1997 Ford Explorer Oil Type & Capacity
The 1997 Ford Explorer oil type depends on the engine: the 2D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 5.0 P, AWD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Utility, 5.0 P, RWD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 5.0 P, AWD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4D Utility, 5.0 P, RWD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 2D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 2D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 Super Premium (0Deg.F to 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| 4D Utility, 5.0 P, AWD — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Refer to Engine Oil recommended applications for SAE 5W-20 and 5W-30 motor oils TSB No. 02-1-9. |
| 4D Utility, 5.0 P, RWD — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Refer to Engine Oil recommended applications for SAE 5W-20 and 5W-30 motor oils TSB No. 02-1-9. |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 1997 Ford Explorer
Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (5W-30, 5.0 quarts).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.
Buy the right oil & filter for your Explorer
🛒 Buy 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (5.0 quarts needed) on Amazon🛒 Buy 5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (5.0 quarts needed) on AmazonPopular Full Synthetic Brands (5W-30):
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More factory specs & repair guides for your Explorer
🛞 1997 Ford Explorer Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1997 Ford Explorer Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1997 Ford Explorer Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1997 Ford Explorer Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.8 quarts (7.38 L) — 50/50 mixture of FORD Premium Cooling System Fluid and water. DO NOT use FORD Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange color).
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1997 Ford Explorer take?
It depends on the engine: 2D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD uses 5W-30; 2D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD uses 5W-30; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD uses 5W-30; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; 4D Utility, 5.0 P, AWD uses 5W-20; 4D Utility, 5.0 P, RWD uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 1997 Ford Explorer?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 4.0 E, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 4.0 E, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 5.0 P, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Utility, 5.0 P, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1997 Ford Explorer?
Most 1997 Ford Explorer owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Ford recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1997 Ford Explorer?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1997 Ford Explorer. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.