WSS-M2C946-B1 approval is printed on the label of qualifying oils — Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W-30 meets it by definition, and several major synthetic brands also carry the approval.

Engine and Oil Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	2.3L EcoBoost DOHC turbocharged inline-4
Output	300 hp / 325 lb-ft torque
Oil viscosity	5W-30 full synthetic (Ford spec WSS-M2C946-B1)
Oil capacity	6.0 quarts (5.7L) with filter
OEM oil filter	Motorcraft FL-500S
Drain plug size	14mm
Drain plug torque	19 lb-ft (26 Nm)
Drain plug washer	Motorcraft EC-17 — replace every change
Oil change interval	10,000 miles (Ford Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor with Motorcraft Full Synthetic)

The Motorcraft FL-500S is the same spin-on filter used on the Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost and the F-150 5.0L Coyote — one part number covers multiple Ford vehicles, which is handy if you're running more than one Ford in the household.

Tools and Parts List

• Motorcraft FL-500S oil filter (spin-on)
• 6 quarts 5W-30 full synthetic, WSS-M2C946-B1 rated (one 5-quart jug + one 1-quart bottle)
• Motorcraft EC-17 drain plug copper washer
• 14mm socket (drain plug)
• Strap wrench or 74mm oil filter cap wrench
• Torque wrench (15–30 lb-ft range)
• Drain pan (7-quart minimum capacity)
• Ramps or floor jack + jack stands
• Funnel and rags
• Gloves (the EcoBoost turbo and exhaust manifold retain significant heat)

Cost Comparison

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
5W-30 WSS-M2C946-B1 full synthetic (6 qt)	$36–$46	—
Motorcraft FL-500S filter	$10–$12	—
Motorcraft EC-17 drain plug washer	$1	—
Total parts	~$47–$59	—
Labor	$0	$70–$100
Total	~$47–$59	$120–$160

You save $65–$110 every oil change. On the 10,000-mile interval, that's roughly one service per year — and that saving adds up quickly if you put serious miles on your Bronco.

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Engine — and Let the Turbo Cool

Drive the Bronco for 5–10 minutes to warm the oil to operating temperature. The 2.3L EcoBoost's turbocharger gets significantly hot — especially after any spirited off-road driving or on-ramp merging. After the warm-up drive, let the engine idle for 90 seconds before shutting it off. This lets the turbo cool with oil still circulating, preventing oil coking in the turbo bearing housing.

After shutting off, let the engine sit for 15–20 minutes. The turbo housing and exhaust manifold will still be very warm — gloves are a good idea.

2. Get Under the Bronco

The 2023 Bronco rides high, especially on Badlands or Wildtrak trim levels with factory lift. On most Broncos, you can access the drain plug and filter without ramps. For a cleaner, safer job I still use ramps or jack stands.

The Bronco does not have a factory plastic underbody tray blocking the drain plug. However, if your Bronco has a factory rock rail or underbody armor package, check clearance before positioning your drain pan.

3. Locate the Drain Plug and Filter

The 14mm drain plug is on the passenger side of the oil pan, near the center of the pan, pointing downward. The Motorcraft FL-500S spin-on filter is on the driver's side of the engine block, toward the front, accessible from beneath the vehicle or with a long arm from the top of the engine bay.

4. Drain the Oil

Position the drain pan under the drain plug. Loosen the 14mm drain plug counterclockwise with a ratchet, then remove by hand. Keep light upward pressure on the plug as the last threads clear.

The 2.3L EcoBoost holds 6.0 quarts — allow 8–10 minutes for a full drain. Remove the Motorcraft EC-17 copper washer from the drain plug. This is a soft copper sealing ring that crushes and deforms slightly to seal against the aluminum oil pan. It's not reusable — a used copper washer will leak at the next service even if it looks intact. Replace it every change.

5. Remove the Old Filter

The FL-500S should come off by hand. If the previous installer overtightened it, use a strap wrench. Position your drain pan to catch any oil that drips from the filter when it's removed.

6. Install the New Filter

Apply a thin coat of fresh 5W-30 to the rubber O-ring on the new FL-500S. Thread it on by hand until the gasket contacts the block, then turn 3/4 additional turn — no tools needed.

7. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Install the new Motorcraft EC-17 copper washer on the drain plug. Thread the drain plug in by hand — confirm it engages cleanly. Torque to 19 lb-ft (26 Nm). The 2.3L EcoBoost has an aluminum oil pan, and 19 lb-ft is the correct spec. Don't exceed it.

8. Fill with Oil

Open the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Pour in 5.5 quarts first. Start the engine, let it idle for 60–90 seconds, shut it off, and wait 5 minutes for oil to settle. Check the dipstick (driver's side, yellow handle, near the firewall). Add remaining oil in small increments to bring to the "MAX" mark. Total fill is 6.0 quarts with filter.

9. Start and Inspect

Start the engine. The oil pressure light clears within 5 seconds on a healthy 2.3L EcoBoost. Let it idle for 2–3 minutes. Get under and check the drain plug and filter for drips. Shut off and do a final dipstick check.

10. Reset the Oil Life Monitor

In the 2023 Ford Bronco, press the left arrow button on the steering wheel to access the Settings menu in the instrument cluster. Navigate to Oil Life, then press OK. Follow the prompts to reset to 100%.

You can also reset it via the SYNC 4 touchscreen: tap Settings → Vehicle → Oil Life Reset.

EcoBoost Turbo Maintenance Notes

The 2.3L EcoBoost in the 2023 Bronco runs a twin-scroll turbocharger. The turbo bearing relies entirely on engine oil for lubrication and cooling. The most common cause of premature turbo bearing wear is either running the engine hard and shutting it off immediately (without the cooling idle period) or running degraded oil past its service interval.

If you do significant rock crawling, sand driving, or any high-throttle off-road use, consider shortening your interval to 7,500 miles.

For the complete 2023 Bronco service schedule including air filter, spark plugs, transmission fluid, and transfer case service, see the OwnerDrop maintenance schedules guide.

The FL-500S filter and 5W-30 spec here is the same as the 2021 Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost oil change guide — both run the same base engine architecture, so the parts overlap perfectly if you're maintaining both.

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