🔧 Outback - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

This repair drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter, and refills your Outback with fresh oil. Clean oil protects the 3.6L flat-six engine from wear, heat, and sludge buildup.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface so the oil drains correctly and the vehicle stays stable.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool for 10-15 minutes if it is hot; warm oil drains well, but hot oil can burn skin.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands if raising the vehicle. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and underbody. Wipe spills before starting the engine.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this oil change.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 17mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Torque wrench 10-50 ft-lbs
• Oil filter wrench 65/67mm 14-flute
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Drain pan 8-quart minimum
• Funnel
• Clean shop towels
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil 5W-30 synthetic - Qty: 7 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Outback on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🧱 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if lifting the front.
• 🔥 Run the engine for 2-3 minutes if cold, then shut it off. Warm oil flows out faster.
• 🧰 A torque wrench tightens bolts to an exact tightness so they are not too loose or too tight.
• ♻️ Have a sealed container ready for used oil. Take used oil and the old filter to a recycling center or parts store.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Secure the Front

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the front of your Outback at the front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the proper front support points.
• Use wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and give the vehicle a light shake to confirm it is stable.
• Never crawl under a jack-only vehicle.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Access Cover if Needed

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the plastic push clips from the oil drain access area if the cover blocks the drain plug.
• Set the clips aside where they will not get lost.
• A push clip is a reusable plastic fastener that holds splash shields and covers in place.

Step 3: Remove the Oil Fill Cap and Dipstick

• Open the hood.
• Remove the engine oil fill cap by hand.
• Pull the dipstick up slightly by hand.
• This lets air enter the engine so the old oil drains more smoothly.

Step 4: Drain the Old Engine Oil

• Place the drain pan 8-quart minimum under the oil drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug by hand while keeping pressure against it until the threads release.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to a drip.
• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug.
• A crush washer is a soft sealing washer that flattens slightly when tightened and should be replaced each oil change.

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Wipe the drain plug and oil pan sealing area with clean shop towels.
• Install the new oil drain plug crush washer on the drain plug by hand.
• Thread the drain plug into the oil pan by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench 10-50 ft-lbs with the 17mm socket to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 41 Nm (30 ft-lbs)
• Start bolts by hand first.

Step 6: Remove the Old Oil Filter

• Move the drain pan 8-quart minimum under the oil filter area because more oil may drip out.
• Use the oil filter wrench 65/67mm 14-flute with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the oil filter counterclockwise.
• Spin the filter off by hand once it is loose.
• Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter.
• The gasket is the black rubber sealing ring on the filter. If it sticks to the engine, remove it by hand.

Step 7: Install the New Oil Filter

• Dip a gloved finger into fresh engine oil 5W-30 synthetic and lightly coat the new filter gasket.
• Thread the new engine oil filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• Tighten the oil filter by hand an additional 3/4 turn, or use the oil filter wrench 65/67mm 14-flute and torque wrench 10-50 ft-lbs if the filter has a torque spec printed on it.
• Torque to 14 Nm (10 ft-lbs)
• Do not overtighten the filter.

Step 8: Reinstall the Lower Access Cover

• Use your hands to position the lower access cover back into place.
• Use the flat-head screwdriver to help reinstall the plastic push clips if needed.
• Make sure the cover is secure and not hanging down.

Step 9: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the front slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 2-ton minimum.
• Lower the vehicle slowly to the ground with the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum.

Step 10: Add Fresh Engine Oil

• Place the funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in about 6 quarts of engine oil 5W-30 synthetic.
• Wait 1 minute, then check the dipstick by wiping it with clean shop towels, reinserting it fully, and pulling it out again.
• Add oil slowly until the level is near the full mark.
• The total refill is about 6.9 quarts with filter, but always finish by dipstick level.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.

Step 11: Start and Leak Check

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Turn the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Use safety glasses, nitrile gloves, and clean shop towels to inspect around the drain plug and oil filter for leaks.
• Check the dipstick again and top off with engine oil 5W-30 synthetic if needed.

Step 12: Reset the Maintenance Reminder

• Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine.
• Use the steering wheel controls to open the center information display settings.
• Select Pull and hold i/SET switch > Maintenance > Engine Oil > Reset.
• Set the next reminder mileage and date if prompted.
• If your display layout differs, use Home > Settings > Maintenance > Engine Oil > Reset on the infotainment screen.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Confirm the oil level is at or just below the full mark after the engine has been off for 5 minutes.
• ✅ Check under your Outback after the first drive for any oil drips.
• ✅ Recheck the dipstick the next morning on level ground.
• ✅ Properly recycle the used oil and old oil filter.
• ✅ Record the mileage and date of the oil change.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $110-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.4-0.7 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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