🔧 Explorer - Engine Oil and Filter Change

This is a solid beginner service. Drain the old oil, replace the spin-on filter, refill with SAE 5W-30, then verify the dipstick level. Your Explorer takes 6.0 US quarts (5.7 L) with the filter. Ford specifies oil meeting WSS-M2C946-B1. fordservicecontent.com)

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level, solid ground. Never crawl beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust cool enough that you can work nearby without being burned.
• ⚠️ Support the front at Ford-approved lifting points with properly rated jack stands.
• ⚠️ Keep your hands clear of the cooling fans. They can operate unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Don’t start the engine until the drain plug, filter and filler cap are installed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection isn’t required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 8mm socket
• 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench rated 10-80 ft-lbs
• 76mm oil-filter wrench (specialty)
• 6-quart minimum drain pan
• Long-neck oil funnel
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• SAE 5W-30 engine oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 - Qty: 6 US quarts
• Spin-on engine oil filter meeting SAE/USCAR-36 - Qty: 1
• Engine-oil drain plug seal - Qty: 1 if damaged or supplied separately

Ford identifies the correct filter type as FL-500-S or an equivalent meeting SAE/USCAR-36. The matching oil-filter aisle is open beside this guide. fordservicecontent.com

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📋 Park on level ground, select Park and apply the parking brake.
• 📋 Chock both rear wheels before raising the front.
• 📋 Run the engine for three to five minutes, then switch it off. Warm oil drains better, but shouldn’t be painfully hot.
• 📋 Open the hood and loosen the engine-oil filler cap.
• 📋 Confirm you have six quarts before draining. An empty oil jug makes a terrible last-minute surprise.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Front

• Position the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum at an approved front lifting point.
• Raise the Explorer only high enough to work safely underneath.
• Place both jack stands rated 2-ton minimum beneath approved support points.
• Lower the vehicle onto the stands and gently push the body to confirm it’s stable.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Access Panel

• Put on safety glasses and mechanic gloves.
• Use the 8mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to remove any fasteners blocking the drain plug or filter.
• Set the fasteners aside in their removal order.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

• Place the 6-quart minimum drain pan beneath the oil-pan drain plug.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug by hand while pushing inward, then pull it away quickly.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Inspect the plug threads and sealing surface. Replace a damaged seal or plug.
• Oil travels farther than you expect.

Step 4: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Clean the plug and oil-pan sealing surface with shop towels.
• Thread the plug fully by hand. Stop if it doesn’t turn smoothly.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten it to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).
• Don’t use an impact wrench. The aluminum oil pan won’t forgive enthusiasm.

Step 5: Remove the Old Oil Filter

• Move the 6-quart minimum drain pan beneath the oil filter.
• Use the 76mm oil-filter wrench and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to turn the filter counterclockwise.
• Remove it by hand and keep the open end upright to limit spills.
• Confirm the old rubber gasket came off with the filter. Two stacked gaskets will cause a major leak.
• Clean the filter mounting surface with shop towels.

Step 6: Install the New Oil Filter

• Apply a thin film of fresh SAE 5W-30 engine oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved finger.
• Thread the filter clockwise by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• Tighten it approximately three-quarters of a turn after gasket contact, following the filter’s printed instructions.
• Don’t tighten the new filter with the filter wrench unless its manufacturer specifically requires it.

Step 7: Reinstall the Access Panel

• Use the 8mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to reinstall the lower panel.
• Tighten the small panel fasteners snugly by hand. Don’t crush or strip the plastic retainers.

Step 8: Lower the Explorer

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the vehicle slightly off the stands.
• Remove both jack stands rated 2-ton minimum.
• Lower the Explorer completely and remove the rear wheel chocks.

Step 9: Add Fresh Engine Oil

• Insert the long-neck oil funnel into the oil-filler opening.
• Add approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) of SAE 5W-30.
• Wait one minute, check the dipstick, then add oil gradually toward the full mark.
• Install the oil-filler cap securely.
• Don’t blindly pour beyond the specified 6.0-quart total capacity. fordservicecontent.com

Step 10: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

• Start the engine and confirm the oil-pressure warning light turns off within a few seconds.
• Let the engine idle for about 30 seconds.
• Switch it off immediately if the warning light remains on.
• Use a flashlight and visually inspect the drain plug and filter for leakage. Don’t reach near moving or hot components.

Step 11: Verify the Final Oil Level

• Switch the engine off and leave the Explorer level.
• For the most accurate reading, Ford directs you to wait 15 minutes.
• Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean shop towel, reinstall it fully and remove it again.
• Keep the oil between the MIN and MAX marks, preferably near MAX without exceeding it. fordservicecontent.com

Step 12: Reset the Oil-Life Monitor

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the steering-wheel information-display buttons.
• Select Settings > Convenience > Oil Life Reset.
• Press and hold OK until the reset confirmation appears. fordservicecontent.com

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine again and confirm there are no warning lights.
• ✅ Recheck the filter and drain-plug areas after a short drive.
• ✅ Check the dipstick again the following morning on level ground.
• ✅ Record the date, mileage, oil grade and filter used.
• ✅ Pour the old oil into a sealed container and take it with the old filter to an authorized recycling point.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$85 by doing it yourself!

Local labor and oil prices vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.4-0.7 hours.

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