What size socket for f150 oil drain plug?
The standard socket size for the F-150 oil drain plug is 14mm. This is the most common size across recent models and engines. However, the exact size can vary by year and variant, so it’s wise to double-check the plug head or your owner’s manual before you drain the oil.
That size covers the vast majority of late-model F-150s, but some older or less common configurations may use 13mm or 15mm. If the 14mm socket doesn’t seat properly, carefully try the neighboring sizes and avoid forcing the wrench to prevent stripping the plug.
Common sizes and how to confirm
These are the sizes you’re most likely to encounter and how you can verify which one applies to your truck.
- 14 mm — The default for most modern F-150s across several engines (such as the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, and the 5.0L V8) and model years. The drain plug hex typically accepts a 14mm socket.
- 13 mm — Possible on some older or less common configurations. If the 14mm won’t fit or sits loose, test a 13mm with care to avoid rounding.
- 15 mm — Rare, but may appear on certain variants or aftermarket plugs with a larger head. Use only if 14mm and 13mm do not fit and you’ve confirmed the plug requires it.
When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealer for the exact drain-plug size for your specific year and engine. If you’re performing maintenance yourself, keep a small set of metric sockets handy to verify fit before applying force.
Practical oil-change steps
If you’re performing an oil change, follow these general steps to drain and refill oil safely. Always refer to the official manual for torque specs and oil capacity specific to your year and engine.
- Park on level ground, engine off, and allow the engine to cool before touching fluids.
- Raise the vehicle safely and place it on jack stands if needed; position a drain pan beneath the drain plug.
- Use the correct socket to loosen the drain plug (start with 14mm; if it doesn’t fit, test 13mm or 15mm).
- Let the used oil drain completely into the pan.
- Remove the drain plug, inspect or replace the copper washer as required, then reinstall and tighten to the manufacturer’s torque specification.
- Fill with the recommended oil type and quantity; replace the oil fill cap. \n
- Start the engine, run briefly, and check for leaks. Recheck the oil level after the engine cools.
- Dispose of used oil and filter according to local regulations.
Following these steps helps ensure a clean drain and refill with no leaks. Always verify torque specs and oil capacity for your specific F-150 model year and engine before proceeding.
Summary
For most Ford F-150s, the optimal oil drain plug socket size is 14mm. Variations can occur, so it’s important to confirm the exact size by inspecting the plug, checking the owner’s manual, or contacting a dealer. Keep 13mm and 15mm as backup options, and follow standard oil-change safety practices to complete the job correctly.
