🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter keeps the engine lubricated and helps it run cooler and cleaner. On your Explorer, this is a straightforward service if you support the vehicle safely and tighten the drain plug and filter correctly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine so you do not burn yourself on hot oil or exhaust parts.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep oil off the serpentine belt, exhaust, and driveway to avoid slipping and smoke.
• Dispose of used oil and the filter properly at a recycling center.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Shop towels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil 5W-20 synthetic - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Let the engine cool for at least 30 minutes.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap and dipstick to help the oil drain faster.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front end

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of your Explorer at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Make sure the vehicle is stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the oil drain plug

• Position the drain pan under the oil pan.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Replace the drain plug washer if equipped.
• Install the drain plug and Torque to 27 Nm (20 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 filter.
• Check that the old filter gasket came off with the filter.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh oil.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface.
• Tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn by hand.
• Do not use a wrench to over-tighten.

Step 5: Refill with engine oil

• Lower the vehicle back to level ground.
• Use a funnel to add 6 quarts of 5W-20 synthetic oil through the oil fill hole.
• Install the oil fill cap.

Step 6: Check the oil level

• Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds.
• Shut it off and wait 5 minutes.
• Use the dipstick to check the level.
• Add oil in small amounts if needed until the level is at the full mark.

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✅ After Repair

• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Check the dipstick again after a short drive.
• Reset the oil life monitor if your Explorer shows one in the driver display: Menu > Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $110-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$105 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 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.