Oil change question
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Junior User
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Oil change question
Just performed the first oil change on my new (to me) 3.0 ranger yesterday. I'm kinda baffled, the manual says it holds 4.5 quarts with filter change. Well, I added the recommended 4.5 quarts, and it only showed about 3/4 the way to full on the dipstick. I was on level concrete floor, started truck, let run, shut down, checked, still not full. I ended up adding the other 1/2 quart and it then showed completely full. It took the whole 5 quarts. Anyone else's take this much? Could i possibly have a 4.0 liter oil pan or something???
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: santa fe, new mexico
Yes, my 2.5L '98 did the same thing - manual says 4.5qts. w/filter, and when changed it showed 1/2qt. low on dipstick (on level ground, warmed then allowed to cool...etc.)
I took the other line and decided to go w/the specification of 4.5qts. Maybe Ford deliberately sets the dipstick this way so the range is from 1/2 qt over, to 1/2 qt under rather than 0 qt over to 1 qt under.
Whadaya think?
OFG49
I took the other line and decided to go w/the specification of 4.5qts. Maybe Ford deliberately sets the dipstick this way so the range is from 1/2 qt over, to 1/2 qt under rather than 0 qt over to 1 qt under.
Whadaya think?
OFG49
Last edited by Oldfordguy49; Jan 25, 2005 at 09:00 AM. Reason: Technical error
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Highland, TX
Originally Posted by Oldfordguy49
Maybe Ford deliberately sets the dipstick this way so the range is from 1/2 qt over, to 1/2 qt under rather than 0 qt over to 1 qt under. Whadaya think?
Last edited by kontai69; Jan 25, 2005 at 06:50 PM.
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Freshman User
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From: So.Cent.Indiana
I have found the same thing on my '03 2.3.The manual calls for 4qts with filter change.It shows just above half way on dipstick.I'm running it that way.My son had it before me and had the oil changed at dealership at about 4000 miles.I bought it from him and checked the oil and it showed about a pint over full.This concerned me somewhat,so I checked the dealer invoice and it showed that they charged him for 5 quarts.I thought they overfilled it so I changed it again according to the manual.Still not sure,but the manual must be right.Maybe someone else has the answer.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: East Tennessee
Don't have the answer, but my 2004 3.0L does the same thing.
Glad to hear others show the same, because before my last change I checked the stick and thought last time I might have screwed up and only put 3.5 quarts in - or that an engine with 9K miles was already consuming oil.
I'll sleep better tonight.
Glad to hear others show the same, because before my last change I checked the stick and thought last time I might have screwed up and only put 3.5 quarts in - or that an engine with 9K miles was already consuming oil.
I'll sleep better tonight.
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I tossed my manual in the trash the first day!
Not really, but after looking at it I was not impressed. After closely examining the manual it does not surprise me that they would screw up like that. Its allmost worthless.
Not really, but after looking at it I was not impressed. After closely examining the manual it does not surprise me that they would screw up like that. Its allmost worthless.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 66
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From: Northeast Florida
Originally Posted by Oldfordguy49
Yes, my 2.5L '98 did the same thing - manual says 4.5qts. w/filter, and when changed it showed 1/2qt. low on dipstick (on level ground, warmed then allowed to cool...etc.)
I took the other line and decided to go w/the specification of 4.5qts. Maybe Ford deliberately sets the dipstick this way so the range is from 1/2 qt over, to 1/2 qt under rather than 0 qt over to 1 qt under.
Whadaya think?
OFG49
I took the other line and decided to go w/the specification of 4.5qts. Maybe Ford deliberately sets the dipstick this way so the range is from 1/2 qt over, to 1/2 qt under rather than 0 qt over to 1 qt under.
Whadaya think?
OFG49
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Originally Posted by mcookd
I've got a 2000 3.0L, after 4.5 qts. it shows maybe 3/4 of the way up the marked area on the stick. I think it's o.k., never had any problems with it. I used a Fram filter, I guess different brands might hold different amounts but you would think they would all be close to the same capacity, go figure...
