2012–2019 U502 (5th generation)
2012–2019 Ford Explorer Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2012–2019 Ford Explorer takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 6F55 6-speed automatic: Motorcraft Mercon LV. Total fill ~11.6 qt (3.5L); a pan drain-and-fill exchanges ~4–5 qt. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (30k–60k severe/towing).. Coolant: Motorcraft Orange prediluted antifreeze/coolant (VC-3DIL-B) per later manuals; earliest build years shipped with Specialty Green, match what's in the reservoir or flush completely. Capacity roughly 11–13.4 qt depending on engine. First change 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr..
Last verified
2012–2019 Ford Explorer fluid guide
High confidence| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Motorcraft Orange prediluted antifreeze/coolant (VC-3DIL-B) per later manuals; earliest build years shipped with Specialty Green, match what's in the reservoir or flush completely. Capacity roughly 11–13.4 qt depending on engine. First change 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr. |
| Transmission | 6F55 6-speed automatic: Motorcraft Mercon LV. Total fill ~11.6 qt (3.5L); a pan drain-and-fill exchanges ~4–5 qt. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (30k–60k severe/towing). |
| Brake fluid | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (later years; early cars list DOT 3. Check the reservoir cap) |
| Power steering | None (electric power steering) |
| Differential | AWD rear drive unit: SAE 75W-140 synthetic, ~1 qt drain & fill |
| Transfer case | AWD PTU: SAE 75W-140 synthetic (Motorcraft XY-75W140-QL), ~0.5–0.6 qt. No factory interval, but 30,000–60,000 mi changes are strongly recommended. See common problems. |
Plain washer fluid; no special spec
Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2012 through 2019 — the U502 (5th generation), mid-size 3-row crossover suv (unibody, fwd/awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2019 Ford Explorer
- 20122.0L EcoBoost joins as an FWD-only economy option (no tow package)
- 2013Explorer Sport added: 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, 352mm brakes, 20-in wheels
- 2014Essentially unchanged: a few new exterior colors added; Limited trim gains standard heated second-row seats
- 2015Essentially unchanged: Limited trim adds an available adaptive cruise control option, with second-row heated seats offered as an option lineup-wide
- 2016Major facelift: new front/rear styling, 280-hp 2.3L EcoBoost replaces the 2.0L, Platinum trim (3.5L EcoBoost) added, SYNC 3 arrives mid-cycle; low-beam bulb changes to H11
- 2018–2019Minor updates; carryover mechanicals in the final years before the RWD-platform redesign
2012–2019 Ford Explorer fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer take?
- 6F55 6-speed automatic: Motorcraft Mercon LV. Total fill ~11.6 qt (3.5L); a pan drain-and-fill exchanges ~4–5 qt. Ford schedule: change at 150,000 mi (30k–60k severe/towing).. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer use?
- Motorcraft Orange prediluted antifreeze/coolant (VC-3DIL-B) per later manuals; earliest build years shipped with Specialty Green, match what's in the reservoir or flush completely. Capacity roughly 11–13.4 qt depending on engine. First change 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr..
What brake fluid does a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer take?
- Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (later years; early cars list DOT 3. Check the reservoir cap).
What differential fluid does a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer take?
- AWD rear drive unit: SAE 75W-140 synthetic, ~1 qt drain & fill.
Sources
- Ford. What is the recommended engine oil for my vehicle? (oil/filter lookup)
- NHTSA EA17-002 ODI resume, Explorer exhaust odor engineering analysis
- NHTSA recall 21V-537 (Ford 21S32), rear suspension toe link
- NHTSA recall 24V-031 (Ford 24S02), A-pillar trim detachment
- Ford Authority / CarComplaints, 3.5L water pump class action dismissed after settlement
- Ford.com parts, Motorcraft BXT-65-850 Group 65 battery fitment
- Ford.com parts, Motorcraft SP-546 spark plug (gap 0.045)
- Ford.com parts, Motorcraft FP-70 cabin air filter (CV6Z-19N619-A)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2013 and 2017 Ford Explorer EPA ratings
- WiperBladesUSA, 2016 Explorer wiper sizes 26/22/11