2004 Ford Explorer Oil Type & Capacity
The 2004 Ford Explorer oil type depends on the engine: the 4.0 E, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.0 E, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.0 E, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.0 K, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.0 K, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.0 K, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.6 W, 4WD takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.6 W, AWD takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4.6 W, RWD takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 4.0 E, 4WD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4.0 E, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4.0 E, RWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4.0 K, 4WD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4.0 K, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4.0 K, RWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4.6 W, 4WD: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 4.6 W, AWD: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 4.6 W, RWD: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 E, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.0 E, AWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.0 E, RWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.0 K, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.0 K, AWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.0 K, RWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.6 W, 4WD — 4.6L Eng | SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.6 W, AWD — 4.6L Eng | SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.6 W, RWD — 4.6L Eng | SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only to meet the requirements of FORD Specification: WSS-M2C153-H and the API Certification mark. |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2004 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
🛞 2004 Ford Explorer Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2004 Ford Explorer Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2004 Ford Explorer Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2004 Ford Explorer Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
18.2 quarts (17.22 L) — FORD Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Add the coolant type originally equipped in the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2004 Ford Explorer take?
It depends on the engine: 4.0 E, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4.0 E, AWD uses 5W-30; 4.0 E, RWD uses 5W-30; 4.0 K, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4.0 K, AWD uses 5W-30; 4.0 K, RWD uses 5W-30; 4.6 W, 4WD uses 5W-20; 4.6 W, AWD uses 5W-20; 4.6 W, RWD uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2004 Ford Explorer?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 4.0 E, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.0 E, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.0 E, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.0 K, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.0 K, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.0 K, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.6 W, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4.6 W, AWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4.6 W, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2004 Ford Explorer?
Most 2004 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 2004 Ford Explorer?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2004 Ford Explorer. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.