Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid
Factory manual transmission fluid type & capacity for the Ford Explorer. Exact capacities and specs extracted from the LEMON service manual archive.
Last updated: 2026-10-29 • Reading time: 8 min • By AllOEMManuals Editorial Team
Quick Answer
2024 Ford Explorer ATF: 12.60 QTS. (11.92 L) — MOTORCRAFT Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON ULV Note: Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes..
| Generation | Years | Top spec |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 12.60 QTS. (11.92 L) — MOTORCRAFT Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON ULV Note: Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes. |
| 2023 | 2023 | 13.09 QTS. (12.38 L) — MOTORCRAFT Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON ULV Note: Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes. |
| 2020-2022 | 2020-2022 | 12.90 QTS. (12.2 L) — MOTORCRAFT Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON ULV Note: Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes. |
This vehicle's factory manual
The spec is above. This opens the 2024 Ford Explorer factory book. Use another year if yours is older.
Ford Explorer maintenance schedule
Know the exact transmission fluid job for your Ford Explorer
2024 Ford Explorer ATF: 12.60 QTS. (11.92 L) — MOTORCRAFT Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON ULV Note: Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes..
Fluid type and capacity can change by engine, drivetrain, and transmission. Verify the exact branch before filling anything. Once the spec is confirmed, use the supplies and purchase links below to build the full one-trip shopping list before you start the repair.
Exact Vehicle Check
The button opens the factory book for this vehicle. Use the engine picker only when your trim is not the one this page already matched.
2024
- →Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.
2023
- →Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.
2020-2022
- →Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.
2018-2019
- →Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. Automatic Transmission that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV ATF.
2016-2017
- →Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. Automatic Transmission that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV ATF.
2015
- →Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. Automatic Transmission that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV ATF.
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Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid
Wrong ATF destroys transmissions. Get the exact spec for your Ford Explorer.
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Transmission Fluid — Manual's Parts List
Wrong fluid destroys transmissions. Get the exact spec.
- 1Transmission FluidShop →
12.60 QTS. (11.92 L) — MOTORCR — ATF or CVT, exact spec only
- 2Drain Plug WasherShop →
Soft aluminum — reuse it and it will leak
- 3Fluid Transfer PumpShop →
No dipstick on modern transmissions — fill from below
- 4Shop RagsShop →
ATF stains everything
Get everything at once
One search shows all of the above on a single page.
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One-Trip Shopping List
Recommended supplies and tools for this job, grouped so you can buy everything before the repair starts.
Transmission Fluid
Must match the specific ATF or CVT spec for your car.
Fluid Transfer Pump
Crucial for filling "sealed" transmissions from below.
Transmission Filter
Recommended when performing a full pan service.
Drain Plug Washer
Prevents seepage after a drain-and-fill service.
Shop Towels
Cleanup gear for ATF spills and pan work.
Project Essentials
Basic tool sets, gloves, and cleaning supplies for your Ford Explorer so the job is ready when the parts arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is this data from?
- Extracted directly from the LEMON factory service manual archive. Sources are cited per generation.
- What transmission fluid does a Ford Explorer use?
- 2024 Ford Explorer ATF: 12.60 QTS. (11.92 L) — MOTORCRAFT Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON ULV Note: Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes..
- When should I change the transmission fluid in a Ford Explorer?
- Factory service manuals typically recommend transmission fluid changes every 30,000–60,000 miles for automatics and 60,000–100,000 miles for manuals under normal use. Severe service intervals are shorter. Check your maintenance schedule for the exact mileage.
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Author & Review
Published by AllOEMManuals, founded by Lyndon Bedford, an automotive technician with 20 years of experience. He owned and operated a mechanic shop in Hurst, Texas from 2014 to 2022 and continues hands-on repair work.
Content may combine manual references, general repair templates, and AI-assisted drafting. Confirm the source, vehicle configuration, and applicability before working. Report corrections through our contact page.
Last updated: 2026-10-29