Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Ford Explorer's Oil

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these items to make the job go smoothly:

• New oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount)
• New oil filter
• Oil drain pan
• Wrench set
• Oil filter wrench
• Jack and jack stands (if needed to raise your vehicle)
• Ramps (optional alternative to jack stands)
• Shop towels or rags
• Safety glasses
• Funnel for pouring oil
• Dipstick for checking oil level

Having all your tools and supplies ready before you begin saves time and makes the process less frustrating. Most of these items are inexpensive and useful to keep on hand for future maintenance tasks on your Explorer.

Getting Your Explorer Ready

Park your Explorer on level ground in a safe location where you can work without interruption. Let the engine run for a few minutes so the oil warms up slightly—warm oil drains better and more completely than cold oil. Warm oil flows faster and leaves less residue in the engine. Turn off the engine and wait about five to ten minutes before you start work. This gives the oil time to cool just enough that it won't burn you when you touch the drain plug.

If you need more space underneath your vehicle to reach the drain plug and filter comfortably, carefully raise it using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack, as this is extremely dangerous. A jack can fail or slip, which could cause serious injury. If you use ramps instead, drive your Explorer slowly onto them and make sure the vehicle is stable before you get underneath. Wear safety glasses throughout this entire process to protect your eyes from oil splashes and debris.

Draining the Old Oil

Locate the oil drain plug underneath your engine. It's usually a bolt on the lowest part of the oil pan. Place your drain pan directly below it to catch the old oil as it flows out. Use your wrench to loosen the plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose enough to turn by hand, carefully unscrew it the rest of the way. Be careful—the oil may still be warm even after you've waited. If it's too hot to touch, use a shop towel to protect your hand while you unscrew it.

Let all the old oil drain completely into the pan. This process may take several minutes, so be patient. The oil will drip slowly at first and then even more slowly as the pan empties. Once the draining slows to just a drip or two every few seconds, the pan is essentially empty. Wipe the drain plug clean with a shop towel and set it aside on a clean surface. Inspect the rubber washer on the plug—if it looks cracked or damaged, replace it with a new one before reinstalling the plug.

Replacing the Oil Filter

Find your oil filter, which is a cylindrical component located on the side of the engine. The exact location depends on your Explorer model year, but it's usually easy to spot once you look for it. Place your drain pan underneath the filter to catch any oil that remains inside it. There's always a little oil left in the filter, and you don't want it dripping on your driveway or garage floor.

Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. The wrench grips the filter so you can apply enough force to break it loose without your hands slipping. Once the filter is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and set it aside carefully—it still contains warm oil. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine clean with a shop towel. Remove any old rubber or debris so the new filter sits properly.

Take your new oil filter and apply a thin layer of fresh oil around the rubber seal on the top. This helps create a good seal and makes it easier to remove the filter next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the rubber seal touches the engine mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. This amount of tightening is important—if you don't tighten it enough, it may leak, but if you overtighten it, you'll have trouble removing it later.

Installing the Drain Plug

Clean the oil drain plug thoroughly with a shop towel to remove any debris or old oil. Screw it back into the drain hole by hand first to make sure you're threading it correctly. Once it's hand-tight, use your wrench to tighten it a bit more. The goal is to make it snug and secure, but not so tight that you strip the threads or make it impossible to remove next time. Most drain plugs don't need to be extremely tight—just firm enough that they won't leak.

If your drain plug has a crush washer (a soft metal ring), replace it with a new one each time you change your oil. A new washer ensures a good seal and prevents leaks. If you reuse an old washer, it may not seal properly and your oil could leak out.

Adding New Oil

Open your hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it. Remove it and set it aside on a clean surface. Place a funnel in the opening to guide the oil into the engine and prevent spills.

Slowly pour the recommended amount of new oil into the funnel. Check your owner's manual to know exactly how much your specific Explorer model needs. Different model years and engine sizes require different amounts. Pour in most of the recommended amount, then stop and check the oil level with the dipstick. The dipstick shows you whether you're at the right level. Add more oil gradually as needed until the level reaches the full mark on the dipstick. It's better to add oil slowly and check often than to overfill the engine.

Replace the oil filler cap securely. Make sure it's tight so no dirt or debris can fall into the engine while it's running.

Starting Your Engine and Checking

Start your Explorer and let it run for about one minute at idle. This circulates the new oil through the engine and into the new filter. You'll notice the oil pressure warning light may appear briefly when you first start the engine—this is normal as the new oil fills the filter. The light should go out within a few seconds.

Turn off the engine and wait a couple of minutes for the oil to settle. Then check the oil level again with the dipstick. The level may be slightly lower than when you first filled it because some oil is now in the filter and throughout the engine. Add a bit more oil if needed to reach the correct level. Recheck the level one more time after the engine has sat for a minute or two to make sure it's right.

Final Steps and Cleanup

If you raised your vehicle using a jack, carefully lower it back to the ground. Make sure all four wheels are firmly on the ground and the vehicle is stable before you move away from it. Remove your jack stands and store them safely.

Dispose of your old oil and filter at a recycling center or auto parts store. Many auto parts retailers accept used oil and filters for free or for a small fee. Never pour used oil down a drain or onto the ground—it's harmful to the environment and often illegal. Used oil can be recycled and refined into new oil, so taking it to the proper location is important.

Keep track of when you changed your oil so you know when the next change is due. Write down the date and your vehicle's mileage in your owner's manual or in a notebook you keep with your vehicle records. Your owner's manual tells you how often to change your oil based on your driving habits and the type of oil you use. Some Explorer models need oil changes every 3,000 miles, while others can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles between changes.

Key Takeaways

Changing your Explorer's oil is a manageable task that saves you money and helps keep your engine running well. The most important points to remember are: always use the correct type and amount of oil for your model, let the old oil drain completely before installing the new filter, never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack, and dispose of old oil properly at a recycling center. Take your time with each step, double-check your work, and don't hesitate to consult your owner's manual if you're unsure about anything specific to your Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in my Ford Explorer?

The recommended oil change interval depends on your Explorer's model year, engine type, and driving conditions. Most newer Explorers can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes, while older models may need changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the specific recommendation for your vehicle. If you do a lot of short trips, towing, or driving in dusty conditions, you may need to change your oil more often than the standard interval.

What type of oil should I use in my Ford Explorer?

The correct oil type and viscosity for your Explorer is listed in your owner's manual. Common recommendations include 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30, depending on your model year and engine. The first number indicates how the oil flows when cold, and the second number indicates how it flows when hot. Using the wrong oil type can affect engine performance and fuel economy. Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil but costs more, while conventional oil is less expensive but requires more frequent changes.

Can I change my Explorer's oil if I don't have a jack?

If your Explorer sits high enough off the ground that you can comfortably reach the drain plug and filter without raising it, you don't need a jack. Many Explorers have enough ground clearance for this. If you do need to raise your vehicle, you can use ramps as an alternative to a jack and jack stands. Drive your Explorer slowly onto the ramps and make sure it's stable before you work underneath. Never rely on a jack alone to support your vehicle while you work—always use jack stands for safety.

What should I do if I spill oil while changing it?

If you spill a small amount of oil, clean it up immediately with shop towels or rags. For larger spills, you may want to use oil absorbent material, which is available at auto parts stores. Never pour spilled oil down a drain. If you spill oil on your driveway or garage floor, let it soak into the absorbent material, then dispose of the material as you would used oil. Some communities have hazardous waste disposal programs that accept contaminated materials.