2017 Ford Explorer Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2017 Ford Explorer takes either 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) or 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of oil including a filter change, depending on which engine your vehicle is equipped with. Keeping your Explorer’s engine lubricated with the correct oil type and amount is the single most important maintenance item to ensure long-term reliability.

Quick Answer

Here are the essential oil specifications for the most common engine, the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6:

• Oil Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) with filter
• Recommended Weight: 5W-20 (5W-30 for EcoBoost engines)
• Oil Specification: Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 or API SP / GF-6A
• OEM Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL-500S (for 3.5L engines)
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH10575, Wix 57502, Mobil 1 M1-212A

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2017 Ford Explorer was offered with three different engine options. Always verify your engine before buying your oil.

Note: For the 2.3L EcoBoost, popular aftermarket filters for the FL-910S include Fram PH3614, Wix 51348, and Mobil 1 M1-102A.

Oil Change Interval

Ford utilizes an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) that will calculate your oil life based on driving habits. However, as an ASE master tech, I recommend the following intervals to maximize the life of your timing chain components and turbochargers:

• Normal Driving Duty: Change oil and filter every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Driving Duty: Change oil and filter every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe duty includes extensive idling, frequent short trips under 10 miles, driving in dusty conditions, towing, or aggressive driving (especially relevant for the 3.5L EcoBoost Sport).

Drain Plug Torque

• Torque Spec: 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm)
• Crush Washer: The factory drain plug features an integrated rubber gasket. Inspect it closely. If the rubber is torn, flattened, or leaking, replace the entire drain plug. Do not over-torque the plug, or you risk stripping the aluminum oil pan.

How to Change the Oil

1. Prepare the vehicle: Warm up the engine for a few minutes to help the oil flow. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and raise the front of the vehicle using ramps or a jack and stands.
2. Remove the underbody shield: You may need to drop the aerodynamic felt splash shield to access the oil pan and filter. Use a 7mm or 8mm socket for the fasteners.
3. Drain the oil: Locate the oil pan and remove the drain plug using a 15mm wrench. Let it drain completely into an approved catch pan.
4. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter (front of the engine on the 3.5L, side on the 2.3L). Remove it using a filter wrench. Apply a thin film of clean oil to the new filter's rubber gasket, and install it hand-tight (about 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket makes contact).
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install the drain plug and torque to 20 ft-lbs.
6. Refill and check: Lower the vehicle. Pour in the specified amount of oil. Start the engine, let it run for 30 seconds to fill the filter, and shut it off. Wait two minutes, check the dipstick, and top off if necessary.
7. Reset the oil life monitor: Navigate your steering wheel dash menu to Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.

Common Issues / Tips for the 2017 Explorer

• EcoBoost Fuel Dilution: The 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines are direct-injected and turbocharged. They can be prone to fuel dilution (gasoline mixing into the oil) if driven primarily on short trips. This thins out the oil. Stick to a 5,000-mile synthetic interval to protect the turbo bearings.
• 3.5L V6 Internal Water Pump: Both 3.5L engines in this generation use an internal water pump driven by the timing chain. If the water pump bearings fail, coolant can dump directly into the oil pan. If you pull your dipstick and the oil looks like a chocolate milkshake, do not start the engine—have it towed immediately. Regular oil changes help keep the timing chain and pump bearings healthy.
• PTU Fluid: While you are under the car changing the oil, it is highly recommended to check the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on AWD models. The PTU fluid is infamous for breaking down due to proximity to the catalytic converters.

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