Changing oil filter 2.3L MPC

[Scooter]

I am about to do my first oil change.

Is it helpful to remove the left front tire to access the opening to re and re the oil filter.

Is it just clips to remove access are. I see a Philips plastic head on the inner fender well fiber linear.
What's underneath that.

Not sure if i will get my 74mm filter wrench by that time. Do you have enough room to put a strap clamp on oil filter.

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[buzzleo]

I am about to do my first oil change.

Is it helpful to remove the left front tire to access the opening to re and re the oil filter.

Is it just clips to remove access are. I see a Philips plastic head on the inner fender well fiber linear.
What's underneath that.

Not sure if i will get my 74mm filter wrench by that time. Do you have enough room to put a strap clamp on oil filter.

I used a filter wrench, the band type that has a 3/8 square drive that a ratchet fits into.
I used a 3/8 pull bar instead of a ratchet though. I would recommend long sleeves. There are numerous sharp items to work on your arm. No need to go at it from the tire area. I am assuming you are working on a 25 model not a 24!

 

[Maybe]

So I’ve gotten it from the engine bay when not on a lift. I may fab up a fender liner flap or something to make it easier in the future. Been going over ways to make it look clean and unnoticeable.

 

[purdyd]

I used a filter wrench, the band type that has a 3/8 square drive that a ratchet fits into.
I used a 3/8 pull bar instead of a ratchet though. I would recommend long sleeves. There are numerous sharp items to work on your arm. No need to go at it from the tire area. I am assuming you are working on a 25 model not a 24!

same came from the top and wear long sleeves.

I think next time I’m going to figure out a way to reduce the sharp edges

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/2025-2-3l-fx4-oil-change.20682/

 

[Scooter]

@purdyd

Your video is a go to for oil changes. Looked at it a few times. Purchased the Pennzoil oil.
I may buy a small container since all you need is the 5L jug and 200mL.

Would it not be easier to remove the oil filter from the bottom.

The Bronco site is saying the taller motocraft oil filter will fit the 2.3L MPC. FL 500S

Just wondering if it would void the warranty using that larger filter.
I have purchased 3 more FL 2127

 

[purdyd]

@purdyd

Your video is a go to for oil changes. Looked at it a few times. Purchased the Pennzoil oil.
I may buy a small container since all you need is the 5L jug and 200mL.

Would it not be easier to remove the oil filter from the bottom.

The Bronco site is saying the taller motocraft oil filter will fit the 2.3L MPC. FL 500S

Just wondering if it would void the warranty using that larger filter.
I have purchased 3 more FL 2127

you can reach it from below but it seemed easier from above

i used a longer torque ratchet to get the reach and a stool.

there is stuff directly below the filter so you would have to come in from behind and below.

it’s the hose clamps that have sharp edges

 

[Maybe]

@purdyd

Your video is a go to for oil changes. Looked at it a few times. Purchased the Pennzoil oil.
I may buy a small container since all you need is the 5L jug and 200mL.

Would it not be easier to remove the oil filter from the bottom.

The Bronco site is saying the taller motocraft oil filter will fit the 2.3L MPC. FL 500S

Just wondering if it would void the warranty using that larger filter.
I have purchased 3 more FL 2127

i use an FL500S. It’s just more capacity. It’s a Motorcraft filter. They can’t deny warranty for that.

 

[FreezingFlatlander]

Am guessing that I have changed my own oil about 90% of the time over decades (I'm 82 years old) but changing oil on the 2024 & 2025 2.3 Rangers has been the most difficult job of any of the vehicles that I have owned, so difficult that I have given up and now have the oil changes done at the dealership. I did change oil once on the 2025 by snaking the oil filter wrench on a long extension through the wheel well but then the filter fell and got wedged near where it fell. At that point I was able to remove the oil filter by reaching down from the top but it was a stretch as my arms weren't able to reach it easily. Then I struggled installing the new filter and wondered if I would even be able to do it as access is so poor. I tried installing the filter from the top but my arms weren't long enough. I ended up installing the filter from the bottom (by braille) and at that point decided I was never going to attempt changing oil on the Ranger again. I never did attempt changing oil on the 2024 Ranger as access was so poor.

