Ford Explorer 2019 Sport – Performance Tuning And Maintenance Guide
The 2019 Ford Explorer Sport represents the pinnacle of the fifth-generation platform, blending a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine with a sport-tuned suspension for a truly aggressive driving experience. This guide provides owners and DIY mechanics with the essential knowledge needed to maintain peak performance, address common mechanical weak points, and safely explore power-enhancing modifications.
You didn’t choose the ford explorer 2019 sport just to blend into the carpool lane. You chose it for the 365-horsepower 3.5L EcoBoost engine and the confidence of an intelligent 4WD system that feels more like a performance sedan than a three-row SUV.
Owning a high-output vehicle like this requires a proactive approach to maintenance that goes beyond the basic dealership schedule. Whether you are towing a boat, navigating snowy mountain passes, or looking to shave seconds off your highway merge, understanding the nuances of this specific trim is vital.
In this guide, we will break down the critical systems of your Explorer, from the notorious PTU fluid issues to the best ways to keep those twin turbos spooling perfectly. We will provide actionable steps to ensure your vehicle stays reliable and powerful for years to come.
The Heart of the ford explorer 2019 sport: The 3.5L EcoBoost V6
The 3.5L EcoBoost engine is the defining feature of this trim, utilizing direct injection and twin turbochargers to deliver V8-like torque with V6 efficiency. While this engine is robust, it demands high-quality fluids and frequent attention to prevent carbon buildup and turbo wear.
To keep the engine healthy, never settle for conventional oil; always use a high-quality full synthetic 5W-30 oil that meets Ford’s WSS-M2C946-B1 specification. Synthetic oil handles the extreme heat generated by the turbochargers much better than blends, preventing oil “coking” in the supply lines.
Shorten your oil change intervals to every 5,000 miles rather than the 10,000 miles often suggested by the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor. Frequent changes remove the tiny particles that can cause premature wear on the timing chain, a known sensitive point in high-mileage EcoBoost engines.
Managing Turbocharger Heat
After a spirited drive or a long haul on the highway, avoid shutting the engine off immediately. Let the engine idle for 60 to 90 seconds to allow the oil and coolant to circulate through the turbo chargers, cooling them down gradually.
This simple habit prevents the oil from “baking” inside the turbo bearings, which can lead to expensive failures over time. If you notice a blue tint to your exhaust smoke or a high-pitched whining noise, it may be time to inspect the turbo seals for leaks.
Keep an eye on your coolant levels as well, as the 3.5L EcoBoost runs hot by design. Use only the Motorcraft Orange or the newer Yellow concentrated coolant recommended by Ford to ensure maximum corrosion protection for the internal water pump.
The PTU Problem: Why Fluid Changes are Non-Negotiable
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is the component responsible for sending power from the front-mounted transaxle to the rear wheels. In the ford explorer 2019 sport, the PTU is positioned very close to the hot exhaust manifold, which causes the gear oil inside to degrade rapidly.
Ford originally marketed the PTU fluid as “lifetime,” but real-world experience from enthusiasts and mechanics tells a different story. Over time, the fluid can turn into a thick sludge, leading to bearing failure and eventually a cracked PTU case.
To prevent a multi-thousand-dollar repair, replace the PTU fluid every 30,000 miles. This is a challenging DIY task because most 2019 models do not have a traditional drain plug, requiring you to vacuum out the old fluid through the fill hole.
Step-by-Step PTU Fluid Refresh
- Drive the vehicle for 15 minutes to warm up the gear oil, making it easier to extract.
- Locate the PTU fill plug on the passenger side of the unit, usually accessible after removing the heat shield.
- Use a fluid extraction pump with a thin, flexible tube to suck out as much of the old, dark oil as possible.
- Refill the unit with a high-quality 75W-140 full synthetic gear oil until it begins to seep out of the fill hole.
- Reinstall the fill plug and torque it to the factory specification of 26 lb-ft.
If you see a “Terrain Management System Fault” or smell a burnt propane odor after driving, check the PTU immediately. Catching a leak or fluid degradation early is the only way to save the unit from total mechanical failure.
Suspension and Handling: Taming the Sport’s Weight
The Sport trim comes with a unique suspension calibration that includes stiffer springs and larger anti-roll bars compared to the XLT or Limited models. While this improves cornering, the 2019 Explorer is still a heavy vehicle that puts immense stress on its bushings.
Check your rear toe links frequently, as these have been a common point of wear and were even subject to various recalls in earlier model years. A worn toe link will cause the rear of the vehicle to feel “loose” or “sway” unexpectedly when hitting bumps at highway speeds.
For those looking to improve the handling further, consider upgrading to polyurethane bushings for the front control arms. This modification reduces the “deflection” or movement of the suspension under heavy braking, giving you a more precise steering feel through the wheel.
Brake Upgrades for Heavy Duty Use
The ford explorer 2019 sport features larger front rotors than the base models, but even these can suffer from “brake fade” during aggressive driving. If you frequently drive in hilly terrain or tow trailers, upgrading to ceramic brake pads is a smart move.
Ceramic pads offer better heat dissipation and produce significantly less dust than the factory semi-metallic versions. For the ultimate setup, look into slotted rotors, which help vent the gases that build up between the pad and the rotor surface during hard stops.
When performing a brake job, always clean the slide pins and apply a high-temperature silicone-based grease. Seized slide pins are a common cause of uneven pad wear and reduced stopping power on this platform.
DIY Performance Upgrades: Unlocking Hidden Horsepower
The beauty of the twin-turbo 3.5L engine is that it is “detuned” from the factory to ensure broad reliability across all climates. For the enthusiast, this means there is a significant amount of hidden power that can be unlocked with a few strategic modifications.
