2015–2019 Ford Explorer

2015-2019 Ford Explorer - Oil Change

By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧🔧 Moderate 30-45 minutes $47 DIY

Save $43 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $90

Quick answer: Oil Change on a 2015–2019 Ford Explorer is rated Moderate and takes about 30-45 minutes. You'll need 8 tools for this job, and parts cost about $47. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$47.00

Oil spec 3.5L V6

Capacity 6.0 qt with filter Viscosity 5W-20 (alt: 0W-20)

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Engine Oil (5W-20 full synthetic)	—	$35.00	Amazon
Oil Filter	—	$12.00	Amazon
Drain Plug Crush Washer Optional	—	$3.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Prepare the vehicle

The Explorer's 3.5L V6 takes 6.0 quarts of 5W-20, with a Motorcraft FL-500S spin-on filter (or equivalent) under the engine and a 15mm drain plug. Have a filter wrench, a 15mm socket, and a funnel ready. Park level with the engine warm.

Lift and support safely

Set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Lift the front at the designated jacking points and support the Explorer on jack stands — never work under it on the jack alone.

Drain the oil

Remove the oil fill cap to vent the crankcase. Position the drain pan under the oil pan, remove the 15mm drain plug, and drain the oil fully. Wipe the plug and pan flange clean.

Replace the oil filter

Unscrew the old FL-500S filter and confirm its gasket came off with it. Wipe the mounting surface, oil the new filter's gasket with fresh 5W-20, thread it on by hand until seated, and tighten per the box. Reinstall the drain plug to the owner's-manual spec.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

Hand-tighten the filter until the gasket seats, then follow the box — usually a three-quarter turn more. I've seen more leaks from gorilla-tight filters with crushed gaskets than from ones left a touch loose.

Refill the oil

Lower the vehicle to level ground. Pour in about 5.5 quarts of 5W-20 through a funnel, wait a minute, then check the dipstick and top up to the full mark — 6.0 quarts total with the filter.

Check for leaks and reset

Start the engine briefly, shut it off, and inspect the filter and plug for leaks. Recheck the level after a short drive. Reset the oil-life monitor through the instrument-cluster menu (Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life), then recycle the used oil and filter.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the crankcase
• Reusing a crushed drain-plug washer
• Not resetting the oil-life monitor
• Overtightening the drain plug or filter
• Using the wrong oil viscosity/spec

Tools You'll Need

Jack and jack stands (or ramps) Oil drain pan Socket set / wrench Oil filter wrench Torque wrench Funnel Rubber gloves Safety glasses Rags 15mm Socket

Torque Specifications

Critical specs — don't skip these!

Bolt	Nm	ft-lbs
Oil Drain Plug	34	25

Important: Use a calibrated torque wrench. Over-tightening can strip threads. Under-tightening can loosen parts.

⚠️ Safety First!

• Informational DIY. EZ Car Fix is not a shop.
• Ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported before working underneath.
• Wear protective gloves and eyewear — hot oil can burn.
• Dispose of used oil and filters at an approved recycling center.