ease of routine maintenance?

[thorongil]

Question for those of you who like to do your own maintenance:

1. How would you rate the ease of routine maintenance on the Explorer? Is the oil filter located in an accessible spot? What about oil drain?

2. Do any routine/periodic maintenance items require special tools/equipment?

 

[tomg4121]

Oil changes are very easy. The filter is on the front side of the engine, plug is in the rear. If you have a trailer tow package, you will have to remove the "cooling tube" that runs along the oil pan to access the drain plug via 4 thumb screws (also very easy). All other fluids appear easily accessable too.