Oil Change Question re: Ford Warranty

GeoBig
Feb 24, 2025

A Zero Forever

Feb 24, 2025

Hey guys, so I spoke to the dealership and the guy in service made me a little nervous.

To confirm-- if I use K&N 5W30 and a K&N oil filter for my next oil change, will I void my Ford warranty? I wouldn't think so, but you never know these days. Thanks for any guidance.

https://www.knfilters.com/motor-oil
2023 4-Door Badlands | V6 | Carbonized Gray Metallic + MIC Hardtop | 334A/Lux + Leather | Tow + 33" Shoes w/Optional Wheels + Capable Bumper
Reserved: 08.02.21 | Ordered: 10.29.22 | Build Week: 03.09.23 | Delivered to Dealership: 03.14.23 | Picked-Up: 03.25.23
missemme

Burrito Connoisseur

Feb 24, 2025

#1
It is your responsibility to ensure maintenance is performed on schedule and the materials used (oil, oil filter, etc.) meet the Ford engineering specifications laid out in the user manual. If they do not, then yes... it can potentially impact your warranty.

Check the "Capacities and Specifications" section of your user manual, it'll be listed in there. And usually oil manufacturers will list the oil specifications on the back of the bottle.
2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
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MWNew, missemme

Rank V

Feb 25, 2025

#2
The oil has to meet Ford Spec
  • Specification: Ford WSS-M2C961-A1(original spec) from the owners manual.
IMG_4680.png

As long as it states this current Ford WSS spec on the jug… Ford should honor the warranty…
IMG_4683.jpeg

Yea… I don’t see any WSS Ford specs on the jug… 🤔🤯 Mobil 1 has these specs
IMG_4682.png
You can clearly see the WSS-M2C961-A1 spec for their 5W-30 full synthetic that I use.

I also use a factory Ford Filter…

Hope this helps
Tahotrvlr
missemme, Stryf

Rank V

Feb 25, 2025

#3
I have the 2.7 liter engine. That means, a wet belt. Ford Spec for engine oil is Motorcraft 5W-30 synthetic blend. I do not deviate from the Spec oil and the OEM filter. Mainly because I don't want Ford to claim that in the event the belt fails, that the engine oil is somehow incompatible with the compound of material that the belt is made from.
"There's nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a Bronco" - John Bronco
Tahotrvlr, 615_Bronco
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Feb 25, 2025

#4
Did you keep your original filter? If so, just change from the K&N to the OEM before service. Then switch it back after. I personally just run the OEM filter. I keep a couple on hand and after extended heavy sand storms or various trail runs, I just replace it.

Rank V

Feb 25, 2025

#5
Did you keep your original filter? If so, just change from the K&N to the OEM before service. Then switch it back after. I personally just run the OEM filter. I keep a couple on hand and after extended heavy sand storms or various trail runs, I just replace it.

Isn't that a bit dishonest? And you being a moderator? 😬 Does your mother know you do this?

I use WIX filters, Oil and air. I put the Wix filter on the drivers floor each time. This saves me about 6 bucks per change, and I change every 3K. Dealer told me these will not void a warranty. I change the air filters on my own. You guys sure do find some goofy dealers.
MWNew, Bluestreak57

Rank 0

Feb 25, 2025

#6
Isn't that a bit dishonest? And you being a moderator? 😬 Does your mother know you do this?

I use WIX filters, Oil and air. I put the Wix filter on the drivers floor each time. This saves me about 6 bucks per change, and I change every 3K. Dealer told me these will not void a warranty. I change the air filters on my own. You guys sure do find some goofy dealers.

You change your oil every 3K? Isn't that overkill?
timhood, Eninty

Wherever you go, there you are!

Feb 25, 2025

#7
You change your oil every 3K? Isn't that overkill?

Some of us are still stuck in the old days where every 3K was the norm.. I do mine every 5K but I am a problem child.. 😂
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️
JAD67428, extra toasty

Wherever you go, there you are!

Feb 25, 2025

#8
Hey guys, so I spoke to the dealership and the guy in service made me a little nervous.

To confirm-- if I use K&N 5W30 and a K&N oil filter for my next oil change, will I void my Ford warranty? I wouldn't think so, but you never know these days. Thanks for any guidance.

https://www.knfilters.com/motor-oil

Voiding a warranty because you didn't use the exact spec'd oil and filter would be a bit extreme IMO.. I would not put it past manufacturers to try but it would be extremely cheap and ridiculous for them to do so..

I changed mine a few weeks ago and I honestly didn't pay attention to any of that. It's has fresh synthetic oil and a new filter. I'll call that good!

I keep the maintenance receipts to prove service was done..
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️
Deano Bronc
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Feb 25, 2025

#9
Isn't that a bit dishonest? And you being a moderator? 😬 Does your mother know you do this?

