The oil filter on a 2013 Ford Taurus is mounted on the underside of the engine, near the front on the passenger side, typically behind the front splash shield. Access is from beneath the vehicle, and exact placement can vary slightly depending on the engine option (3.5L V6 Ti-VCT or EcoBoost SHO variant).
Engine variations and general location
Ford offered a few engine choices for the 2013 Taurus. Regardless of the specific engine, the oil filter sits in a similar region on the engine block, but the housing type and exact clearance may differ. Use these guidelines to identify the general spot for your model.
- 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT (common non-SHO Taurus): the filter is in a cylindrical housing located on the lower front/side of the engine, toward the passenger side, accessible from beneath after removing the undercarriage splash shield.
- 3.5L EcoBoost (SHO variant): the filter remains in the same general area, but may be tucked slightly behind exhaust components; still accessible from below with the shield removed.
If you’re unsure which engine you have or cannot locate the filter, consult the owner's manual or a repair guide specific to your VIN. Diagrams in service manuals will show the exact housing and orientation for your engine variant.
Preparing to access and replace the oil filter
Before attempting removal, gather the right tools and prepare the vehicle to prevent spills and injury. The following steps outline a standard approach for locating and preparing to replace the filter on most 2013 Taurus models.
- Oil catch pan, a filter wrench suitable for your filter size, and a jack stands or a hydraulic lift.
- New oil filter and the correct grade/quantity of engine oil for your engine variant.
- Rags, gloves, and a flashlight; optional: torque wrench for proper re-tightening.
These preparations help ensure a clean, safe filter change and proper oil refilling after replacement.
Step-by-step locating and removing the oil filter
Follow these ordered steps to locate and replace the oil filter on a 2013 Ford Taurus. Note that you will typically access the filter from under the vehicle after removing the front splash shield.
- Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and chock the wheels. If necessary, lift the front of the car with a jack and support it with jack stands.
- Place an oil catch pan beneath the engine oil pan area to catch any drips.
- Remove the front undercarriage splash shield or guard to reveal the lower portions of the engine, including the oil filter housing.
- Locate the oil filter housing. It is typically a cylindrical canister on the lower front/side of the engine block. If your Taurus uses a cartridge filter, the housing cap will be visible and may require a strap/fitment tool to loosen.
- Place the filter wrench on the filter and slowly loosen it counterclockwise. Allow oil to drain into the pan. Remove the old filter and cartridge or canister components.
- Inspect the O-ring/gasket on the filter housing; replace it if included with the new filter or if worn.
- Install the new filter by threading it on by hand until snug, then tighten per the manufacturer’s guideline (generally a snug turn plus a small additional turn by hand; avoid over-tightening).
- Reinstall the splash shield, lower the vehicle, and wipe up any spills.
Following these steps will help you successfully locate and replace the oil filter on most 2013 Taurus models and restore proper oil flow and filtration.
Safety and disposal considerations
Always dispose of used oil and filters at an appropriate recycling facility. Used oil is hazardous and should not be dumped on the ground or down drains. If you’re unsure about the process for your specific engine variant, consult a professional mechanic or a Ford service manual.
Summary
For a 2013 Ford Taurus, the oil filter sits on the underside of the engine, near the front on the passenger side, usually behind the undercarriage splash shield. The exact layout can vary slightly between the standard 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT and the SHO’s EcoBoost variant, but both share the same general location and access path from below. Use the steps outlined above to locate, remove, and replace the filter, and always dispose of old oil and filters responsibly.