2017 Ford Explorer Fluid Type Specs & Capacities

As an ASE-certified master technician, I see dozens of Ford Explorers roll through the shop bays every month. The fifth-generation Explorer, particularly the 2017 model year, is a robust family hauler, but its longevity relies heavily on strict adherence to factory fluid specifications. Using the wrong coolant or transmission fluid in these vehicles can lead to catastrophic failures, particularly in the notoriously sensitive Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on AWD models.

Below is the definitive fluid specification guide for the 2017 Ford Explorer, covering the 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.5L naturally aspirated V6, and 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Always refer to your owner's manual or OEM service information to verify exact capacities, as towing packages and auxiliary coolers can alter total volume.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (2.3L EcoBoost)	5W-30 Synthetic Blend / Full Synthetic (Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 / API SP)	5.7 qts (5.4 L) with filter
Engine Oil (3.5L V6 NA)	5W-20 Synthetic Blend / Full Synthetic (Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 / API SP)	6.0 qts (5.7 L) with filter
Engine Oil (3.5L EcoBoost)	5W-30 Synthetic Blend / Full Synthetic (Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 / API SP)	6.0 qts (5.7 L) with filter
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Orange (OAT) or Yellow (POAT) (Ford WSS-M97B44-D2 or WSS-M97B57-A1)	11.1 - 13.5 qts (varies by engine/tow pkg)
Transmission Fluid	Motorcraft MERCON® LV (Ford WSS-M2C938-A)	9.0 - 11.6 qts total (Drain/fill varies)
Transfer Case (PTU)	Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil (Ford WSL-M2C192-A)	~0.5 qts (0.5 L)
Rear Differential (RDU)	Motorcraft 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lube (Ford WSP-M2C197-A)	~1.2 qts (1.1 L)
Brake Fluid	Motorcraft DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) High Performance (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2)	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering Fluid	N/A (Electric Power Assist Steering - EPAS)	N/A
Windshield Washer Fluid	Standard Washer Fluid (Ford WSB-M8B16-A2)	Fill to top

(Note: The 2017 Ford Explorer was not offered with a diesel engine in the US market, so Diesel Exhaust Fluid / DEF is not applicable).

Engine Oil

For the 2017 Ford Explorer, engine oil specification depends on the engine under the hood.

• 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.5L EcoBoost: Require 5W-30 motor oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-B1 (supersedes older -A specs) and the current API SP standard to prevent Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), which is highly destructive to turbocharged direct-injected engines.
• 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6: Requires 5W-20 motor oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-B1 (API SP).

Technician Notes & Pitfalls: Ford recommends oil changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles under normal conditions using the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor. However, as a master tech, I strongly advise 5,000-mile intervals, especially for the EcoBoost engines. The turbochargers generate immense heat, which degrades oil rapidly. Never substitute a thicker oil thinking it offers better protection; the variable valve timing (VCT) solenoids rely on precise oil viscosity to function properly.

Engine Coolant

The factory-fill coolant for the 2017 Explorer is Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, which is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) formula meeting Ford spec WSS-M97B44-D2.

Important Note: Ford recently phased out Motorcraft Orange and backward-approved Motorcraft Yellow (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology - POAT, spec WSS-M97B57-A1) for this vehicle. You can safely top off an Orange system with Yellow, but do not mix them with the older Motorcraft Gold (HOAT) or Motorcraft Green.

Technician Notes & Pitfalls: Never mix universal "all-makes, all-models" green antifreeze into this system. Mixing incompatible coolants will cause the silicates/phosphates to drop out of suspension, turning your coolant into a thick, abrasive gel that will clog the heater core and destroy the water pump. A coolant flush is recommended every 100,000 miles or 5 years.

Transmission Fluid

The 2017 Explorer uses Ford's 6F35 or 6F55 6-speed automatic transmissions. The only acceptable fluid is Motorcraft MERCON® LV (Spec: WSS-M2C938-A).

Technician Notes & Pitfalls: Do not use MERCON V, MERCON SP, or multi-vehicle universal ATFs. The 6-speed units are highly sensitive to friction modifiers, and universal fluids often lead to harsh shifting, torque converter shudder, and eventual clutch failure. Ford claims the fluid is "lifetime" or 150,000 miles under normal driving, but in the shop, we highly recommend a drain-and-fill every 60,000 miles. Total capacity is around 11 quarts, but a simple drain-and-fill will only yield about 4 to 5 quarts.

Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit / PTU)

If your Explorer is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), it has a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) rather than a traditional transfer case. This unit requires Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant meeting Ford spec WSL-M2C192-A.

Technician Notes & Pitfalls: The PTU on this generation of Ford SUVs is notorious for failure because it sits directly adjacent to the rear exhaust manifold. The extreme radiant heat bakes the gear oil (which has a tiny 0.5-quart capacity) into a thick, black sludge. Ford historically called this a "lifetime" fluid, but I highly urge you to extract and refill the PTU fluid every 30,000 miles to prevent a multi-thousand-dollar failure.

Rear Differential (Rear Drive Unit / RDU)

AWD models also have a Rear Drive Unit. This requires Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant (Spec: WSP-M2C197-A).

Technician Notes & Pitfalls: The RDU does not see the extreme heat that the PTU does, making it much more reliable. Replacing the 1.2 quarts of gear oil every 60,000 to 100,000 miles is sufficient. Unlike some limited-slip differentials, the standard Explorer RDU does not typically require additional friction modifiers, but always verify with your specific axle tag and OEM service info.

Brake Fluid

The braking system requires Motorcraft DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid meeting spec WSS-M6C65-A2.

Technician Notes & Pitfalls: The "LV" designation is critical here. The 2017 Explorer's ABS and electronic stability control systems pulse the brakes rapidly during emergency maneuvers. Standard DOT 3 or traditional DOT 4 fluid is too thick, particularly in cold climates, and will slow the ABS reaction time. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and should be flushed every 2 to 3 years regardless of mileage.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2017 Ford Explorer is equipped with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS). There is no power steering fluid to check, top off, or leak. The system uses an electric motor mounted to the steering rack.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Use a high-quality washer fluid that meets Ford spec WSB-M8B16-A2. In winter conditions, make sure to use a fluid rated for sub-freezing temperatures to prevent the reservoir and lines from cracking. Do not use engine coolant in the washer reservoir.

Taking care of your 2017 Ford Explorer with the correct fluids is the cheapest insurance policy against major mechanical failures. If you aren't comfortable tackling these fluid exchanges yourself, don't leave it to chance. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.