How to Change the Oil Filter on a 2022 Ford Falcon XR6: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Change the Oil Filter on a 2022 Ford Falcon XR6: Step-by-Step Guide

G’day mates! Today I’m walking you through changing the oil filter on a 2022 Ford Falcon XR6. This is an essential maintenance task that helps keep your engine running smoothly and extends its life. While it might seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, with the right tools and guidance, you’ll be handling this job like a pro in no time. So, let’s learn how to do the 2022 Ford XR6 Oil Change.

Understanding the Importance of Oil Filter Changes

Before we dive into the practical steps, let’s understand why this maintenance task matters. Your oil filter’s job is to catch and hold contaminants—tiny metal particles, dirt, and debris—that would otherwise circulate through your engine and cause premature wear. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with these particles, reducing its effectiveness.

A clogged filter can lead to:

• Reduced oil flow to critical engine components
• Increased engine wear and potential damage
• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Shorter engine lifespan

That’s why it’s recommended to change your oil filter every time you change your oil—typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on your driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations.

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather everything you’ll need before starting:

• New oil filter (check your owner’s manual or parts catalog for the correct part number)
• Oil filter wrench or strap wrench
• Oil drain pan (at least 6-liter capacity)
• Disposable gloves
• Shop rags or paper towels
• Jack and jack stands (or ramps)
• Wheel chocks
• Socket set and/or spanners
• Funnel
• Fresh engine oil (check your manual for the correct type and amount)

Safety First

Working underneath any vehicle requires proper safety precautions:

1. Make sure your vehicle is parked on a level surface.
2. Allow the engine to cool completely before beginning—hot oil can cause severe burns.
3. Properly secure your vehicle with wheel chocks and jack stands. Never rely solely on a jack to support your vehicle while you’re underneath it.
4. Wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from oil splashes.

Video Tutorial 1 – How to Change 2022 Ford XR6 Oil

Video Tutorial 2 – Changing 2022 XR6 oil

Video Tutorial 3 – Service / Change XR6-22 Oil and Filter

Step-by-Step Guide – 2022 Ford XR6 Oil Change

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Park your Ford Falcon on a level surface and allow the engine to cool completely.
2. Apply the handbrake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
3. Locate the jacking points (refer to your owner’s manual) and carefully raise the front of the vehicle.
4. Secure the vehicle with jack stands placed at the appropriate support points.

Step 2: Locate the Oil Filter

On the 2022 Ford Falcon XR6, the oil filter is typically located on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the bottom of the engine block. It’s a cylindrical component, usually black, blue, or white in color, about 10-15 cm in length.

You may need to remove an engine cover or shield to access it fully. In some cases, it’s easier to access the filter from underneath the vehicle rather than from the top of the engine bay.

Step 3: Drain the Engine Oil

While not absolutely necessary for changing just the filter, it’s best practice to change your oil at the same time:

1. Position your oil drain pan underneath the oil drain plug, which is located on the bottom of the oil pan.
2. Using the appropriate socket or spanner, carefully loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Once loosened, use your hand to unscrew it the rest of the way, being careful as oil will begin flowing immediately.
4. Allow all the oil to drain completely into the pan (this may take 5-10 minutes).
5. Once drained, clean the drain plug and replace it, tightening it to the manufacturer’s specifications (usually around 25-30 Nm of torque).

Step 4: Remove the Old Oil Filter

1. Position your drain pan underneath the oil filter to catch any oil that spills during removal.
2. Using your oil filter wrench or strap wrench, loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. The filter may be quite tight if it was installed with significant torque.
3. Once loose, unscrew the filter by hand, being careful as it will contain oil.
4. As you remove it completely, quickly tilt it upright to minimize spillage.

Step 5: Prepare the New Filter

1. Take your new filter and examine the rubber gasket on its end—this creates the seal between the filter and the engine.
2. Using your finger, apply a thin film of fresh motor oil to this gasket. This helps create a proper seal and makes future removal easier.
3. Check the mounting surface on the engine for the old gasket—sometimes it sticks to the engine rather than coming off with the filter. If you find it, carefully remove it.
4. Clean the mounting surface with a clean rag to ensure a proper seal.

Step 6: Install the New Filter

1. Carefully align the new filter with the threaded mount on the engine.
2. Turn the filter clockwise by hand to start the threading. Never use a wrench to start a filter as it’s easy to cross-thread it.
3. Continue turning by hand until the filter gasket makes contact with the mounting surface.
4. Once the gasket contacts the surface, tighten the filter according to manufacturer specifications—typically 3/4 of a turn to 1 full turn past the point where the gasket makes contact.
5. Do not overtighten! This can damage the gasket and cause leaks.

Step 7: Add Fresh Oil

1. Locate your oil filler cap on top of the engine (usually marked with an oil can icon).
2. Using a funnel, add the recommended amount and type of oil for your specific model. For the 2022 Ford Falcon XR6, this is typically around 6-6.5 liters of 5W-30 synthetic oil, but always verify in your owner’s manual.
3. Replace the oil filler cap securely.

Step 8: Check for Leaks

1. Lower your vehicle from the jack stands (if you raised it).
2. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute.
3. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes.
4. Check underneath the vehicle for any signs of oil leaks around the filter or drain plug.
5. Check the oil level using the dipstick, and add more oil if necessary to bring it to the proper level.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Problem: Oil filter is too tight to remove by hand Solution: Use an oil filter wrench or strap wrench. If it’s still stubborn, try puncturing the filter housing with a screwdriver to get better leverage (only as a last resort, and be prepared for oil spillage).

Problem: Oil leaking from around the new filter Solution: The filter may be cross-threaded or not tightened properly. Remove it, check for damage to the threads, ensure the old gasket isn’t still attached to the mounting surface, and reinstall carefully.

Problem: Engine oil light comes on after changing the filter Solution: Check your oil level immediately. You may have not added enough oil or there might be a leak. If the oil level is correct, there could be an issue with oil pressure.

Disposal of Used Oil and Filter

Remember to dispose of your used oil and filter responsibly:

1. Pour your used oil into secure containers (empty oil bottles work well).
2. Take both the oil and used filter to a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station that accepts used oil. Most auto parts retailers offer this service for free.
3. Never pour used oil down drains or onto the ground—it’s harmful to the environment and illegal.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Ford Falcon XR6’s oil filter is a straightforward maintenance task that can save you money and help you better understand your vehicle. By performing this service yourself every 10,000-15,000 km, you’re taking an important step in extending your engine’s life.

Remember, regular maintenance is always cheaper than repairs. If you’re ever unsure about any step in this process, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic.

Got any questions about maintaining your Ford Falcon? Drop a comment below or check out my other guides on tradie-tips.com for more DIY auto maintenance tips from a seasoned Aussie tradie!