🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Replacing the oil and filter on your Explorer helps protect the turbocharged engine from wear and keeps oil flow clean. This job is straightforward for a beginner if you take your time and support the vehicle safely.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Engine oil, exhaust parts, and the oil filter area can be very hot. Let the engine cool before starting.
• Use jack stands under the vehicle. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly. Do not pour oil on the ground or into drains.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 8mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Drain plug gasket washer (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic meeting Ford spec) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool until you can safely touch nearby components.
• If the oil life monitor was recently reset, note the current reading before service.
• Have the new oil and filter ready before you drain the old oil.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Set the vehicle securely on jack stands before getting underneath it.
• Shake it gently to confirm stability.

Step 2: Remove the splash shield

• Use an 8mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the fasteners holding the lower engine shield.
• Lower the shield and set it aside.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Position the oil drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Replace the drain plug gasket washer if needed.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the filter.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the oil filter.
• Check that the old filter seal came off with the filter. If not, remove it by hand.
• Lightly oil the new filter seal with clean engine oil.
• Install the new filter by hand until the seal touches, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn.
• Do not overtighten the filter.

Step 5: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reinstall the lower engine shield.
• Use the 8mm socket and ratchet to reinstall the fasteners.
• Tighten them snugly; do not strip the plastic clips.

Step 6: Refill the engine with oil

• Lower the vehicle to level ground.
• Remove the oil fill cap and use a funnel to add about 5.5 quarts of oil first.
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Check the dipstick and add oil in small amounts until the level is at the full mark.

Step 7: Check for leaks

• Look under the vehicle for oil dripping from the drain plug and filter.
• If you see a leak, shut the engine off and correct it before driving.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the oil level again after a short test drive and cooldown.
• Reset the oil life monitor in the instrument cluster menu if needed.
• Keep an eye on the oil filter and drain plug for leaks over the next day.
• Record the mileage and date of the oil change.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$170 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$85 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.