2015 Ford Explorer Fluid Specifications & Capacities

As an ASE-certified master technician, I see a lot of 2015 Ford Explorers roll through the shop. Whether it’s the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost, or the efficient 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder, one thing remains true across the board: proper fluid maintenance is the absolute lifeblood of these vehicles. Ford engineered these SUVs with specific tolerances that demand exact fluid specifications. Pouring the wrong fluid into your Explorer’s Power Transfer Unit (PTU) or transmission can lead to catastrophic failure and thousands of dollars in repairs.

To help you maintain your vehicle properly, I’ve put together this complete factory-spec fluid guide for the 2015 Ford Explorer. Always verify specific capacities and specs in your owner's manual or OEM service info based on your exact VIN and equipment package.

Quick reference

Here is a quick overview of the factory-specified fluids, types, and capacities for the 2015 Ford Explorer.

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (3.5L V6 NA)	5W-20 Synthetic Blend / WSS-M2C945-A (API SP)	6.0 qts (5.7L) w/ filter
Engine Oil (3.5L EcoBoost)	5W-30 Full Synthetic / WSS-M2C946-A (API SP)	6.0 qts (5.7L) w/ filter
Engine Oil (2.0L EcoBoost)	5W-30 Full Synthetic / WSS-M2C946-A (API SP)	5.7 qts (5.4L) w/ filter
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Orange (OAT) / WSS-M97B44-D2	10.9 - 12.1 qts (varies)
Automatic Transmission	Motorcraft MERCON LV / WSS-M2C938-A	11.6 qts total (dry fill)
Transfer Case (PTU - AWD)	75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil / WSL-M2C192-A	12 oz (0.37 qts)
Rear Differential (AWD)	80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lube / WSP-M2C197-A	1.2 qts (1.15L)
Brake Fluid	DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) / WSS-M6C65-A2	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering	N/A (Electric Power Assist Steering - EPAS)	N/A
Washer Fluid	Premium Windshield Wash / WSS-M14P19-A	Fill reservoir

Engine Oil

For the 2015 Explorer, your engine oil weight depends heavily on the engine under the hood.

• 3.5L V6 (Naturally Aspirated): Requires 5W-20 motor oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A (or the updated WSS-M2C960-A1 / API SP).
• 3.5L V6 EcoBoost & 2.0L I4 EcoBoost: Because of the extreme heat generated by the turbochargers, these engines require a slightly thicker 5W-30 motor oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A (or the updated WSS-M2C961-A1 / API SP).

Technician Notes: While Ford allows synthetic blend oils, I highly recommend using a high-quality full synthetic oil, especially in the EcoBoost engines. Turbochargers are prone to coking if the oil degrades from heat. Stick to 5,000-mile intervals for the EcoBoost models to prevent timing chain wear and turbo issues, ignoring the sometimes-optimistic Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor.

Engine Coolant

The 2015 Ford Explorer left the factory filled with Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, which is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant meeting spec WSS-M97B44-D2.

Technician Notes: Never mix OAT (Orange) coolant with older HOAT (Gold) or IAT (Green) coolants. Mixing coolant types can cause a sludgy, gel-like substance to form in the cooling system, which will clog the heater core and radiator. If you are doing a flush, make sure to use a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Ford recommends an initial coolant change at 100,000 miles, but for optimal water pump life (which is internally driven on the 3.5L V6 and very expensive to replace), I recommend dropping that interval to 60,000 miles. Note: Ford has recently superseded the Orange coolant with Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), which is backward compatible, but verify with your dealer before mixing.

Transmission Fluid

The 6-speed 6F35 or 6F50 automatic transmissions in the 2015 Explorer require Motorcraft MERCON LV transmission fluid (Spec: WSS-M2C938-A).

Technician Notes: Do not use universal ATFs, MERCON V, or MERCON SP. The 6-speed transmissions in these Explorers are highly sensitive to fluid viscosity and friction modifiers. MERCON LV is a low-viscosity fluid specifically designed to provide better fuel economy and precise shift timing. While Ford claims this fluid is good for 150,000 miles under normal driving, transmission failure is a known issue if the fluid is neglected. I strongly advise a drain-and-fill every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to keep the valve body and solenoids clean.

Transfer Case (PTU) and Rear Differential (AWD Models)

If you have an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Explorer, pay close attention to this section. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU)—Ford's version of a transfer case—takes Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (WSL-M2C192-A). The rear differential utilizes SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant (WSP-M2C197-A).

Technician Notes (The PTU Pitfall): The PTU on this generation of Explorer is mounted directly next to the catalytic converter. It holds a tiny amount of gear oil (just 12 ounces). The extreme heat from the exhaust often bakes the fluid into a thick, black sludge, leading to premature PTU failure—a very costly repair. Ford calls this a "lifetime" fluid, but any master tech will tell you to suck out and replace the PTU fluid every 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid

Ford updated their brake fluid requirements to DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) High Performance Brake Fluid (WSS-M6C65-A2) for this era of vehicles.

Technician Notes: The Low Viscosity formulation is crucial for the proper operation of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and AdvanceTrac stability control systems, especially in cold weather. Fast valve reaction times rely on this thinner fluid. Standard DOT 3 or DOT 4 is not recommended. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from the air), which lowers its boiling point and corrodes brake lines from the inside out. Flush your brake fluid every 2 to 3 years.

Power Steering

The 2015 Ford Explorer uses Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS). Technician Notes: Because the steering system uses an electric motor rather than a hydraulic pump, there is no power steering fluid to check or replace.

Washer Fluid

Any high-quality washer fluid will work, but the factory spec is Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (WSS-M14P19-A). If you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures, ensure you are using a winter-grade fluid rated for -20°F or lower so you don't crack the washer fluid reservoir or burn out the pump motor.

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Proper fluid maintenance isn't just a suggestion; it's the difference between your Explorer lasting 200,000 miles or ending up in the scrapyard prematurely. If you aren't comfortable performing these fluid exchanges yourself, don't leave it to chance. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.