🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Change

Changing the oil and filter keeps the 2.3L turbo engine clean, helps control heat, and protects the turbocharger. On your Explorer, the oil filter is a cartridge-style filter, so you’ll replace the filter element inside the housing, not a spin-on can.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface with the engine fully cooled down.
• Hot oil can burn you. Let the engine sit if it was recently running.
• Use jack stands if you lift the front. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep the oil drain pan centered under the drain plug before loosening it.
• Do not over-tighten the drain plug or oil filter cap.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter cap socket (specific to Explorer 2.3L cartridge filter)
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing O-ring/seal - Qty: 1
• Drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool so the oil is safe to drain.
• Gather all parts and tools before starting.
• If the undertray is fitted, be ready to remove it before reaching the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to raise the front of the Explorer.
• Place jack stands under the proper support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Make sure the vehicle is stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the undertray if equipped

• Use the appropriate fastener tools if the splash shield blocks access to the drain plug.
• Set the fasteners aside in order so reassembly is easier.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug washer if your plug uses one.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 19 Nm (168 in-lbs).

Step 4: Replace the oil filter cartridge

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the oil filter cap socket (specific to Explorer 2.3L cartridge filter) to loosen the filter cap.
• Remove the cap and pull out the old filter element.
• Replace the old oil filter housing O-ring/seal with the new one.
• Lightly oil the new O-ring with clean engine oil before installing it.
• Install the new oil filter cartridge into the housing cap.
• Reinstall the cap and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Add new engine oil

• Lower the vehicle if needed so it sits level.
• Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
• Use a funnel to add about 5.5 quarts of engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic) first.
• Install the cap, start the engine, and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes for oil to settle.
• Top off slowly until the oil reaches the full mark. Total fill is usually about 5.7 quarts with filter.

Step 6: Check for leaks and reinstall covers

• Use a shop towel to wipe the drain plug and filter housing clean.
• Look underneath for any oil leaks.
• Reinstall the undertray if equipped.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the oil level again with the dipstick after a short drive and a few minutes of rest.
• Verify there are no leaks at the drain plug or filter housing.
• Reset the oil life monitor through the vehicle settings if needed. On many Fords, use Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• Dispose of used oil and filter at a proper recycling center.

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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 0.8-1.2 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.