Ford · Vehicle Guide

Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid

Which transmission fluid the Ford Explorer uses by model year and transmission, and how to check the level.

Quick answer

Motorcraft MERCON LV (2011 automatic); Motorcraft MERCON ULV (2020 automatic) — confirm for your year and engine. Dipstick: Some years. The 2011 owner's manual gives a dipstick check; the 2020 manual says the automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. Fill capacity and change interval depend on your exact year, engine and transmission, so they are not listed here — use your owner's manual.

Updated October 24, 2026

Confirm your exact version. The Ford Explorer was sold across several model years and more than one transmission. What is shown here is general guidance and has not been verified for every individual configuration. Before buying fluid or servicing, confirm the fluid spec, capacity, and check procedure for your exact model year and transmission using the owner's manual or a dealer parts lookup for your VIN.

Fluid specifications

Fluid (confirm for your year): Motorcraft MERCON LV (2011 automatic); Motorcraft MERCON ULV (2020 automatic) — confirm for your year and engine
Transmission: 6-speed (2011–2019) or 10-speed 10R60 (2020+)
Capacity and interval: Not listed — varies by year, engine and transmission. See your owner's manual.
Dipstick: Some years
Applies to: 2011–present

Official documents checked for this page

These cover only the model years named above, not every configuration.

This is general guidance for the Ford Explorer. Always confirm the exact fluid spec and capacity for your model year in the owner's manual before servicing. Official source: Ford owner resources.

How to check it

Whether the Ford Explorer has a dipstick depends on the model year and transmission — some are sealed and checked from a fill/level plug, others have a dipstick. Confirm which one applies to your exact version before checking. See our step-by-step guides:

Frequently asked questions

What type of transmission fluid does the Ford Explorer use?+

For the Ford Explorer: Motorcraft MERCON LV (2011 automatic); Motorcraft MERCON ULV (2020 automatic) — confirm for your year and engine. Always confirm the exact specification for your model year in the owner's manual before topping up or changing fluid — using the wrong fluid can damage the transmission.

Does the Ford Explorer have a transmission dipstick?+

It depends on the year — some Ford Explorer models have a dipstick and others are sealed. Check your specific model year.

How often should Ford Explorer transmission fluid be changed?+

The interval depends on your model year, transmission and how the vehicle is used, so we do not publish a single number for the Ford Explorer. Your owner's manual or maintenance schedule gives the interval, usually with a shorter one for severe service such as towing, extreme heat or stop-and-go driving.

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