How to Check Transmission Fluid on Ford Explorer: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to check transmission fluid on Ford Explorer? It’s a question that plagues many car owners and for good reason. Transmission fluid is essential to the proper function of your car’s transmission, and if it’s not checked and/or changed regularly, you could end up with some expensive repairs. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to check the transmission fluid level on your Ford Explorer.

How to Check Transmission Fluid on Ford Explorer?

To check transmission fluid on Ford Explorer, first, open the hood of your car and locate the transmission dipstick. It will be located near the front of the engine, on the passenger side. Once you have found it, pull it out and wipe it clean with a rag.

Next, reinsert the dipstick all the way into the transmission, and then pull it out again. Look at the dipstick to see where the fluid level is. It should be somewhere between the “full” and “low” marks. If it’s below the “low” mark, then you will need to add some more fluid.

To do this, simply open the transmission fluid reservoir (usually located near the dipstick) and add fluid until it reaches the “full” mark.

And that’s all there is to it! Checking your transmission fluid level is a quick and easy way to help keep your car running smoothly. Be sure to do it regularly, and you’ll avoid any potential problems down the road.

What Transmission Fluid Does Ford Explorer Take?

The type of transmission fluid you’ll need to use in your Ford Explorer will depend on the year it was manufactured. For model years up to and including 2001, you’ll need to use Type-F transmission fluid. For model years 2002 and newer, you can use either Type-F or Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).

How Much Fluid Does Ford Explorer Transmission Hold?

The amount of transmission fluid your Ford Explorer holds will also depend on the year it was manufactured. For model years up to and including 2001, the transmission will hold approximately 11 quarts of fluid. For model years 2002 and newer, the capacity is reduced to just over five quarts.

How to Change Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid?

If you notice that the fluid in your transmission is dirty or low, then you’ll need to change it. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy process that you can do yourself.

To change the transmission fluid, start by draining the old fluid out of the transmission. You can do this by removing the drain plug, which is located near the bottom of the transmission. Once the fluid has drained out, replace the drain plug and then add new fluid through the dipstick tube.

Fill the transmission until it reaches the “full” mark on the dipstick, and then check it again after a few miles of driving to make sure that it’s at the correct level.

And that’s all there is to it!

How Much It Will Cost to Change Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid?

If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, then changing the transmission fluid in your Ford Explorer will only cost you the price of the fluid itself. A quart of transmission fluid typically costs around $15, so you’re looking at a total cost of around $60 for a full change.

If you’d rather have a professional do it, then you can expect to pay around $150-$200 for the service.

Final Words

Checking and changing your transmission fluid is a simple and easy way to help keep your car running smoothly. Be sure to do it regularly, and you’ll avoid any potential problems down the road.

If you have any questions about how to check or change the transmission fluid in your Ford Explorer, then feel free to ask me in the comments below. I’m always happy to help!