2017 Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid Change – Maximize Longevity
Maintaining your 2017 Ford Explorer’s transmission fluid is crucial for its longevity and smooth operation. This guide provides DIYers with detailed, step-by-step instructions for a successful fluid and filter service, ensuring your vehicle performs reliably on and off the road. Learn how to tackle this essential maintenance task with confidence.
Your 2017 Ford Explorer is a workhorse, whether it’s hauling gear for a weekend adventure or tackling the daily commute.
But even the toughest vehicles need routine care, and few tasks are as vital as maintaining your transmission. This guide will walk you through the essential process of performing a 2017 ford explorer transmission fluid change, demystifying a job many owners hesitate to tackle.
We’ll cover everything from identifying the right fluid to the crucial steps for a complete and safe service, ensuring your transmission operates at its peak for years to come.
Why Your Explorer’s Transmission Fluid Matters
The automatic transmission in your 2017 Ford Explorer is a complex piece of engineering. It relies heavily on its fluid to perform multiple critical functions.
This fluid acts as a lubricant, preventing wear and tear on internal components. It also serves as a hydraulic fluid, transmitting power to engage clutches and shift gears smoothly.
Beyond that, transmission fluid is a coolant, dissipating heat generated by friction and engine operation. Over time, this fluid degrades due to heat, friction, and contamination.
Degraded fluid loses its lubricating properties, leading to increased wear and potential damage. It can also cause sluggish shifts, overheating, and reduced fuel efficiency.
Recognizing the Signs of Worn Transmission Fluid
Catching transmission fluid issues early can save you significant repair costs down the line. Keep an eye out for several common symptoms.
One primary indicator is a change in shift quality. You might notice harsh, delayed, or slipping shifts, especially under acceleration.
Another sign is unusual noises coming from the transmission, such as whining or clunking. A burning smell, similar to burnt toast, is a strong warning that your fluid is overheating and breaking down.
Finally, a dark brown or black appearance of the fluid, along with a gritty texture, indicates severe contamination and degradation. Healthy fluid is typically red or light brown and translucent.
Understanding Your Explorer’s Transmission: The 6F50/6F55 Automatic
Your 2017 Ford Explorer is equipped with either the 6F50 or 6F55 automatic transmission, depending on its engine and drivetrain configuration. Both are six-speed automatic units developed jointly by Ford and GM.
These transmissions are robust but demand the correct fluid specification for optimal performance and longevity. Using the wrong fluid can lead to severe transmission damage.
The factory specification for these transmissions is Mercon LV (Low Viscosity) automatic transmission fluid. Do not confuse it with Mercon V or other types; Mercon LV has specific frictional characteristics crucial for the 6F50/6F55.
Always verify the exact fluid requirement in your owner’s manual before purchasing. This ensures compatibility and protects your transmission’s intricate internal components.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Recommendations
Ford’s recommended transmission fluid change interval for the 2017 Explorer varies based on driving conditions. For normal service, the interval is often around 150,000 miles.
However, for vehicles operating under severe duty conditions, this interval should be significantly reduced. Severe duty includes frequent towing, heavy hauling, extensive off-road driving, or prolonged operation in hot climates.
Many experienced mechanics and off-road enthusiasts recommend a fluid and filter change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for severe service. This proactive approach can prevent premature wear and maintain peak performance.
If you regularly push your Explorer, whether on dirt trails or with a loaded trailer, consider more frequent maintenance. It’s a small investment compared to a transmission rebuild.
Essential Tools and Materials for a 2017 Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid Change
Before you begin the 2017 ford explorer transmission fluid change, gather all necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and safer.
Safety is paramount; always use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Required Tools:
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect your eyes and hands from hot fluid and chemicals.
- Vehicle Jacks and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting and supporting your Explorer. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Wheel Chocks: Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Drain Pan: Large enough to hold at least 8-10 quarts of transmission fluid.
- Socket Wrench Set: Including a 13mm socket for the transmission pan bolts and possibly other sizes for skid plates.
- Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening transmission pan bolts to specification, preventing leaks or damage.
- Fluid Pump/Funnel with Hose: To refill the transmission fluid through the fill plug.
- Rag/Shop Towels: For cleaning up spills.
- Scraper/Gasket Remover: To clean old gasket material from the transmission pan and housing.
- Scan Tool (Optional but Recommended): Capable of reading transmission fluid temperature for accurate level checks.
Required Materials:
- Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid: Approximately 7-8 quarts for a pan drop and filter change. Check your owner’s manual for exact capacity.
- New Transmission Filter and Gasket Kit: Ensure it’s specific for your 2017 Ford Explorer’s 6F50/6F55 transmission. Many kits come with a new pan gasket.
- Brake Cleaner or Degreaser: For cleaning the transmission pan and housing.
