The 2018 Ford Explorer equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged engine demands precision in its maintenance, particularly regarding lubrication. This four-cylinder powerplant operates under significant stress, featuring turbocharger speeds that can exceed 200,000 RPM. Using the correct viscosity and quality of synthetic oil is critical to ensuring the turbo spools correctly, managing heat effectively, and maintaining the integrity of internal components like timing chains and bearings. The owner’s manual specifies a 5W-30 viscosity, but not all 5W-30 fluids are created equal. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are engineered to exceed OEM requirements, offering superior protection against sludge, wear, and the thermal breakdown that can occur during towing or spirited driving.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for maximum protection, featuring 75% more resistance to horsepower loss and wear. It provides guaranteed protection for up to 25,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent option for 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection between changes, offering 37% more cleaning power to help keep the turbocharged engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective 100% synthetic solution that fights sludge and deposits while providing protection that outperforms conventional oils, meeting the specific needs of the EcoBoost engine.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring a boosted detergent package to clean sludge and enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered with a filtration efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, this filter allows lower restriction to keep engine parts properly lubricated and captures contaminants that cause wear.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative offering improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters, suitable for those seeking reliable filtration performance.
- WIX Air Filter – A premium option offering improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or five years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that exceeds standards for metallic corrosion and erosion, offering protection up to 150,000 miles or five years.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain, remaining fluid in sub-zero temperatures to ensure smooth shifting in the 6F35 transmission.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to protect against wear while meeting the specific requirements of the Ford automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the PTU transfer case, this lubricant controls thermal runaway and protects against rust and corrosion.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Recommended for the rear differential (GL-5), providing advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway in demanding conditions.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Offers advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer – Helps keep fuel fresh up to 12 months, protects against varnish and gum buildup.
- AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil – Highly-effective rust preventive designed to protect internal engine components during storage or long periods of inactivity.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, helping prevent carbon buildup which is crucial for the 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
The 2018 Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is a powerhouse of a compact SUV, blending efficiency with performance. This engine, a four-cylinder turbocharged unit, generates significant power, often rivaling older V6 engines, but it does so with reduced displacement. This efficiency comes with high operating temperatures and cylinder pressures that conventional lubricants struggle to manage over the long term. The oil must not only lubricate moving parts but also cool the turbocharger bearings and pistons to prevent premature failure. The capacity for this engine is 5.7 quarts when changing the oil and filter, a figure that underscores the importance of measuring carefully after refilling to ensure the correct level is maintained.
Transmission and Drivetrain Lubrication
While the engine receives the most attention, the 2018 Explorer’s automatic transmission, specifically the 6F35 model, also requires precise attention. The total fill capacity for the transmission is 9 quarts, though the initial fill is significantly lower at 4.2 quarts. This 6-speed automatic is designed for smooth shifting and durability, but AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers a distinct advantage by resisting thermal breakdown and oxidation better than conventional fluids. Using a high-quality synthetic fluid helps prevent the shudder or harsh shifting that can develop in high-mileage vehicles. For those equipped with the all-wheel-drive system, the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) requires specific lubrication. The PTU capacity is 1.5 pints, and it is critical to use an SAE 75W-140 synthetic lubricant to manage the high heat generated by the transfer case clutch pack. Failure to lubricate the PTU correctly can lead to premature failure, a known issue in Ford AWD vehicles of this era.
The rear differential, designed for all-wheel-drive applications, utilizes an SAE 80W-90 AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube meeting Ford specifications. With a capacity of 2.1 pints, this unit benefits from the anti-wear properties and thermal stability of AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR lubricants. Synthetic gear lubes control thermal runaway, a condition where SEVERE GEAR degrades rapidly under high load and heat, leading to metal-to-metal contact and catastrophic wear. Additionally, the braking system on the Explorer relies on DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications. AMSOIL’s 100% synthetic AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid offers a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent pedal feel and optimal ABS performance, which is vital for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Why Synthetic Fluids Are Essential for the 2018 Explorer 2.3L
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine is known for its high performance, but it also pushes the limits of standard maintenance intervals. Modern engines are tighter in their tolerances and operate at higher temperatures than their predecessors. Using a premium synthetic motor oil like AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 ensures that the oil remains fluid enough to reach critical components quickly during cold starts while maintaining a protective film at operating temperatures. The 5W-30 viscosity is crucial for the turbocharger, which requires a steady supply of oil to cool its shafts. Without proper lubrication, the turbo can suffer from bearing failure or shaft wobble, leading to expensive repairs.
Beyond the engine, the 2.3L EcoBoost is susceptible to carbon buildup on the intake valves, a common issue with direct injection gasoline engines. The use of AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver fuel additive can help mitigate this by cleaning injectors and preventing carbon deposits from forming, thereby restoring horsepower and improving fuel economy. Regular maintenance with high-quality fluids extends the life of the vehicle, reduces the likelihood of costly repairs, and ensures that the Explorer remains a reliable and capable vehicle for years to come. Whether you are driving in extreme cold where the oil must flow quickly or towing a heavy load on a hot summer day, the right AMSOIL product provides the necessary protection.
About the 2018 Ford Explorer
The 2018 Ford Explorer represents a significant chapter in the history of American SUVs. First introduced in the mid-1990s, the Explorer revolutionized the segment by bringing unibody construction and car-like handling to the family SUV. By the 2018 model year, the vehicle had evolved into a sophisticated crossover known for its versatility and rugged capability. This particular generation, which includes the 2018 model, is widely appreciated for its spacious interior, available third-row seating, and the robust engineering that underpins its chassis. The 2018 year was notable for continuing the production of the fourth generation, which had been refreshed in 2016 to modernize the interior and update technology.
Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer typically value its balance between on-road comfort and off-road readiness. With available 4WD systems, it serves as a capable tool for families who enjoy outdoor activities, from camping trips to light trail driving. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine option, in particular, offers a sweet spot for many buyers, providing ample torque for passing and towing without the fuel consumption associated with larger V6 or V8 powerplants. This efficiency has made the EcoBoost variant a favorite for urban commuters who occasionally venture onto unpaved roads. The platform, built on the same architecture as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, suggests a foundation of durability and safety that has earned it a reputation for reliability and performance.
Despite its robust design, the 2018 Ford Explorer does face some common challenges that owners should be aware of. One of the most frequent issues involves the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in the all-wheel-drive models. The PTU is prone to overheating due to its sealed nature and lack of an oil cooler in some configurations. This can lead to fluid degradation and eventual failure of the unit, which connects the front and rear axles. Using a high-temperature synthetic AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube can significantly mitigate the risk of thermal breakdown, extending the life of this critical component. Another common concern is carbon buildup on the intake valves and the turbocharger housing, a result of the direct injection technology. This buildup can reduce engine efficiency and cause rough idling. Regular use of a high-quality fuel injector cleaner like AMSOIL P.i. can help manage carbon accumulation and keep the engine running smoothly.
Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the engine oil consumption in the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, particularly in earlier production runs of this generation. This can be attributed to piston ring design that occasionally allows oil to enter the combustion chamber. While AMSOIL synthetic oils are designed to reduce oil consumption and control viscosity better than conventional oils, being vigilant about oil levels and using a high-quality synthetic like the 5W-30 formulations discussed is a proactive step. Finally, while the Explorer is a sturdy vehicle, suspension components like control arm bushings can wear out over time, leading to noise or a vague steering feel. Ensuring that all fluids are at their peak performance can help reduce the load on suspension components and improve the overall ride quality. For a vehicle that demands both performance and reliability, choosing the right lubricants is not just about maintenance; it is about maximizing the potential of the engineering that went into the 2018 Ford Explorer.