A high-quality aftermarket tune is the single most effective upgrade you can perform. Companies like Livernois Motorsports or COBB Tuning offer handheld programmers that recalibrate the ECU to increase boost pressure and optimize ignition timing.
A proper tune can easily add 50 to 70 horsepower and nearly 100 lb-ft of torque without compromising daily drivability. However, once you increase the boost, you must commit to using 93-octane fuel exclusively to prevent engine knock and timing pull-back.
Improving Airflow and Cooling
- Cold Air Intake: While the factory airbox is decent, a high-flow intake allows the turbos to breathe easier and provides a more noticeable “spool” sound.
- Upgraded Intercooler: The stock intercooler is prone to “heat soak” during repeated hard pulls. A larger, front-mounted intercooler keeps charge air temperatures low, maintaining power consistency.
- Three-Bar MAP Sensor: If you are pushing high boost levels with a custom tune, you may need a 3-bar MAP sensor to accurately monitor the pressure.
Always install a catch can on the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system. This device captures oil vapors before they can enter the intake manifold, preventing the “gunking up” of the intake valves that is common in direct-injection engines.
Off-Road and All-Weather Capability
While the ford explorer 2019 sport is biased toward street performance, its Terrain Management System makes it surprisingly capable on light trails and in deep snow. The system adjusts the throttle mapping and ABS intervention based on the selected mode.
In “Sand” mode, the system allows for more wheel spin to maintain momentum, while “Grass/Gravel/Snow” mode dulls the throttle response to prevent loss of traction. If you plan on taking your Sport off the pavement, consider downsizing from the factory 20-inch wheels to 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
The extra sidewall of an 18-inch tire acts as a secondary cushion, protecting your rims from rocks and providing a much smoother ride on washboard roads. Just ensure the wheels clear the larger Sport-spec brake calipers before committing to a purchase.
Safe Trail Practices
When venturing off-road, always carry a portable air compressor. Airing down your tires to 20-25 PSI can drastically increase your footprint and traction in soft sand or mud, but you must be able to air back up before hitting the pavement.
Be mindful of the Explorer’s approach and departure angles. The front air dam on the Sport model sits quite low for aerodynamic efficiency, and it can easily be ripped off by a tall rock or a steep incline. If a trail looks too technical, it is always better to turn around than to risk damaging the underbody.
Always inform someone of your route and expected return time when exploring remote areas. While the Explorer is reliable, a simple sidewall puncture or a dead battery can become a major ordeal if you are out of cell phone range without a backup plan.
Common Troubleshooting and Safety Checks
One of the most critical “watch items” for any 2019 Explorer owner is the internal water pump. Because the pump is driven by the timing chain inside the engine, a failure can cause coolant to leak directly into the oil pan.
Check your oil dipstick monthly. If the oil looks like a milky milkshake, do not start the engine. This indicates a water pump failure, and running the engine with contaminated oil will destroy the bearings within minutes.
Another common issue is the exhaust smell inside the cabin during heavy acceleration. This is often caused by unsealed body seams in the rear of the vehicle or cracked exhaust manifolds. If you detect fumes, have a professional smoke-test the exhaust system to identify the leak.
Electrical and Sensor Maintenance
The 2019 model is packed with electronics, including the SYNC 3 infotainment system and various driver-assist sensors. If your blind-spot monitoring acts up, ensure the sensors located behind the rear bumper corners are clean and free of mud or ice.
Keep your battery terminals clean and tight. Modern Fords are extremely sensitive to voltage drops, and a weak battery can trigger a cascade of “ghost” error codes across the dashboard that have nothing to do with the actual mechanical health of the car.
If you experience a “stumble” at idle, it may be time to clean the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or the Throttle Body. Use only specialized electronic cleaners, as harsh chemicals can damage the delicate sensors and lead to poor fuel economy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ford Explorer 2019 Sport
What is the towing capacity of the 2019 Explorer Sport?
When equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, the Sport trim can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Always use a weight-distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 pounds to maintain steering control and braking stability.
Can I run 87 octane fuel in my Explorer Sport?
While the engine can run on 87 octane thanks to its knock sensors, you will experience a significant drop in horsepower and torque. For the best performance and engine longevity, 91 or 93 octane is highly recommended.
How do I know if my PTU is failing?
Common signs of PTU failure include a burning oil smell, a high-pitched whining noise from the floorboards, or visible leaks of thick, black fluid near the front passenger axle. Early fluid changes are the best preventative measure.
Is the 2019 Explorer Sport reliable for long-distance travel?
Yes, provided the maintenance is kept up. The 2019 model is the final year of its generation, meaning most of the “bugs” were worked out. It offers a comfortable ride and plenty of passing power for highway cruising.
Does the Sport trim require special tires?
The Sport comes factory-equipped with 255/50R20 tires. Because of the vehicle’s weight and power, you should choose a tire with a high load index and a “V” or “W” speed rating to ensure they can handle the heat of high-speed driving.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The ford explorer 2019 sport is a unique machine that offers a level of engagement rarely found in the SUV segment. By staying on top of the PTU fluid, using high-quality synthetic oil, and keeping an eye on the internal water pump, you can enjoy the “Sport” experience without the headache of unexpected breakdowns.
Whether you choose to keep your Explorer stock or dive into the world of EcoBoost tuning, the key is consistency. Treat the mechanical components with respect, allow the turbos to cool down, and don’t be afraid to perform your own inspections between service intervals.
Owning this vehicle is about more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s about the thrill of the drive. Stay safe on the roads, keep your tools ready, and enjoy every bit of boost that your Explorer has to offer!
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