Ensuring your 2009 Ford Explorer Sport TRAC operates with peak performance requires more than just a routine oil change; it demands the use of high-quality, vehicle-specific lubricants designed to withstand the demands of modern driving conditions. The 4.0L SOHC engine is a robust powerplant known for its durability, but like any internal combustion engine, it relies heavily on the quality of the fluids circulating through its vital components. Using the wrong viscosity or a synthetic blend that lacks sufficient protection can lead to accelerated wear, reduced fuel economy, and expensive repairs down the road. This guide details the exact specifications, capacities, and recommended AMSOIL products to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate protection for up to 25,000 miles, offering superior resistance to horsepower loss and extreme temperatures.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides extended change intervals with 37% more cleaning power to keep your engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An OEM-level performance oil that fights sludge and deposits, delivering reliable protection for standard maintenance schedules.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and boost cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99 percent filtration efficiency at 20 microns, offering greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures, ensuring smooth shifting and extended transmission life.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals and components for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for front differentials, this fluid controls thermal runaway and contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The recommended fluid for standard rear differentials, offering advanced protection against wear and operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
Engine Oil and Filtration
The heart of your Ford Explorer Sport TRAC is the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine. Proper lubrication is critical here, as the engine requires a specific viscosity to maintain oil pressure and protect internal components under the stress of off-road use, towing, or daily commuting. For this engine, AMSOIL recommends a 5W-30 viscosity grade, which provides optimal flow during cold starts while maintaining film strength at operating temperatures. The total capacity for an oil change, including the filter, is 5.0 quarts.
When selecting an oil, the choice often comes down to your driving habits and maintenance schedule. The AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 stands out for drivers who prioritize maximum protection. It is designed to deliver up to 25,000 miles of protection between changes, offering 75% more resistance against horsepower loss and wear compared to conventional oils. This is particularly beneficial if you frequently engage in severe driving conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, short trips, or hauling heavy loads.
For those seeking a balance between performance and extended intervals without the top-tier price point, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 offers up to 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection. This fluid features enhanced cleaning power to help remove deposits and keep the engine running smoothly over time. It is an excellent choice for drivers who want extended service intervals but drive under moderate conditions.
If your primary goal is to achieve a fluid change that matches or exceeds the factory specifications without the extended mileage intervals, the AMSOIL OE 5W-30 is a perfect option. It fights sludge and deposits effectively with a 100% synthetic formulation that meets OEM requirements. For vehicles that have accumulated significant mileage, specifically over 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 5W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil provides unique chemistry including boosted detergents and dispersants to help rejuvenate older engines and reduce sludge.
Filtration is just as important as the oil itself. A high-quality filter ensures that contaminants are removed from the oil before they can circulate through sensitive engine parts. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is designed to provide filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns. It offers greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants than competing filters and allows for lower restriction, keeping engine parts better lubricated. For those who prefer OEM-compatible options, the WIX Oil Filter and the premium WIX XP Oil Filter are also recommended, both offering premium media that improves upon standard OEM filters.
Transmission Fluids for Automatic Transmissions
The 2009 Explorer Sport TRAC comes equipped with different automatic transmission options depending on the specific configuration, including the 5-speed 5R55S and the 6-speed 6R80. Using the correct fluid is essential to ensure smooth shifting, prevent shudder, and protect the transmission from heat-related wear. The 5R55S transmission has a total fill capacity of 12.4 quarts, while the 6-speed 6R80 requires 12.2 quarts for a complete fill, with an initial fill of 3.5 quarts.
For the most demanding driving conditions, the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid is the top choice. It is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides reserve protection during heavy use, making it ideal for the 5R55S transmission often found in these trucks.
For drivers who prefer a fuel-efficient option that still delivers high performance, the AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is an excellent alternative. It offers similar protection against wear and thermal stress while promoting better fuel economy. Additionally, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle and AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient fluids provide robust protection against sludge and wear, ensuring smooth, shudder-free shifts that adhere to OEM specifications.
Cooling and Differential Lubrication
Maintaining the correct operating temperature is vital for the longevity of the 4.0L engine. The cooling system requires a capacity of 12.2 quarts. For this system, the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mixed 50/50 solution that offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, compatible with all other coolant colors, and designed to protect all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses.
For those who prefer concentrated antifreeze, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant can be mixed with distilled water. It provides protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars and light trucks and greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
Proper gear lubrication is crucial for the front and rear differentials. The front differential requires approximately 2.7 pints of fluid. For this application, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is highly recommended. It contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip differentials and helps control thermal runaway, extending the life of seals and equipment. The rear differential, whether standard or limited slip (Traction-Lok), requires a capacity of 3.6 pints. For these applications, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 provides advanced protection against wear and rust, ensuring reliable operation in any weather condition.
Other Vital Fluids and Maintenance
Beyond the engine and drivetrain, other fluids play a critical role in the safety and performance of your vehicle. The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport TRAC utilizes a DOT 3 brake fluid system. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is the recommended choice, providing excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent braking performance even under heavy use.
For vehicle owners concerned with fuel economy and engine cleanliness, the AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive is a powerful tool. It restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after just one tank of fuel. It also helps prevent carbon rap and pre-ignition knock, making it an ideal additive for maintaining peak engine performance.
Seasonal maintenance is equally important. If you store your vehicle for extended periods, the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup. For engine protection during storage, the AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is a highly effective rust preventive designed to protect internal components during long periods of inactivity.
About the Vehicle
The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport TRAC occupies a unique space in the automotive market. As a mid-size SUV built on a truck platform, it combines the rugged off-road capability of the F-150 with the comfort and utility of an SUV. The “Sport Trac” badge denotes a unique configuration that features a pickup truck bed integrated into the SUV body, offering a versatile solution for owners who need to haul gear in the back while carrying passengers in the front. This design makes it a favorite among enthusiasts who require a vehicle that can handle both weekend off-road adventures and daily commuting duties.
The 4.0L SOHC V6 engine powering the Sport TRAC is widely regarded as one of the most reliable engines Ford has ever produced. Known as the Cologne V6, this engine has a long history of durability and simplicity. It lacks complex variable valve timing systems found in newer engines, which contributes to its reputation for longevity and ease of maintenance. The 6-cylinder configuration provides a smooth power delivery that is more than sufficient for the vehicle’s weight, allowing for decent towing capacity and off-road performance when equipped with the appropriate drivetrain components. The front and rear locking differentials, available on certain trims, further enhance its capability in challenging terrain, making it a true dual-purpose machine that bridges the gap between a pure utility truck and a family hauler.