For some reason, I am unable to locate the oil pan drain plug on my 2003 Ford Escape (1st oil change).

Maybe I am blind, but I would appreciate any help.
There's no Chilton's or Haynes manual available yet.

Needless to say, I feel like a knucklehead and am more than a little frustrated.

 

On a V6 right?? OK, going in from the front, if you look under the car, you'll see the pan. It's cast aluminum, looks like a waffel. It's on the back side if that facing the rear of the vehicle. If it's your first time then expect the plug and filter to be TIGHT!

 

One other thing. Expect to drain oil all over your exhaust when you remove the filter!!!! Ford should fire the dang brain donor engineer who placed the filter there. At least my 150 has a plastic piece to direct the dripping oil onto the ground(or properly placed pan) instead of all over the bottom of the engine.

It's about time to change the oil again on the wife's Tribute(2nd time) and this time I'm thinking of fashioning some sort of funnel(it's a tight space) to collect the filter's oil in a container instead of having to wipe it off the ground.

Tim

 

Thanks much. that's a big help. I think I will use a piece of one inch hose to minimize the mess.

 

Hello all,
I have a 99 f-150 and for some reason I have become as blind as anything out there and I cannot find my oil drain plug . I would greatly take any advise anyone can give. It's a 4.2L , Thanks much , Signed Blind as a bat

 

Fram is now selling an replacment oil drain plug fitting/hose combination which would eliminate the mess from the drain plug area. I saw them in the WallyMart the other day. They were over $10 though...

As for the oil filter, I don't know about the Escapes particularly, but maybe a one gallon milk plastic milk jug with the bottom cut out might help funnel the drain oil from the filter area off of the exhaust?

Loosen the filter first, then reach up with the funnel in one hand, and twist the filter loose with the other?

Leave the funnel in place for a few minutes while the initial oil drains off, then remove the filter the rest of the way.

Depending on whether the Escape filter is mounted straight up, or angled to the side, it might work well.

 

Most oil filters are a pain in that way. I just let the oil filter drain into the black drian pan. After everything finishes I clean the screw and screw the new filter in. i wipe off any excess oil and the rest burn offs.