How to Change Oil on a Ford Explorer

📋 Ford Explorer Oil Specs at a Glance

This guide covers the mid-size SUV (6th gen 2020-2026, including ST and King Ranch). The 2020+ Explorer is RWD-based, which changed the filter location. The filter is now on the passenger side facing down. The 3.0L EcoBoost ST/Platinum uses the same filter as the 2.3L. Reset oil life through the SYNC display: Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.

🛠 What You'll Need

• 6.0 of 5W-30 full synthetic engine oil (Mobil 1 Full Synthetic on Amazon)
• Motorcraft FL-500S oil filter (FRAM equivalent on Amazon)
• Drain pan (drain pan on Amazon)
• Socket for drain plug (metric socket set on Amazon)
• Oil filter wrench or cartridge cap (oil filter wrench on Amazon)
• Torque wrench (1/2" torque wrench on Amazon)
• Funnel (oil funnel on Amazon)
• Floor jack and jack stands or ramps (floor jack on Amazon)
• Latex gloves and shop rags

✅ Before You Start - Checklist

• Park on level, solid ground
• Confirm exact capacity and viscosity for YOUR engine variant
• Have a new crush washer / filter gasket ready (always replace, never reuse)
• Torque wrench calibrated and set to correct value
• 6.0 of fresh oil purchased - rounded UP, not down

📝 Step-by-Step: Ford Explorer Oil Change

1. Confirm your engine variantOpen the hood and check the engine cover or VIN sticker. Capacities differ between trims (6.0 qt (2.3L EcoBoost) / 6.0 qt (3.0L EcoBoost) / 6.0 qt (3.3L V6 Hybrid)). Buy the right amount of oil and the matching filter.
2. Warm the engine 5-10 minutesWarm oil drains faster and more completely. Do not run to full operating temperature - the drain plug will burn you.
3. Lift and secure the Ford ExplorerUse ramps or jack the front and place jack stands on the frame rails. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
4. Remove the underbody panel if equippedMost Ford models have a plastic skid panel held by 4-8 fasteners. Remove it for clear access to the drain plug and filter.
5. Position drain pan and remove the drain plugOffset the pan 6-8 inches forward of the drain plug - oil shoots sideways at first. Use the correct socket (typically 14mm-19mm). Keep inward finger pressure as the plug spins free so it does not drop into the pan.
6. Drain fully (10 minutes minimum)Wait until only single drops fall. Wipe drain plug threads clean. Discard the old crush washer.
7. Install new crush washer and reinstall drain plugHand-thread first to avoid cross-threading. Then torque to 21 lb-ft (M14x1.5, new aluminum gasket). Over-torquing strips the oil pan (a $400-800 mistake).
8. Move pan under the oil filterOil pours out as you loosen the filter or cap. Reposition the drain pan.
9. Remove the old filterFor spin-on filters, use the filter wrench counter-clockwise. For cartridge housings (common on Ford Explorer), use the correct cap socket and remove the housing top. Pull the old element straight up.
10. Install the new filter or elementSpin-on: pre-lube the rubber gasket with fresh oil, thread on by hand, then hand-tight 3/4 turn past contact. Cartridge: install new O-rings (always included with cartridge), drop in new element, torque housing cap to hand-tight 3/4 turn past contact.
11. Lower the Ford Explorer and refill with new oilRemove the oil filler cap on the valve cover. Pour in slightly less than spec (6.0 target - pour 6.0 first, then check dipstick).
12. Start engine and verify no leaksIdle 30-60 seconds. The oil pressure light should extinguish within 5 seconds. Shut off and inspect the drain plug and filter from below - no drips allowed.
13. Check dipstick and top off to MAXWait 2 minutes for oil to settle into the pan. Pull dipstick, wipe, reinsert fully, pull. Add oil to the MAX mark - do NOT overfill (overfilling foams the oil and damages bearings).
14. Reset the maintenance reminder and record the changeReset via dashboard menu (procedure in FAQ below). Write the date and mileage on a sticker or in the door jamb. Next change at 7,500-10,000 mi normal.

🔗 Related Guides

❓ Ford Explorer Oil Change FAQs