PSA: oil change on FX4 Maverick requires skid plate panels removal

[Barracuda340]

Thingiverse that access covers you can 3D print for the skid plate or lower cover that appear to work just fine. You just have to cut the holes out for them.

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[Kenny]

I like to do my own oil changes when I can. Now that I see the FX4 skid plate under the front/engine, how much of a PITA is it going to be to get at the drain plug and filter? Surely FORD would think to add an access panel, but I don't see one in the pics I've viewed. I even cut a hole in the plastic skid plate on my Mazda for quick oil filter access. I only see one skid-plate with the FX4. Thoughts

I have 17k on my XLT FX4 and have changed oil twice according to this video. Sure enough the 6 or 8 big bolts on the sides are Loctited and difficult the first time you remove them. I oiled them on replacing so now it's much quicker. I bought plastic ramps and use an impact driver so it takes much less time than it would if I had to schedule an oil change, drive there and wait. Here is the video:

 

[SparkyUWH]

I just changed my oil for the first time with my fx4. I unbolted the front plate, but the bolt on the right side had so much loctite that loosening it broke the welded nut within the crossmember loose. Now the bilt and nut are loose and rattling around. What a joke!!! I hope the rest of the welds on my truck are not the same poor quality.

Would repairing this come under warranty?

I also removed the rear plate and installed a fumoto valve. I have one on my wife's Subaru and love it. Removing the plates is not that hard, but much harder than doing the oil change on the outback.

 

[Barracuda340]

I just changed my oil for the first time with my fx4. I unbolted the front plate, but the bolt on the right side had so much loctite that loosening it broke the welded nut within the crossmember loose. Now the bilt and nut are loose and rattling around. What a joke!!! I hope the rest of the welds on my truck are not the same poor quality.

Would repairing this come under warranty?

I also removed the rear plate and installed a fumoto valve. I have one on my wife's Subaru and love it. Removing the plates is not that hard, but much harder than doing the oil change on the outback.

Are you sure it's a welded nut, and not a clip nut like for a fender? I'd cut that off with my air operated whiz wheel, and just put a steel riv nut in there. Heres a PSA, when removing factory loctited in bolts the first time, heat them with a portable propane torch and remove them while they are hot. This frees up the loctite. Going back in, I'd put anti seize on the threads. I dont have the FX4 but want a metal skid plate I can put oil filter and drain access holes with covers in. I have that stupid fiberboard cover I have to remove every time.

 

[SparkyUWH]

The interior nut is almost definitely a welded nut. I can reach one finger in the tube from the side and feel the hex nut that just spins now. I'll have to investigate the steel riv nut solution. The hole used may be too big. Just take a look at the washer on the stock bolt. Maybe a stainless m8 or m10 would fit nicely - I'll have to measure the hole size.

 

[Barracuda340]

The interior nut is almost definitely a welded nut. I can reach one finger in the tube from the side and feel the hex nut that just spins now. I'll have to investigate the steel riv nut solution. The hole used may be too big. Just take a look at the washer on the stock bolt. Maybe a stainless m8 or m10 would fit nicely - I'll have to measure the hole size.

That really sucks.

 

[kfosburg]

Exact same problem I had yesterday... First oil change and the right front bolt broke the welded captive nut inside. The front plate need not be removed for oil change, but the big one certainly does. ALL the bolts were really tight and I feared each and every one would break that weld, but only that front one broke.

I have it taped up so it won't rattle for now and will probably just cut it out and put a rivnut in... Or take it to the dealer for a warrantee repair.

 

[Kenny]

Easy to do with right tools. Drive your Mav up on ramps, take an impact driver with appropriate size sockets and remove skid plate. The first time you may need a breaker since the factory locktited the bolts. Next time will be a breeze.

 

[billbillw]

Did my FX4 oil change for the 1st time last weekend. Not sure if it has been mentioned here, but the best practice would be to only loosen the rear two hex bolts about halfway out, then remove the others bolts. The rear will slide out since the skidplate has U-channels at the rear and not closed holes. That will also make it easier to re-install and hold with one hand while you hand thread a third bolt at the front. It holds with three bolts hand threaded, then you can hand thread the other 3 and tighten them all.

Hopefully that makes sense. It should after you see the skidplate removed.

Also, I would absolutely not try to drain the oil without removing the entire skidplate. That "access" port is not designed to drain the oil. It is an air vent for the PTU. If you tried to drain through that, you would end up with oil everywhere dripping from the skidplate. The oil comes out almost horizontally when you first remove the drain bolt.

I was expecting a stubborn oil filter from the factory, so I decided to invest in this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09439797D?th=1

After years of using a strap wrench, I decided the struggle wasn't worth it. That tool was super simple to use and spun the factory filter off with no issues.

 

[truckliker]

Well all I can admit to is I'm really lazy. I got out the cut off wheel and made access openings large enough remove filter and drain oil with no mess. So skid plate still provides some protection.

 

[GS535]

Well all I can admit to is I'm really lazy. I got out the cut off wheel and made access openings large enough remove filter and drain oil with no mess. So skid plate still provides some protection.

Would like to see some pics of that.

 

[Montana]

Does anyone have a solution to replace those crappy screws and the flimsy things that grab them where the plates meet each other? What a disaster. One was totally mangled and another broke off completely. Had to remove both plates to get it done and it's a PITA.

My TRD skid plate on my previous Tacoma had a spot to remove so you can get to the filter and same for the drain plug.

This design is awful. At least on the Tremors and non FX4 models it's all one piece. I'd almost consider just replacing it with a non FX4 version if I can't find a solution for those cheap excuses that grab the bolts.

 

[wb5oxq]

Updated with photos of skid plates that need removal for an oil change - posted by @thunaman (link to post)

Ok Gents, I have taken delivery of my FX4 Maverick today, I can confirm you will need to remove a panel that runs the full width of the truck, and about 6-8” “deep” from the bumper to the main skid plate. The rest of the skid plate is a single piece that covers the rest of the engine bay -- see photos below.​

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As you can see there is a large panel on the front you need to remove to get to the filter. and a small plastic air scoop (transmission cooling?) in the middle you need to remove to get to the drain plug​

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All in it took me about 10 min to remove, take pix and replace.​

Original post:

I like to do my own oil changes when I can. Now that I see the FX4 skid plate under the front/engine, how much of a PITA is it going to be to get at the drain plug and filter? Surely FORD would think to add an access panel, but I don't see one in the pics I've viewed. I even cut a hole in the plastic skid plate on my Mazda for quick oil filter access. I only see one skid-plate with the FX4.

Thoughts?

Even the non FX4 models have a cover that must be removed to access the oil change area. It is light weight but has a lot of screws holding it on. Both have that black plastic scoop looking thing on them.

 

[Me B]

Here's the ValvoMax for my FX4. I cut the skid plate a little which you can see outlined with white paint.

 

[TrailMaster]

Here's the ValvoMax for my FX4. I cut the skid plate a little which you can see outlined with white paint.

I like it! Very little cutting. Home printed cover?

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