How to Drop the Oil Pan in a Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is part of the large Ford Motor Company line of cars. This compact car was sold by the company beginning in 2000 and is still produced today. The car replaced the Ford Escort and the Mercury Tracer before it. In vehicle models from 2000 through 2005, the oil drip pan needs removed for cleaning, repair or for replacement.

Instructions

1

Run the Ford Focus for 10 minutes to warm the engine. Park the car on a stable, flat surface. Turn the vehicle off. Open the hood of the vehicle and remove the oil cap from the engine. The oil cap is located on the right side of the engine, about half way down the right side.

2

Jack the car up using a jack and jack stands, according to the directions provided by the manufacturer of the jack. Follow all precautions since you will be sliding under the vehicle to drop the oil pan.

3

Drain the oil from the Ford Focus by placing a drip pan under the oil pan on the underside of the car. The oil pan is located about the middle of the vehicle on the bottom of the engine.

4

Pull the oil drain plug to allow for the oil to drain from the oil pan into the oil drip pan you've placed underneath it. The oil plug is located at the back of the oil pan, towards the rear of the car. Remove it using a wrench to loosen the bolt.

5

Allow the oil to drain fully from the oil pan before removing the oil drip pan. Be sure to dispose of oil in the proper manner, or if in good condition, you can reuse it. Disconnect the negative battery cable located under the hood of the car on the battery box with a wrench. The battery box is located towards the front of the car, on the right side.

6

Remove the catalytic converter with a wrench. It is located under the vehicle that runs from the bottom of the engine to the back of the vehicle.

7

Drop the oil pan by removing all of the 16 screws located around the edge of the oil pan's perimeter. These bolts unscrew using a wrench or socket set. Once removed, the oil pan from the Ford Focus will drop into your hands.