2009 Ford Fusion Maintenance – How You Can Change the Oil

At some point you are going to need to do an oil change on your Ford Fusion.  Oil changes should be done at least once a year, and by doing so you will prolong the life of your vehicle and keep some of the re-sale value for the time you want to sell it on.  The following are some simple instructions on how you can do this yourself without the need for an expensive mechanic.  This “How To” guide particularly relates to the 2009 Ford Fusion 2.3 liter model that comes with the Duratec engine.  This style of engine includes a more environmentally friendly oil filter than the other models because the filter cartridge helps to prevent metal waste building up into the oil section.  When you do this oil change you will need to replace the paper filter too – this is how you do it and the tools you will need.

Required Tools and Equipment

This is what you will need if you want to successfully change your Fusion’s oil.

• Fresh oil
• A new Ford Fusion filter (sometimes you dealer will give you this for free if you buy a  Ford Fusion Navigation DVD from them)
• Socket and ratchet set
• Plastic box to catch the old un-wanted oil
• Some rags and an old towel
• The service jack and axel stands

Easy Steps on How to Change the Oil

Make sure that you leave the car running for about five minutes before you do anything.  This will let the oil become less viscose so it will be easier to drain and change.  Find where the oil drain plug is, which on the 2009 2.3 models will always be on the front lower aspect of the Duratec engine – it won’t be in the rear as is common on other previous Fusion generations.

Once the car has warmed up you will need to jack-up the front end and then will need to secure it to the axle stands so that there’s no wobble factor – make sure it is safe, and you can improve this by ensuring the at the Fusion is on a level, surface.  The car will need to be lifted enough so you can get under and reach the oil filter drain plug.

Next you can remove and un-screw the oil drain plug – but make sure that you place the plastic container underneath first so you can catch all the old oil that will run out.  Once it is all drained out you can un-do the filter cartridge device and then it should slide easily out of the visible aperture. The plastic container will come in handy again because there will be some more leakage of any left-over oil again at this point.

Now prime the oil filter cartridge – you can do this by using a small application of new oil because it will then be easy to slide it back into the open aperture. Then simply place the oil drain plug back in, making sure that you do not make it too tight as this could damage it.

You can now completely change the oil so fill the engine up with your new supply.  This can be done by taking off the oil cap under the hood – and you will find it at the top of the engine.  Once you’ve done that start the ignition up and leave it running for about five minutes.  Then switch everything off and check the oil level using the dip-stick and top it up if it’s not showing to be at the optimum level (which will be graded on the stick as a line).

Make sure that you check every couple of hundred miles that the level is remaining constant.   One sign that things are not right will be an oil patch or drips underneath the car on your drive.  If this happens it probably means that you did not secure the ring gasket and drain plug securely enough so give it a quick tighten up until it stops any leaks.

Save Money on Ford Repairs – Do Them Yourself!

For more information and maintenance guides on how you can do your own common mechanical tasks on your Ford motor vehicle, make sure you check out and bookmark: www.fordnavigationdvd.net.

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