The Explorer replaced the Bronco II as Ford's mid-sized truck-based sport utility vehicle in 1991. Unlike its two-door predecessor, the Explorer came in both two and four-door versions. In 2002, the Explorer was completely redesigned and was available with six or eight-cylinder engines and two or four-wheel drive. A third-row seat was optional for the first time. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on the two-door version, while a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive was standard on the four-door Explorer. To keep an Explorer operating smoothly, the use of the correct types of lubricating oils needs to be adhered to or damage to the mechanical systems could occur.
The correct engine oil for six-cylinder Explorers is Motorcraft SAE 5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil. The Ford part number for this product is XO-5W30-QSP. The Ford specification for the type of oil needed if shopping for brands other than Motorcraft is WSS-M2C153-G with an API certification label. The eight-cylinder Explorers call for Motorcraft SAE 5W20 Super Premium Motor Oil with a XO-5W20-QSP part number. The specification for this oil is WSS-M2C153-H with an API certification label.
Manual transmission-equipped Explorers use Motorcraft Mercon V ATF automatic transmission fluid with a part number of XT-5-QM. If shopping for other brands of fluid, make sure it is labeled Mercon V, as other Mercon specifications are not compatible and could damage the transmission. According to the 2002 Ford Explorer Owner's Guide, Mercon and Mercon V should never be mixed.
The manual transmission-equipped vehicles use Motorcraft Mercon Multi-Purpose automatic ATF automatic transmission fluid that has a part number of QT-2-QDX. Look for a specification of Mercon when shopping for brands other than Motorcraft. This fluid not only can be used in the manual transmission, but the power steering reservoir and the transfer case in four-wheel drive Explorers call for this same fluid.
The rear axle uses Motorcraft 75W-140 High Performance Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant with a part number of F1TZ-19780-B. The equivalent should meet a standard of WSL-M2C192-A. Axles with the limited slip differential use the same oil, but you need to add four ounces of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier with a part number of C8AZ-19B546-A, as well. The specification for equivalent brands of oil additive is EST-M2C118-A. The front axle in four-wheel drive models uses Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant with a part number of XY-80W90-QL. The specification is WSP-M2C197-A.
