How to Drop the Oil Pan in a Ford Mustang

There are several reasons for dropping the oil pan in the Mustang. This includes replacing or repairing it, cleaning it or upsizing it for a higher performance engine. There have been several generations of Mustangs, but the most common is the 5th generation, which includes vehicle models running from 2005 through the present.

Instructions

1

Drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes to raise the engine's temperature. Park the vehicle on a safe service to work on and make sure it is flat.

2

Open the hood of the vehicle and remove the engine oil cap located on the right side of the vehicle, about half way down the side, labeled as oil. This provides a release of pressure.

3

Raise the car using a jack and support using jack stands. Follow all proper directions to do so. Place a oil drip pan under the oil pan, located under the vehicle between the tires. The oil pan is a rectangular shaped pan that houses the oil when not in use.

4

Locate the engine oil drain plug, found on the back of the oil pan, pointing towards the rear of the car. Use a socket set or wrench to disconnect the oil plug, allowing the oil to spill from the oil pan into the drip pan. Drain for at least 10 minutes or until the oil stops flowing.

5

Go back under the hood of the vehicle and locate the battery box, located towards the front of the vehicle, on the right side of the car. Use a wrench to unscrew the bolt holding the negative battery cable in place and set aside.

6

Install a vehicle hoist on the engine, following the instructions provided by the hoist's manufacturer. Due to the location of the oil pan and the structure of the engine, the engine must have support throughout the process.

7

Find the oil pan, located under the vehicle, at the bottom of the engine. Use a wrench or a socket set to remove each of the bolts around the outside edge of the pan. Support the oil pan as you unscrew the bolts.