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This May Be The Most Infuriatingly Located Oil Filter In Automotive History
Jalopnik • • technology
Key Points:
- Americans are facing widespread inflation and are keeping their cars longer, leading many to perform their own vehicle maintenance rather than using professional shops.
- The 4.6-liter engine in the 10th-generation Ford Thunderbird has an oil filter located in a difficult-to-reach spot on the driver's side, requiring special tools and techniques to access, especially compared to easier access in other Ford models like the Mustang.
- The oil filter's position near the exhaust manifolds exposes it to high heat, complicating removal if improperly installed or lubricated.
- The Thunderbird was positioned as an upscale competitor to BMW in the late 1980s, featuring advanced technology and performance but ultimately failing to turn a profit and being discontinued after its 10th generation.
- Ford introduced the 4.6-liter Modular Motor to the Thunderbird in 1994 without redesigning the oil filter placement, likely to avoid additional engineering costs despite the maintenance challenges it posed.
