The Bronco Sport uses a cartridge-type oil filter housed in a compact unit attached to the engine block. Access is usually from the top of the engine bay, though some trims may require partial undercar access or the removal of shields to reach the filter. Exact placement depends on whether your Bronco Sport has the 1.5L EcoBoost or the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
Location by Engine Type
1.5L EcoBoost
For Bronco Sport models equipped with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the oil filter sits inside a small cartridge housing mounted to the front side of the engine block. The filter is not a traditional external canister; you access the cartridge by removing the housing cap. The setup is designed to be accessible from above with the hood up, after removing the engine cover if present.
To locate and service the 1.5L EcoBoost oil filter, follow these steps:
- Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool.
- Open the hood and remove the engine cover if your model has one.
- Look toward the front of the engine on the engine block for a black plastic oil filter housing.
- Use the appropriate tool to unscrew the cap of the housing and remove it.
- Take out the old cartridge, discard it, and inspect the O-ring; replace if needed.
- Install a new cartridge, lubricate the new O-ring with a thin film of fresh oil, and reattach the housing cap securely.
- Reconnect the engine cover, if removed, and check the oil level after starting the engine.
- Dispose of the old filter properly and ensure there are no leaks around the housing.
Oil level should be rechecked after the oil change, and the drain plug and housing should be torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual or a qualified technician.
2.0L EcoBoost
On Bronco Sport models with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the oil filter is also a cartridge type housed in a dedicated filter housing on the engine block, generally positioned toward the front of the engine bay. Access is typically from above once the hood is open; some service procedures may require removing nearby shields to gain a clear path to the housing cap.
To locate and service the 2.0L EcoBoost oil filter, follow these steps:
- Park safely, engine off, and cool.
- Open the hood and remove any necessary covers or shields that obstruct access to the engine front.
- Find the oil filter housing mounted on the engine block near the front, usually in view from the top of the engine bay.
- Carefully loosen and remove the housing cap with the proper tool to expose the cartridge inside.
- Remove the old cartridge, replace with a new one, and install a new O-ring if required.
- Reinstall the housing cap and tighten to the specified torque.
- Reinstall any removed covers, start the engine, and verify there are no leaks while checking the oil level.
As with any oil change, using the correct oil type and capacity for your engine is essential, and refer to the owner's manual for exact torque specs and service intervals. If you’re uncertain about the procedure, seek professional service.
What to do if you can’t locate the filter
If you’re having trouble finding the oil filter in your Bronco Sport, consult the owner’s manual or a Ford service bulletin for your model year and engine. Some configurations may place the filter slightly out of direct sight behind components or behind shields, and service documentation will provide the exact location and steps for your specific build. A qualified technician can quickly locate and replace the cartridge filter if you prefer not to do it yourself.
Summary
In the Bronco Sport, the oil filter is a cartridge-type unit housed in a dedicated oil filter housing on the engine block. The general location is toward the front of the engine bay, accessible from above after removing the engine cover (and shields if needed). The exact steps differ slightly between the 1.5L EcoBoost and 2.0L EcoBoost engines, but the replacement process follows a similar pattern: remove the housing cap, replace the cartridge, reseat the cap, and verify there are no leaks after starting the engine. Always refer to the owner's manual for model-specific guidance and torque specs.
If you found this guide helpful and want more, consider checking Ford’s official service resources or speaking with a Ford technician to confirm the exact location for your year and trim.