In short, the oil filter on a 2017 Ford Fusion SE is located on the underside of the engine, toward the front passenger side, behind the front splash shield. The exact position can vary slightly with the engine choice (2.5L I4, 1.5L EcoBoost, or 2.0L EcoBoost), so it’s best to verify with your VIN and engine code.
Engine options and oil filter location
The 2017 Fusion SE used several powertrains. Although the basic arrangement is a bottom-mounted filter, the precise access point can differ by engine. The following describes typical locations by engine choice.
- 2.5L I4: Oil filter is generally mounted to the front-side of the engine block, accessible from underneath the vehicle after removing the front undertray or splash shield.
- 1.5L EcoBoost: Typically located on the underside of the engine toward the front, behind the splash shield. Some configurations use a cartridge-style filter inside a small housing that is reachable from below.
- 2.0L EcoBoost: Similar bottom-mounted arrangement near the front of the engine; access is gained from beneath the vehicle with the shield removed, and may be cartridge-type in a housing.
If you’re unsure of which engine your Fusion has or you can’t locate the filter, consult the owner’s manual or a Ford service manual for your specific VIN and engine code. Always exercise care when working under a car and allow the engine to cool before touching hot components.
Access and replacement steps
Before starting, gather the basic tools: jack and stands, wheel chocks, a drain pan, a filter wrench compatible with your filter type, fresh oil and the correct oil filter, and rags for cleanup.
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and loosen the oil filler cap to vent pressure. Safety first: wait for the engine to cool if it’s recently run.
- Raise the car and support it securely with jack stands. Remove the front undertray/splash shield if equipped.
- Locate the oil filter housing or spin-on filter assembly on the underside of the engine, toward the front passenger side.
- Place a drain pan beneath the filter. If it’s a spin-on filter, unscrew the old filter; if it’s a cartridge in a housing, remove the housing cap and extract the cartridge according to the service manual.
- Install the new filter, lubricate the gasket with a bit of fresh oil, and reinstall the housing cap or the filter in place. Ensure seals are seated properly.
- Refill the engine with the correct amount and grade of oil as specified by Ford, then start the engine and check for leaks. Recheck the oil level and reset the service light if needed.
Tip: If your Fusion uses a cartridge-style filter, follow Ford’s torque specs for the cap and use the recommended filter type. After replacement, dispose of used oil properly and clean up any spills.
Summary
The oil filter on a 2017 Ford Fusion SE is typically found on the underside of the engine, near the front on the passenger side, behind the splash shield. The exact location can vary slightly based on whether your car has the 2.5L I4, 1.5L EcoBoost, or 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Always verify with your vehicle’s manual or a Ford service guide for your specific engine code, and follow proper safety procedures when performing maintenance.