I use WIX filters, Oil and air. I put the Wix filter on the drivers floor each time. This saves me about 6 bucks per change, and I change every 3K. Dealer told me these will not void a warranty. I change the air filters on my own. You guys sure do find some goofy dealers.
I also don’t run those filters. I used to argue with the Russian guy who would smog my 08 Mustang. It was a Bullitt and it had a cold air intake and a different exhaust on it that were factory installed. It had put on a K&N filter and he pointed and yelled, “filter no good!” So I went home and put the factory one back on. I drove back and he continued that my stock filter, cold air and exhaust weren’t right. I had to show him in the owners manual and on line that it was correct. Best part was that he always argued when I went back to re-smog it. Love that grumpy old bastard. Other than my kids, he might the only thing I miss about California 🤣
Deano Bronc

Rank 0

Feb 25, 2025

#10
Do y'all do any other self-service on your Broncos? Or just oil?

Rank IV

Feb 26, 2025

#11
OP, RagnarKon gave you the best answer right off the bat, just use Ford spec products. I'll be more direct. If you are concerned about warranty, then just use Ford Motorcraft oil and a Motorcraft oil filter. Motorcraft products are good and what the dealer will use if you have your Ford serviced there.

K&N stuff is just marketing.

There is no magic to this.
No salt tram towers were harmed in the making of this post...

Rank 0

Feb 26, 2025

#12
I also don’t run those filters. I used to argue with the Russian guy who would smog my 08 Mustang. It was a Bullitt and it had a cold air intake and a different exhaust on it that were factory installed. It had put on a K&N filter and he pointed and yelled, “filter no good!” So I went home and put the factory one back on. I drove back and he continued that my stock filter, cold air and exhaust weren’t right. I had to show him in the owners manual and on line that it was correct. Best part was that he always argued when I went back to re-smog it. Love that grumpy old bastard. Other than my kids, he might the only thing I miss about California 🤣

This crazy grumpy Russian guy happen to work in Simi? I swear it sounds like my smog guy!
TK1215
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Feb 26, 2025

#13
This crazy grumpy Russian guy happen to work in Simi? I swear it sounds like my smog guy!
San Bruno Ca. They may be related🤣
Deano Bronc

Rank IV

Feb 27, 2025

#14
Like RagnarKon and Tahotrvlr mentioned above, as long as aftermarket parts meet the specified requirements from the manufacturer, they won't void the warranty. The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act is the law that prevents manufacturers from forcing consumers to use certain products.
Bronco Raptor, Focus RS, F-350 Centurion, Ranger on 35s

Rank V

Feb 28, 2025

#15
You change your oil every 3K? Isn't that overkill?

Yes. Yes, it is.😁

Full disclosure: I've only ever followed the manufacturer's service interval (or the oil life monitor, if it should ever happen to indicate that I need to change sooner). In my lifetime, I've never had an engine failure or even a major engine repair, (or any internal engine repair, for that matter) and I keep my vehicles long-term. (My daughter is now the daily driver of our 2004 F150, for example.)
WildTraker24, Eninty

Rank IV

Mar 01, 2025

#16
Yes. Yes, it is.😁

Full disclosure: I've only ever followed the manufacturer's service interval (or the oil life monitor, if it should ever happen to indicate that I need to change sooner). In my lifetime, I've never had an engine failure or even a major engine repair, (or any internal engine repair, for that matter) and I keep my vehicles long-term. (My daughter is now the daily driver of our 2004 F150, for example.)

Me too. One car I have (18 years old now - I've owned since new) has 426,000 on the original, untouched engine (other than profile gaskets); it has a lifetime OCI average of 12,153 miles. Now my Bronco, I drive it less that 5,000 miles a year; the FoMoCo mothership has told me to change the oil annually, so just two OCI (1) 5,530 miles and (2) at 3,684 miles (maybe Mr. Farley knows I buy my OE Ford oil and filter at my selling dealership - LOL).

Driving since the late 1970's I've clocked over 1.5M miles without an engine failure or internal repair. Just takes proper maintenance.
No salt tram towers were harmed in the making of this post...
Deano Bronc, WildTraker24

Rank II

Mar 01, 2025

#17
I have always struggled with finding lubricants for the differentials, transfer case, transmission, etc. that meet the Ford specifications. I stumbled on www.blauparts.com. You can search on the Ford/Motorcraft specification and find the lubricants that apply.
Deano Bronc, Sven

Rank IV

Mar 06, 2025

#18
No DIY anything for my B.. I drag my B in for oil changes when the mileage/app advise.
I don’t wanna risk anything voiding the warranty .. Justttt me though I’m sure.

Rank IV

Mar 07, 2025

#19
365k miles on my Chevy with 99% of them with a PROPERLY SERVICED K&N air filter, still runs strong.

BUT; I'm running factory stuff on my Basequatch including paper air filter. I bought a 125k extended warranty and this truck gets off road and dusty conditions use the chevy truck does not.

Also, seeing still golden and transparent synthetic oil being drained after only 3k I changed to 5k. Oil Life monitor said it was still 40% good after 5k and throwing away good synthetic oil got old. This truck uses virtually no oil in 5k miles either.
2022 Bronco 2dr Basesquatch 2.7
Carbonized Grey Mod Bumper Rock rails Brush guard Hitch Pod lights Black bead locks KMA-367
Deano Bronc

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