Step-by-Step Guide: Performing the 2017 Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid Change
This section outlines the precise steps for a successful 2017 ford explorer transmission fluid change. Take your time, follow each instruction carefully, and prioritize safety.
This process is a drain-and-fill with a filter replacement, which is the most common DIY approach. It does not perform a complete fluid flush of the entire system, including the torque converter.
1. Prepare the Vehicle and Workspace
Park your Explorer on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.
Locate the transmission pan, typically a flat metal pan bolted to the bottom of the transmission housing. If your Explorer has skid plates, you may need to remove them first.
2. Drain the Old Transmission Fluid
Place your large drain pan directly underneath the transmission pan. Many 6F50/6F55 pans do not have a separate drain plug, meaning the entire pan must be removed to drain the fluid.
Carefully loosen the transmission pan bolts, starting from one end and working your way around. Leave a few bolts on one side slightly tightened.
As you remove bolts, the pan will begin to sag and fluid will start to leak out. Slowly remove the remaining bolts on one side to tilt the pan, allowing the fluid to drain in a controlled manner into your pan.
Once most of the fluid has drained, remove the last few bolts and carefully lower the pan. Be prepared for additional fluid that may still be inside the pan and around the filter.
3. Replace the Transmission Filter
With the pan removed, you’ll see the transmission filter attached to the valve body. It’s usually held in place by an O-ring and sometimes a small bolt.
Gently pull or unbolt the old filter to remove it. Be aware that more fluid may drip from the filter and valve body.
Inspect the old filter for any metal shavings or debris, which could indicate internal transmission wear. Clean the transmission pan thoroughly with brake cleaner, removing any old gasket material and debris.
Install the new transmission filter, ensuring the O-ring seats correctly. Push it firmly into place until it clicks or feels secure.
4. Reinstall the Transmission Pan
Clean both the transmission housing mating surface and the pan’s mating surface thoroughly. Any old gasket material or dirt can cause leaks.
Apply a thin layer of new transmission fluid to the new pan gasket. Carefully position the gasket onto the transmission pan, or directly onto the transmission housing if it’s a molded gasket.
Lift the transmission pan back into place, aligning it with the bolt holes. Start all the pan bolts by hand to ensure they are not cross-threaded.
Once all bolts are started, snug them down in a crisscross pattern. Then, use your torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s specified torque (typically around 10-12 ft-lbs). Do not overtighten, as this can warp the pan or strip threads.
5. Refill the Transmission Fluid
Locate the transmission fill plug. On many 6F50/6F55 transmissions in the Explorer, this is a separate plug on the side of the transmission case, often requiring a large Allen key or Torx bit.
Remove the fill plug. Using a fluid pump or a funnel with a long hose, slowly begin to add new Mercon LV transmission fluid.
Start by adding the amount of fluid that was drained, usually around 7-8 quarts for a pan drop and filter change. Do not overfill at this stage.
Reinstall the fill plug once the initial fill is complete. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands.
Post-Service Procedures and Checking Fluid Levels
After the physical 2017 ford explorer transmission fluid change, proper post-service steps are crucial for accurate fluid level verification and ensuring correct operation.
This is where precision is key, as incorrect fluid levels can cause significant transmission problems.
The Critical Fluid Level Check
The 6F50/6F55 transmissions do not have a traditional dipstick. Instead, they use a sealed system with an overflow check plug, usually located on the side or bottom of the transmission pan.
To accurately check the fluid level, the transmission must be at a specific operating temperature, typically between 195-205°F (90-96°C). This usually requires a scan tool capable of reading transmission fluid temperature (TFT).
- Start the engine and let it run. Cycle the shifter through all gears (P, R, N, D, L) for a few seconds in each position, then return to Park.
- Allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid reaches the specified temperature range using your scan tool.
- With the engine still running and in Park, carefully remove the check plug from the transmission pan.
- If fluid drips out in a thin stream, the level is correct. If no fluid comes out, add small amounts (0.5 quart at a time) through the fill plug until a thin stream begins to drip from the check plug.
- If fluid gushes out, the transmission is overfilled. Allow the excess to drain until it slows to a thin stream.
- Once the level is correct, reinstall the check plug and tighten it to specification.
This procedure is critical. If you do not have a scan tool to monitor TFT, it’s best to have a professional perform the final level check.
Test Drive and Final Inspection
After confirming the fluid level, take your Explorer for a test drive. Pay attention to shift quality, looking for smooth, consistent gear changes.
Listen for any unusual noises. Drive for at least 15-20 minutes, including some highway speeds, to ensure the transmission fully warms up.
After the test drive, park the vehicle and visually inspect the transmission pan and surrounding areas for any leaks. A small leak can quickly become a big problem.
