New 2025 Ford Explorer ST

[Jk3labs]

My wife and I traded in our 2013 Ford explorer for the 2025 ST 2 1/2 weeks ago. We love it so far. Exited to see what others have done and any tips.
I want to do an oil change here soon and was wondering if anyone has done their own and how it is compared to older models and if any tips?
Thanks everyone

 

[STeiner]

The oil change is pretty standard. There is an underbody cover you will need to remove first. The main issue people have is the plastic oil plug is different than you are probably used to on a standard metal oil pan. Why Ford used a plastic pan and plug, we can only guess.

I go a different route and use the extraction method, bypassing having to lift the vehicle and deal with underbody covers and plastic plugs that might get damaged and leak. I bought an extractor for $60 and remove the oil through the dip stick tube in the engine. We can complete the entire oil change in the engine bay because our oil filters are located on top. Here's a picture of me extracting the oil from the top.Then I simply change the oil filter and add more oil, and done. There are plenty of youtube videos showing this method. It's faster, safer, and there's less mess. The only drawback is you have to purchase the extractor one time for around $60.