The oil filter on a 2017 Ford F-150 uses a cartridge-style filter inside a canister mounted to the side of the engine block, and it is typically accessed from underneath the vehicle. The exact mounting can vary by engine option, but all common 2017 F-150 engines position the filter low on the engine rather than on the top.
In practice, this means that during an oil change you’ll usually reach the filter from below the truck (often with the front splash shield or underbody shield removed). Ford offered several engines for the 2017 F-150, including the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, and 5.0L V8, each using a cartridge-style filter in a side-mounted canister. Always verify the exact location for your specific engine code in the owner's manual or a factory service manual.
Engine-by-engine oil filter location
For owners who want engine-specific guidance, the following outlines the typical side-mounted, canister-style oil filter location for each common 2017 F-150 engine. The exact position can vary by submodel and production date, so consult the manual for your vehicle.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
Location overview for the 3.5L EcoBoost: a cylindrical canister containing the cartridge filter is mounted on the side of the engine block toward the front. Access is typically from underneath the truck, and you may need to remove the front undercarriage shield to reach the filter cap and cartridge.
These are the practical steps you would generally follow when servicing the filter on this engine:
- Support the vehicle safely and allow the engine to cool.
- Remove the underbody shield or splash pan to expose the filter housing.
- Unthread the canister cap to replace the cartridge filter inside.
The location is designed to keep the filter out of the engine bay’s hottest areas while still allowing service from below.
2.7L EcoBoost V6
Location overview for the 2.7L EcoBoost: the cartridge-style oil filter is mounted in a canister on the side of the engine block near the front. Access is usually from underneath, with the undertray or shield removed for clearance.
Typical service steps include:
- Safely lift and support the vehicle, then remove the protective underbody panel.
- Locate the cylindrical oil filter canister on the side of the engine block.
- Unscrew the cap, replace the cartridge, and reseal according to torque specifications.
As with other EcoBoost engines, the design emphasizes a side-mounted filter accessible from below rather than a top-down removal.
5.0L V8
Location overview for the 5.0L V8: the oil filter is again cartridge-style inside a canister mounted on the engine block near the front, often on the lower side and either toward the left or right depending on the exact submodel. Access is typically from beneath the vehicle after removing the front shield or undertray.
Common steps for the 5.0L include:
- Secure the vehicle and remove necessary shielding to gain access to the filter canister.
- Unthread the filter cap, replace the cartridge filter, and ensure proper reassembly of the cap and housing.
While the side-mounted filter design is consistent, the precise orientation can vary by production run or drivetrain configuration.
Summary
Across the 2017 Ford F-150 lineup, the oil filter is a cartridge-style filter housed inside a canister mounted to the engine block and accessed from underneath the vehicle. Engine options such as the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, and 5.0L V8 share this general layout, with the exact side and mounting location varying by engine code. For the most accurate location and service procedure, consult your owner's manual or a Ford factory service manual specific to your vehicle’s engine and VIN. If you’re unsure, a professional mechanic can confirm the exact filter location and torque specifications for your model.