🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Replacement

Your oil change removes old, dirty oil and replaces the filter so the engine stays protected. On your Explorer, this service also includes resetting the oil life monitor after the work is done.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and let the engine cool before draining oil.
• Hot oil can burn you. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands if you lift it. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Do not overfill the engine. Too much oil can damage the engine.
• Used oil must be collected and recycled properly.

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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
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Oil filter wrench (74mm, 14-flute specialty)
• Torque wrench
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Oil filter cap wrench (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Run the engine for 2-3 minutes to warm the oil slightly, then shut it off.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap to help draining.
• Have a drain pan ready before removing the drain plug.

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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 Explorer.
• Place it on jack stands and chock the rear wheels.
• Safety first: never work under a jack alone.

Step 2: Remove the splash shield access panel

• Use the ratchet and the needed fastener tool from the undertray hardware to remove the access panel under the engine.
• Set the fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully for several minutes.
• Install a new oil drain plug washer and reinstall the drain plug.
• Torque to 28 Nm (21 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Replace the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the oil filter wrench (74mm, 14-flute specialty) to loosen the filter housing cap.
• Remove the old cartridge filter from the cap and replace it with the new oil filter cartridge.
• Replace the housing O-ring if included with the filter and lightly coat it with clean oil.
• Reinstall the cap and tighten with the torque wrench.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Refill the engine with oil

• Lower the vehicle if needed for easier access.
• Use the funnel to add Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend).
• Add about 5.5 quarts first, then check the dipstick.
• Top off slowly until the oil reaches the full mark. Total capacity is about 6 quarts with filter.

Step 6: Start and inspect

• Use the key/start button to start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• Check for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter housing.
• Shut the engine off, wait 5 minutes, then recheck the oil level and top off if needed.

Step 7: Reset the oil life monitor

• Use the steering wheel controls and center display to open Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• Follow the prompts to reset oil life to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the oil level one more time after a short drive.
• Check underneath for any drip or seepage.
• Make sure the oil life monitor shows 100%.
• Dispose of the used oil and filter at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$140 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$70 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?

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.