Double-check all bolts and plugs. If you notice any issues, address them immediately. Sometimes a slight retorque of the pan bolts after a heat cycle can prevent minor seeps.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting Tips
Even experienced DIYers can encounter issues during a 2017 ford explorer transmission fluid change. Knowing common pitfalls can help you avoid them.
Always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you feel unsure at any point.
Incorrect Fluid Type or Quantity
Using the wrong type of transmission fluid (e.g., Mercon V instead of Mercon LV) is a recipe for disaster. The wrong fluid can cause clutch slippage, overheating, and rapid wear.
Similarly, incorrect fluid levels, whether underfilled or overfilled, will lead to problems. Underfilling causes slippage and overheating, while overfilling can create foaming, leading to poor lubrication and harsh shifts.
Always double-check your owner’s manual for the exact fluid specification and use a scan tool for accurate level checks.
Leaking Transmission Pan
A common issue after a pan drop is a leak from the transmission pan gasket. This is often caused by not properly cleaning the mating surfaces, using an old or damaged gasket, or overtightening/undertightening the pan bolts.
Ensure both surfaces are spotless before installing the new gasket. Use a torque wrench and follow the specified torque values precisely.
If a leak occurs, you’ll need to re-drain the fluid, remove the pan, clean surfaces again, and install a new gasket, paying extra attention to torque specs.
Difficulty with Fill/Check Plugs
Some fill and check plugs can be stubborn or difficult to access. Ensure you have the correct tools (e.g., specific Allen or Torx bits) to prevent stripping the plug heads.
If a plug is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak. Use a sturdy wrench and apply even pressure. If it still won’t budge, it’s safer to seek professional help than risk damaging the transmission case.
When to Consider a Professional Transmission Service
While a DIY 2017 ford explorer transmission fluid change is a manageable task for many, there are situations where professional intervention is advisable or necessary.
Knowing your limits and when to call in the experts is part of being a responsible vehicle owner.
Complex Diagnostics and Flushes
If your Explorer is exhibiting complex transmission issues, such as persistent erratic shifting, codes appearing on your dashboard, or significant debris in the old fluid, a professional diagnosis is warranted.
They have specialized diagnostic equipment and expertise to pinpoint underlying problems. Furthermore, a complete transmission fluid flush (which involves evacuating almost all fluid, including from the torque converter and cooler lines) is best left to shops with dedicated flushing machines.
These machines ensure a thorough exchange without introducing air or contaminants into the system.
Lack of Proper Tools or Experience
If you lack essential tools like a torque wrench or a scan tool capable of reading transmission fluid temperature, performing this service yourself risks improper fluid levels or damage. The precise fluid level check is critical for the 6F50/6F55.
Similarly, if you’re uncomfortable working under a vehicle, dealing with hot fluids, or unsure about any step, it’s always safer to trust a certified technician. Their experience ensures the job is done correctly and safely, preserving your Explorer’s transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid Changes
How often should I change my 2017 Ford Explorer’s transmission fluid?
For normal driving, Ford recommends around 150,000 miles. However, for severe duty (towing, off-roading, heavy loads, hot climates), it’s highly recommended to change it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
What type of transmission fluid does a 2017 Ford Explorer use?
Your 2017 Ford Explorer’s 6F50/6F55 automatic transmission requires Mercon LV (Low Viscosity) automatic transmission fluid. Always consult your owner’s manual to confirm the exact specification.
Do I need to replace the transmission filter when changing the fluid?
Yes, it is highly recommended to replace the transmission filter every time you change the fluid. The filter catches contaminants and debris, and a new filter ensures clean fluid circulation and protects internal components.
Can I just drain and fill the transmission fluid without replacing the filter?
While technically possible, it’s not advised. The transmission filter is a crucial component for fluid cleanliness. Skipping its replacement negates a significant benefit of the fluid change, as old contaminants will quickly recirculate through the new fluid.
How do I check the transmission fluid level on my 2017 Ford Explorer?
The 2017 Explorer’s 6F50/6F55 transmission does not have a dipstick. The fluid level must be checked with the engine running, transmission in Park, and the fluid at a specific operating temperature (typically 195-205°F or 90-96°C) using a scan tool to monitor TFT. The level is checked via an overflow plug on the transmission pan.
Final Thoughts on Your Explorer’s Transmission Health
Performing a 2017 ford explorer transmission fluid change is a rewarding DIY task that directly contributes to your vehicle’s health and reliability. It’s an investment in preventing costly repairs and ensuring your Explorer continues to perform flawlessly, whether on your daily commute or exploring rugged trails.
By following these detailed steps, prioritizing safety, and using the correct materials, you can confidently maintain this critical component. Remember, proper maintenance is the backbone of any vehicle’s longevity.
Keep your Explorer shifting smoothly and conquer every journey with confidence. Stay safe and happy exploring!
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