🔧 Explorer - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Explorer removes dirty oil and replaces it with clean oil so the engine stays protected and runs smoothly. You’ll drain the old oil from the oil pan, replace the spin-on oil filter, then refill to the correct level.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.0-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack; always use jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• 🧯 Engine oil can be hot; let the engine cool 15-30 minutes to avoid burns.
• 🧤 Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses; oil can irritate skin and eyes.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts; wipe spills immediately.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension (6")
• 15mm socket
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive)
• Oil filter cap wrench 76mm 14-flute (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket or drain plug - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap (helps the oil drain more smoothly).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Safely raise and support the front

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the proper front jacking point.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) and gently shake the vehicle to confirm it’s stable.

Step 2: Position the drain pan

• Slide a drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Use a 15mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Finish removing the plug by hand and let the oil drain completely (typically 5-10 minutes).
• Inspect the drain plug sealing surface and the gasket. Replace the oil drain plug gasket or drain plug if it’s flattened, cracked, or damaged.

Step 4: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (3/8" drive) and 15mm socket to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 19 Nm (14 ft-lbs).
• Wipe any oil off the oil pan with shop towels.

Step 5: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the oil filter area (some oil will spill).
• Use the oil filter cap wrench 76mm 14-flute (specialty) with a 3/8" drive ratchet and 3/8" drive extension (6") to loosen the filter.
• Spin the filter off by hand and let it drain into the pan.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter (it can stick to the engine).

Step 6: Install the new oil filter

• Dip a finger in new oil and lightly coat the new filter’s rubber gasket. Helps it seal correctly.
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket contacts the engine mating surface.
• Tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn by hand (do not use the wrench to tighten unless access requires it).

Step 7: Refill with new oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Pour in SAE 5W-20 oil, starting with about 5.5 quarts.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 8: Start, check for leaks, then set the final level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Use the dipstick to check the oil level and top off as needed (typical total with filter is about 6 quarts). Use the funnel to add small amounts.

Step 9: Reset the oil life monitor

• Turn the ignition on (engine off).
• Using the steering wheel controls, go to: Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• Select reset and confirm (often requires holding OK).
• If you don’t see that path, try: Information > Oil Life, then hold OK to reset.

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✅ After Repair

• Re-check the dipstick after a short 5-10 minute drive and top off if needed.
• Look underneath again for any seepage at the drain plug and filter.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling/auto parts center that accepts waste oil.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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