Almost 50% of the mileage on our 2020 Explorer is towing miles. I'm interested in changing any drivetrain fluids I can do myself. I have a pneumatic fluid extractor that I plan to use to pull fluids from anything that doesn't have a drain plug. Can anyone tell me what fluids to use, or point me to which areas to look for fill or drain plugs? I am hoping to purchase the fluids before putting the vehicle in the air. I am planning on removing transmission fluid through dipstick hole, and replacing whatever amount comes out, with new fluid.
-
Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features
Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!
Drivetrain Fluids Change
- Thread starter B1gFek
- Start date
I believe both axles have drain plugs and fill plugs, and so does the transfer case, although I recall I could not find the fill point on the transfer case during my brief inspection underneath. I might just have been being stupid and missed The rear diff drain plug is quite accessible on the rear cover of the diff but the fill is tucked up behind the rear subframe and is tighter access. Been a couple years since I was underneath so can’t remember the layout for the front other than that I think you have to remove some plastic shielding.
To the best of my knowledge there is no drain for the transmission, the easiest way would be to spill the pan. The fill/check port is, if memory serves, on the transmission housing, above the transmission pan flange, I think on the driver’s side, and the plug has a built-in dipstick that is used for checking the fluid although I remember reading that it’s the same dipstick across many models that use the same trans and various models require different quantities/levels of trans fluid, so there was a chart for which model was supposed to have its fluid level at which marking on the dipstick etc.. There is no under-hood dipstick or tube.
I could be wrong on any or all of this.
Can’t speak for the exact fluids - either order them from the dealer, or someone on here will chime in. I do believe using the Ford brand ATF is recommended - just can’t remember what it’s called.
To the best of my knowledge there is no drain for the transmission, the easiest way would be to spill the pan. The fill/check port is, if memory serves, on the transmission housing, above the transmission pan flange, I think on the driver’s side, and the plug has a built-in dipstick that is used for checking the fluid although I remember reading that it’s the same dipstick across many models that use the same trans and various models require different quantities/levels of trans fluid, so there was a chart for which model was supposed to have its fluid level at which marking on the dipstick etc.. There is no under-hood dipstick or tube.
I could be wrong on any or all of this.
Can’t speak for the exact fluids - either order them from the dealer, or someone on here will chime in. I do believe using the Ford brand ATF is recommended - just can’t remember what it’s called.
Automatic Transmission: Motorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid 12.6 Qt. (fill to 3-4.5 level)
Transfer Case: Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission -AMERCON® LV 1.1Qt
Front differential: Motorcraft® SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant 0.6qt
Rear differential: Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant 1.9qt
Transfer Case: Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission -AMERCON® LV 1.1Qt
Front differential: Motorcraft® SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant 0.6qt
Rear differential: Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant 1.9qt
-
5
- Show All
I have posted in its own thread the procedures for each system, see below.
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/2020-explorer-10r60-transmission-filter-replacement-guide.5605/
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/2020-explorer-front-differential-fluid-guide.5606/
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/2020-explorer-rear-differential-fluid-guide.5607/
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/2020-explorer-10r60-transmission-filter-replacement-guide.5605/
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/2020-explorer-front-differential-fluid-guide.5606/
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/2020-explorer-rear-differential-fluid-guide.5607/
-
6
- Show All
Just a heads up on the rear differential drain and fill. There is very limited clearance to access to the fill plug (3/8" square hole). Conventional 3/8" socket rachets will not fit! My 3/8" breaker bar would not fit. I was lucky I had a mini pivoting rachet and barely got it to work. Going to order the following to see if it would work better for next time:
Powerbuilt 2 Piece Socket Levers, 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch Drive, Extra Low Profile
https://a.co/d/9b78UOY
Powerbuilt 2 Piece Socket Levers, 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch Drive, Extra Low Profile
https://a.co/d/9b78UOY
-
4
- Show All
Explorer ST Posts
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
My 2020 ST started knocking 2 days ago on morning cold start.
- Latest: ButchsExplorerST
-
