image: Ford
Regular preventative maintenance is crucial for keeping your Ford Bronco Sport in optimal condition. One essential aspect of vehicle care is performing timely oil changes. In this article, we will explore the importance of oil changes for both the 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine and the 1.5 liter, 3-cylinder engine and how to utilize the oil life indicator in your Bronco Sport and Ford Pass app to ensure your engine stays healthy and performs at its best.
Two Engines to Consider
To determine the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport oil type you need, you'll want to check your Bronco Sport edition. Unless you have the Bronco Sport First Edition, the Badlands, or the Heritage Limited, your Sport has the 181 horsepower, turbo-charged 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine, which takes 5.3 quarts of 5W20 for a 2021 and 6.6 for a 2022-23 (2022 builds before August still had the 2021 capacity of 5.3 quarts, so it's always good to check your owner's manual). The 250 HP, turbo-charged 4-cylinder requires 5.5 quarts of 5W30 for a 2021-23. This can be either regular or semi-synthetic oil; MotorCraft brand is recommended.
Synthetic oils and the SP oil spec have been developed for the EcoBoost engines, which are more demanding on oil. If you plan on changing your own oil, keep in mind that the bash plate on the 2.0 will need to be removed in order to access the oil pan.
Understanding the Oil Life Indicator
Ford vehicles, including the Bronco Sport, are equipped with an oil life indicator system designed to monitor the condition of your engine oil. It is important to note that the oil life indicator does not determine the oil level and that you should be checking that yourself, on at least a monthly basis.
The indicator calculates the oil life based on various factors such as engine temperature, operating conditions, and driving habits. It provides a warning on the screen when the oil life falls below 25% and prompts you to change the oil immediately when it reaches 0%.
Prolonged delays in changing the oil increase the risk of a shortened engine life. The oil life feature is also available on the Ford Pass app. Simply open the app and select your vehicle. On that screen is a tile indicating oil life. If you touch that tile, another screen will open and display your remaining oil life.
There have been recent discussions on the Bronco Sport forums regarding the accuracy of the oil life indicator on the Ford Pass app and that failing to update the app and vehicle connectivity can cause the app to show a 0% oil life. It is recommended to compare your app with the oil life indicator in your Sport first and then contact your local Ford dealership if there are any questions or discrepancies.
Locating the Oil Life Indicator
To access the oil life indicator on your Bronco Sport, follow these steps:
- Sit in the driver's seat and locate the menu options on the right side of the steering wheel.
- Use the menu controls to navigate to "Options" and select it.
- Look for the "Oil Life" option and choose it to display the remaining percentage of oil life on your screen.
Determining the Oil Change Frequency
Ford recommends changing the oil in your Bronco Sport every 7,500 miles or at least once per year, whichever comes first. It is important to conduct regular maintenance and not rely solely on the oil life indicator, and it's important to note that driving conditions can vary, and certain circumstances might require more frequent oil changes. For example, if you frequently drive in extreme weather conditions, take your Sport off-road, or tow near your capacity, you may need to change the oil more frequently.
Here is a video that discusses oil changes and their importance, especially with turbo engines like the Bronco Sport. In this video, Brian Makuloco of the Ford Tech Makuloco channel recommends scheduling an oil change at 5,000 miles and to run a full synthetic oil.
Why Oil Changes Are Important
Regular oil and oil filter changes are vital for the health and longevity of your engine. Over time, engine oil accumulates contaminants, loses its lubricating properties, and becomes less effective at protecting engine components. Those contaminants can also plug up filters over time, shortening the life of your turbos and potentially the engine.
By changing the oil at the recommended intervals, you ensure that your engine receives clean, high-quality lubrication, minimizing wear and tear, and preventing potential engine damage.
Checking the Reset on Your Oil Life Indicator
Once you’ve completed your oil change, you’ll want to reset or make sure your dealership has reset your oil life indicator. Watch this video for the simple reset instructions.
Treat Your Sport Right for Years of Fun to Come!
Keeping up with preventative maintenance, such as regular oil changes, is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your Ford Bronco Sport. The oil life indicator in your vehicle can help you monitor your oil in between your regularly scheduled changes and extend the life of your engine.
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