DIY Oil Change

[doublecurious]

Can someone give me step-by-step instructions to change my own oil in my 99 Windstar SEL?

Did a search and couldn't find this information if this has already be addressed.

Thanks

[kitch]

Buy the Haynes book for your year.

[doublecurious]

That suggesstion has been made, and I'm going to be doing that as soon as I can. Thanks

[wiswind]

You can also find free information at www.autozone.com

I have been using Mobil 1 Oil....you can get it at Wal-mart in a 5 qt jug for about $18 for the normal Mobil 1 and about $23 for the new "EP" Mobil 1.

I use WIX oil filters. You can get them for about $4.30 each, plus shipping, at www.rockauto.com. Carquest also carries WIX.....and the Napa "GOLD" filter is a WIX.
Purolator ONE is another well rated filter.

I change my oil at about every 3K miles.

With a filter change (change filter every time) I can put the full 5 quarts of oil in.

I bought my '96 with about 38K miles on it.....is is well over 150K miles and the engine is very clean inside....and it uses little, if any oil.

[baumbr]

The manual will give you good step by step instructions, and much easier to understand with photos, etc. than if we detailed the procedure in the forum.
I have one hint - Before you put the new oil filter on, fill it with fresh oil. Just pour some into the large hole and swish it around, the filter element will quickly absorb most of it. Repeat until the element won't take any more. Then with your finger tip rub some fresh oil onto the rubber seal on the filter, this helps with getting it screwed down tight and prevents warping the seal. Filling the filter before installation helps prevent the possibility of running dry right after your post-change start up. Plus you don't have to run the engine and then add a lot of additional oil. Always check your level immediately after your first start up to make sure you have enough in the pan. Good luck.