2006 Ford Explorer Oil Type & Capacity
The 2006 Ford Explorer oil type depends on the engine: the 4.0 E, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 4.0 E, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 4.6 8, 4WD takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4.6 8, RWD takes 5W-20 (6.0 quarts 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, RWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 4.6 8, 4WD: 5W-20, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 4.6 8, 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 Premium Synthetic Blend 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-M2C929-A and API Certification mark. |
| 4.0 E, RWD — 4.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend 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-M2C929-A and API Certification mark. |
| 4.6 8, 4WD — 4.6L Eng | SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend 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-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark. |
| 4.6 8, RWD — 4.6L Eng | SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend 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-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Explorer
2006 Ford Explorer factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
13.9 quarts (13.15 L) — FORD Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Add the coolant type originally equipped in the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2006 Ford Explorer take?
It depends on the engine: 4.0 E, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4.0 E, RWD uses 5W-30; 4.6 8, 4WD uses 5W-20; 4.6 8, RWD uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 2006 Ford Explorer take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 4.0 E, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.0 E, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4.6 8, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4.6 8, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2006 Ford Explorer?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2006 Ford Explorer. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.