How to Drop the Oil Pan in a Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a mid-size sports utility vehicle. It has been in production from the Ford Motor Company since 1991, and it continues to roll out new models each year. The third generation of the vehicle is the most commonly found in model years 2002 through 2005, with a 4.0L engine. Remove the oil pan of the Explorer when it has damage or whenever there is a need to clean it.

Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Car hoist
Oil drip pan
Wrench

Step 1
Select a location to work on the Explorer that gives you enough room to raise the vehicle off the ground. It should be a level surface that's supportive.
Step 2
Remove the engine oil cap from the car by locating it under the hood of the car and twisting it off. The oil cap is on the right side of the vehicle's engine, about halfway down the side of the car.
Step 3
Position the Explorer correctly and raise the vehicle on a hoist. Follow the hoist's directions for specific use and always take proper safety precautions.
Step 4
Place an oil drip pan under the vehicle, under the oil pan. The oil pan is a large, rectangular pan located directly under the engine.
Step 5
Use a wrench to unscrew and pull the oil pan drain plug. This will allow the oil to drain from the Explorer into the drip pan located below it. The draining should take about 10 minutes to complete.
Step 6
Disconnect the oil pan by first removing the oil pan bolts, located around the outside of the oil pan's perimeter. Use a wrench to unscrew them and place them to the side.
Step 7
Support the oil pan with one hand as it drops off the vehicle. The oil pan gasket will follow with the pan and should be discarded (never replaced) and only done so after the surface has been cleaned with non-abrasive material.