🔧 Explorer - Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Changing the engine oil and oil filter removes contaminated oil and helps protect the engine from wear. On your Explorer, the filter is serviced from underneath, so you’ll need safe access under the front of the vehicle.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and keep the parking brake fully engaged.
• Let the engine cool before draining oil. Hot oil can burn you.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly at a recycling center.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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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
• Drain pan
• 15mm socket
• 1/2-inch ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Torque wrench
• Funnel
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Start the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off and wait 10-15 minutes. This helps the oil drain faster without being too hot.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap before draining. This helps oil flow out smoothly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Place the vehicle securely on jack stands.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks so the vehicle cannot roll.
• Give the vehicle a gentle shake.

Step 2: Drain the engine oil

• Position the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and 1/2-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely into the pan.
• Inspect the drain plug and remove the old crush washer if equipped.
• Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it with a torque wrench to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter area.
• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old oil filter.
• Make sure the old filter gasket comes off with the filter. If it stays on the engine, remove it by hand.
• Expect some oil to spill.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with clean engine oil.
• Spin the new oil filter on by hand until the gasket touches.
• Then tighten it an additional 3/4 turn by hand.
• Do not use the wrench to overtighten the new filter.

Step 5: Refill with engine oil

• Lower the vehicle back to level ground.
• Use a funnel and add about 5.5 quarts of fresh engine oil through the fill opening.
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.

Step 6: Check for leaks and set the oil level

• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Check under the vehicle for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Use the dipstick to check the oil level. Add oil in small amounts until it reaches the full mark.
• Final capacity is typically about 6 quarts, but always verify by dipstick.

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✅ After Repair

• Drive the vehicle a short distance and recheck for leaks.
• Recheck the oil level after the engine sits for several minutes.
• Reset the oil life monitor if equipped: Menu > Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset or use the information display reset procedure.
• Confirm the oil change reminder clears properly after the reset.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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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.