 

[Scooter]

i will post my opinion of completing the oil and filter change on the 2.3L MPC.
To me the truck is tall. Seems like it will be a pain to get at it from the top.
I have purchased a good quality 903 socket. I refuse to buy those cheap tin filter wrenches.
I will find some universal joints and long extensions. Also get out an open end wrench to fit over 903 nut.

 

[TractorFixer]

With a filter "socket" and swivel extension, it's not bad to change it from the side without removing anything.

 

[ShadowDragon24]

I jack it up, remove the 1 push pin, pull the liner back a touch, then use a filter socket on a ratchet, no extension needed. when its up on stands. you can get it from the top, thats how I got it out the first time.

 

[03GeeTee]

I just changed mine yesterday for the first time. I had enough room to get under the truck without lifting it. Reaching the oil filter from the top wasn’t the easiest task, but I stood on a stool and was able to get it without too much trouble. Only slightly more difficult than my previous 3.5 eco boost f150.

 

[Scooter]

My take away from performing my first oil change on my Ranger XLT 2.3L mpc.
Always felt humans should have three arms !
Next time I would jack the truck up and take off the left wheel. I had troubles getting under the truck. The cross brace is in the way.
My metric sockets are 3/8' drive.
You just have to take the rear bash plate bolts out just loosen two in front. Pull back and out. Its slotted at the front. These bolts have very long threads. Next time i would use a battery powered ratchet.
I have to work on my vehicles outside my apartment. There's a spot for it. i have to think through what tools i need so i do not have to go back into apartment.
I put my tools in a Milk Crate. You will not get to the filter from the top without a step. Crate perfect.
I tried removing the filter from the top, My 74mm socket had a 1/2" drive. 3/8 ratchet with adapter would not fit. Not sure how someone would put on the larger FL500S.
Suzuki has patented the best push pins. These with a thread are silly. Suzuki's, you just push the button in and it comes off. The welting does not get out of the way enough.
I had to put my extension through the lines to remove oil filter from wheel well.
Next time will go smoother.

I drove the truck to 1730KM. Oil was a bit dark. Looks like a lot of smaller particles in oil.
The oil was like if you drove a Ranger 4 Banger and changed the oil at say 7500KM.

My feeling on the 2.3L MPC. The one things that i liked about the 2.3L MPC in the 6G Ranger is the space around the motor. Will not over heat/ easier to work on 4 Banger. My last Ranger was a Duratec. That motor had to be standard to get the most of the motor. I felt it was peppy.

I did not feel that the 2.7L was needed. Would not tow to max 7500lbs. Wished to have better fuel economy.

I am a lead foot, so maybe the 2.7L would be equal in gas mileage. Do not like the motor crammed in the engine bay. The 2.3L is very proven. The Duratec was a cast iron block with
Mazda Head. 4 Valve dual over head cam.

I was pleased Ford Owned the 2.3L. Redesigned it themselves instead of the Coe engineered.
Like that the motor is detuned from mustang specs. Just last longer.

I hope the Range is my last vehicle. Lasting over 10 years if taken care of.

I do low mileage. Going to do a 10 or 12 year Warranty. There's a lot of sensors on it to ware out.
The Brake hold is a nice feature, but i think the system gets overly used. I do not use the electric E Brake.

Lastly, the interior cabin. I am a big guy. Try to see if maybe leveling the truck will help for me to get in it more smoothly. Because of the top angle of the window pillar, i have to duck my head first to get in. Once in its a bit snug, but night and day to my 4G. That was an XL. Basic. Rubber flooring. The XLT creates a calming effect. Nice interior. I did not get the 301A package. Should have. The manual seats have a lot of adjustment though. The Lumbar could protrude out further. Cushion foam is good. I could see people wishing better. Getting Seat foam redone. Also, makes sense to sound detin the doors. It a quiet cabin to begin with.

Bare with my ramblings a bit ADD.

Please I purchased the Ranger

 

[Scooter]

 

[ShadowDragon24]

take the extention off. I dont use any extentions. I also have to do all my work outside, if ther eis not room in the brudder inlaws garage, I drive up the road to the turn around spot and wrench there. Take me about 30/45mins to do do oil change. getting ready to do my 4th or 5th shortly. im at 17k kms.

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