2017 Ford Explorer 3.5 oil capacity and type are critical pieces of information for any owner looking to maintain their vehicle’s longevity and performance. Understanding these specifics ensures your SUV’s engine remains properly lubricated, operates efficiently, and avoids costly damage. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the recommended oil specifications for your 2017 Ford Explorer equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine, whether it’s the naturally aspirated or EcoBoost variant, along with best practices for oil maintenance.
Understanding Your 2017 Ford Explorer 3.5’s Engine Needs
The 2017 Ford Explorer offered two distinct 3.5-liter V6 engine options: a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and the more powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6, featuring twin-turbochargers. While both share the same displacement, their specific lubrication requirements differ slightly due to their design and performance characteristics. Using the correct oil type and capacity is paramount, as engine oil plays multiple vital roles: it lubricates moving parts to reduce friction, helps cool the engine, cleans internal components by suspending contaminants, and protects against rust and corrosion. Neglecting these specifications can lead to accelerated wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential engine failure.
2017 Ford Explorer 3.5 Oil Capacity: Getting It Right
Knowing the precise oil capacity for your 2017 Ford Explorer’s 3.5L engine is fundamental to proper maintenance. Overfilling can lead to aeration of the oil, reducing its lubricating properties and potentially damaging seals, while underfilling can starve critical engine components of lubrication, causing severe wear.
For the 2017 Ford Explorer with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine, the recommended oil capacity is approximately 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) when replacing the oil filter.
For the 2017 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, the recommended oil capacity is slightly higher, at approximately 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) when replacing the oil filter.
It’s always best practice to consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information specific to your vehicle’s trim and engine. When performing an oil change, add slightly less than the specified amount, then start the engine for a minute to circulate the oil, shut it off, wait a few minutes, and check the dipstick. Add small amounts as needed until the oil level registers within the “full” range on the dipstick.
Recommended Oil Type for Your 2017 Ford Explorer 3.5
The type of oil you use is just as important as the quantity. Ford specifies certain oil viscosities and quality standards to ensure optimal engine protection and performance.
For the 2017 Ford Explorer with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine, Ford recommends using SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. It should meet Ford’s specification WSS-M2C930-A.
For the 2017 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, due to the added stress of turbocharging, Ford recommends SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. This oil must meet Ford’s specification WSS-M2C946-A.
Breaking Down the Oil Specifications:
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers): This designation indicates the oil’s viscosity grade.
5W-20 / 5W-30: These are “multi-grade” oils. The “5W” indicates the oil’s flow characteristics at cold temperatures (“W” stands for Winter). A lower number means the oil flows more easily in cold weather, crucial for engine startup. The “20” or “30” indicates the oil’s viscosity at normal operating temperatures. A higher number means thicker oil at high temperatures, offering better protection under stress, which is why the EcoBoost typically uses 5W-30.
Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil: While conventional oil might meet minimum requirements, Ford often recommends synthetic blend or full synthetic for better performance and protection, especially for engines with tighter tolerances and higher operating temperatures like the EcoBoost. These oils offer superior resistance to thermal breakdown, better cold-weather flow, and enhanced protection against deposits.
Ford Specifications (WSS-M2C930-A / WSS-M2C946-A): These are Ford’s proprietary engineering standards, ensuring the oil meets specific performance criteria developed by the manufacturer. Always look for these specifications on the oil bottle. Motorcraft brand oils (Ford’s in-house brand) naturally meet these, but many other reputable brands also carry these certifications.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Adhering to a regular oil change schedule is fundamental to keeping your 2017 Ford Explorer running reliably. Over time, engine oil breaks down due to heat and contaminants, losing its effectiveness.
Ford typically recommends an oil change interval of 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. However, “severe” driving conditions may necessitate more frequent changes. Severe conditions include:
Frequent short trips (especially in cold weather)
Towing heavy loads
Driving in extremely hot or cold climates
Frequent stop-and-go city driving
* Driving on dusty or muddy roads
Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate and personalized maintenance schedule based on your specific driving habits and conditions. Don’t forget to replace the oil filter with each oil change, as a clogged or inefficient filter can undermine the benefits of fresh oil.
DIY Oil Change Tips and Considerations
If you decide to perform the oil change yourself, remember these key points:
1. Safety First: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle after lifting it with a jack. Never rely solely on a jack.
2. Gather Supplies: You’ll need the correct type and amount of oil, a new oil filter, a wrench for the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, and a funnel.
3. Warm Engine: A slightly warm engine allows the oil to drain more completely, but avoid a hot engine to prevent burns.
4. Proper Disposal: Never pour used motor oil down the drain. Most auto parts stores or recycling centers offer free used oil disposal.
Conclusion
Ensuring your 2017 Ford Explorer 3.5L engine receives the correct 2017 Ford Explorer 3.5 oil capacity and type is one of the most impactful maintenance tasks you can perform. By using the recommended SAE 5W-20 (for naturally aspirated) or SAE 5W-30 (for EcoBoost) synthetic blend oil meeting Ford’s specific standards and changing it according to the prescribed intervals, you’ll help guarantee your SUV continues to deliver reliable performance for years to come. When in doubt, always consult your Ford Explorer’s owner’s manual for the definitive guide to your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
—
Source:
2017 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual