2020 Ford Explorer Oil Capacity & Filter Specs

The 2020 Ford Explorer takes between 5.7 and 6.0 quarts of oil depending on the engine, with the popular 2.3L EcoBoost requiring 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) of 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced many of these redesigned, rear-wheel-drive-based sixth-generation Explorers. Using the correct oil specification and high-quality filters is critical to keeping the EcoBoost turbochargers spooling happily and preventing premature timing chain wear.

Quick Answer: 2020 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost

Here are the essential oil change specs for the most common engine, the 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder:

• Oil Capacity: 5.7 quarts (5.4 L) with filter replacement
• Recommended Weight/Viscosity: 5W-30
• Oil Specification: Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (API SN PLUS or API SP / ILSAC GF-6)
• OEM Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL-910S
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG3614 (Ultra Synthetic), Wix 51348 / 51348XP, Mobil 1 M1-102A

Note: If you have the 3.0L or 3.3L engine, see the capacity chart below, as oil filter part numbers differ.

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2020 Explorer was offered with a few different powertrains. Always verify your engine before buying your supplies.

Oil Change Interval

Ford uses an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) that calculates oil life based on your driving habits. However, as a master technician, here are my real-world recommendations:

• Normal Duty: Up to 7,500 – 10,000 miles (or 1 year, whichever comes first). This applies if you do mostly highway driving with minimal idling.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles (or 6 months). You fall into this category if you tow a trailer, drive primarily in stop-and-go city traffic, idle extensively, or operate in dusty/extreme temperature environments. For turbocharged EcoBoost engines, I highly recommend sticking closer to the 5,000-mile interval to protect the turbo bearings.

Drain Plug Torque

• Standard Metal Pan (2.3L/3.3L): Torque the drain plug to 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm). Always inspect the rubber O-ring on the plug or replace the crush washer if your specific plug uses one.
• Composite/Plastic Oil Pan: Some Ford EcoBoost engines use a yellow plastic quarter-turn drain plug. If your vehicle has this, do not use a wrench. It installs by hand—simply push in and turn clockwise until it clicks and locks into place. Replace the plastic plug if the O-ring is damaged or leaking.

How to Change the Oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the vehicle for a few minutes so the oil flows easier, then park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and raise the front end safely using ramps or jack stands.
2. Remove the underbody shield: You will need to remove the bolts/screws holding the aerodynamic splash shield to access the drain plug and filter.
3. Drain the oil: Position your catch pan, remove the drain plug, and let the oil drain completely. Replace the plug and torque to spec (or hand-tighten the plastic plug until it clicks).
4. Replace the oil filter: Remove the old filter. For spin-on filters (2.3L/3.3L), lubricate the new rubber gasket with fresh oil and tighten 3/4 to 1 turn after the gasket contacts the base. For the 3.0L cartridge filter, replace the O-rings on the cap, insert the new element, and torque the cap to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm).
5. Fill and check: Pour in the required amount of 5W-30 oil. Start the engine, let it run for 30 seconds to fill the filter, and check for leaks.
6. Verify level: Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct.
7. Reset the oil life monitor: Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life and hold "OK" to reset to 100%.

Common Issues / Tips for the 2020 Explorer

• Underbody Shield Fasteners: The screws holding the felt splash shield strip easily or rust. Keep a few spare Ford OEM underbody clips and screws in your garage just in case.
• 3.0L EcoBoost Cartridge Filter: The 3.0L uses a top-mounted cartridge style filter (FL-2087). It can be a bit messy. Slowly loosen the cap to let the oil drain down into the block before pulling it entirely out.
• Fuel Dilution: Direct-injected EcoBoost engines are known to push a small amount of fuel past the piston rings into the oil, especially if you take a lot of short trips. If your oil smells strongly of gas, shorten your drain intervals.

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