2010 Ford Explorer

Maintenance & specsVERIFIED Jun 15, 2026
Engine Oil
5W-20
Synthetic Blend
OEM spec · WSS-M2C930-ABuy oil
Capacity
5qt
with filter
4.7 qt without filter
Oil Filter
FL-820-S
Motorcraft (OEM)
OEM spec: WSS-M2C930-A

The 2010 Ford Explorer takes 5W-20 Synthetic Blend with a total capacity of 5 quarts (filter included). You’ll need a 16mm socket for the drain plug, torqued to 30 Nm. The OEM oil filter is the Motorcraft FL-820-S, with 2 compatible alternatives listed below. Note: this vehicle has 2 active recalls — check the recalls section below. Below you’ll find complete maintenance specs, fluid capacities, parts, and links to buy what you need.

⚑ QUICK DIY TIPS FOR THE 2010 FORD EXPLORER
  • Torque your drain plug to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs) to avoid leaks or stripped threads.
  • Using the OEM filter (Motorcraft FL-820-S) is recommended for warranty compliance.
  • Always use 5W-20 Synthetic Blend as specified by Ford — using the wrong viscosity can void your powertrain warranty.
  • Check the maintenance schedule below for your next service interval.
01

Oil & Filter

OilBuy
Viscosity5W-20
Oil typeSynthetic Blend
Capacity (with filter)5 qt
Capacity (w/o filter)4.7 qt
OEM specWSS-M2C930-A
Filter Options
MotorcraftFL-820-SOEM
Buy
Mobil 1M1-212A
Buy
Bosch3323
Buy
OEM oil filter
Drain Bolt & Hardware
Socket size16 mm
ThreadM14x1.5
Torque spec30 Nm
GasketCrush washer
4th gen U251 (4.0L SOHC V6)
02

Fluid Specifications

Transmission FluidBuy
TypeMercon LV
Capacity4 qt
Change interval60,000 mi
Brake FluidBuy
DOT typeDOT 3
Change interval45,000 mi
CoolantBuy
TypeMotorcraft Gold
ColorYellow
Capacity7 qt
Change interval100,000 mi
Power Steering FluidBuy
TypeMercon LV
Differential Fluid (rear)Buy
Type75W-90 GL-5
Capacity2 qt
Change interval60,000 mi
03

Parts & Specifications

Spark Plugs
TypeIridium
Gap0.052
Quantity4
Change interval100,000 mi
MotorcraftSP-534OEM
Buy
NGKITR4A15
Buy
Battery
Group size65
CCA650
MotorcraftBXT-65-650OEM
Buy
DieHard65-2
Buy
Tires
Size245/60R18
Front pressure33 PSI
Rear pressure33 PSI
Air Filter
MotorcraftFA-1927OEM
Buy
K&N33-5000
Buy
FramCA11114
Buy
Cabin Air Filter
MotorcraftFP-79OEM
Buy
FramCF11920
Buy
Brake Pads
MotorcraftBR1551BOEMfront
Buy
WagnerQC1818front
Buy
Wiper Blades
Bosch26Adriver, 26"
Buy
Bosch16Apassenger, 16"
Buy
Bosch12Arear, 12"
Buy
Rain-X26-1driver, 26"
Buy
Rain-X16-1passenger, 16"
Buy
Rain-X12-1rear, 12"
Buy
04

Maintenance Schedule

≈ every 6 months
  • Change Engine Oil & Filter
05

Torque Specifications

lug nut
100ft-lb·135.6Nm
spark plug
14mm thread, aluminum head
18ft-lb·24.4Nm
06

Safety Recalls

2
07

Technical Service Bulletins

7

Towing & Payload

Max Towing
5,600lbs
Max Payload
1,455lbs
Curb Weight
4,300lbs
GVWR
5,990lbs
Max Tongue Weight
560lbs
Hitch Class
III

Source: manufacturer

Estimated Current Value

Original MSRP
$42,000
Private Party
$7,581–$8,379
Dealer Retail
$8,778–$9,975
Trade-In
$6,783–$7,581
Depreciation
81%

Estimated values assume average condition and mileage for vehicle age.

Source: estimated

Save by doing it yourself
A shop typically charges $70–$140 for this service. Buy the parts and save.
Shop oil & filters ↗
08

Tools & Supplies

Oil Drain Pan
Catch the old oil cleanly
Shop on Amazon
Funnel
Spill-free refill
Shop on Amazon
16mm Socket
For the drain plug
Shop on Amazon
5W-20 Oil
5+ quarts
Shop on Amazon
Shop parts for the Ford Explorer
Find oil, filters, and maintenance parts for the 2010 Ford Explorer on Amazon.
Shop parts ↗
Step-by-step guide
Detailed walkthrough with tips for first-timers.
Read guide
How often to change oil
Intervals, severe service, and what your car needs.
Read guide
Synthetic vs. conventional
Which oil type is right for your engine and budget.
Read guide
Other 2010 Ford models
Other Ford Explorer years
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