Newbie here,where is the drain plug located on the vehicle and what are your feeling of using a full synthetic product like Mobil 1 5W-30 instead of the Ford's recommendation of 5W-20 I live in central Florida and summer temps are hot in the summer!

 

No one on this forum can tell me where the oil drain plug is located on my 2013 Explorer Limited 3.5 L .?

 

I can't help wondering how you plan to possibly change the oil if you have no idea that a drain plug is almost always located at the bottom of the pan. There should be no other drain plugs directly under the engine. The plug is generally facing the driver's side of the pan.

In regard to the type oil to consider, the manufacturer states in the owner's manual the recommended oil to use and in order to keep the warranty in effect it would be best to use what they recommend. If you desire to use a different grade etc., it would be best to check with your dealer service dept. There are reasons certain oils are used initially in new engines and after some miles a change could be made ,but it would be wise to confirm the change with the dealer .

 

I would use the 5w-20 nothing else.

 

Thanks for your replies . There is a cover over the plug you must remove in order to see the drain plug after I removed it I was able to see the plug and change my oil. I'm using Mobil 1 full Synthetic 5W-20 .Being front wheel drive I didn't want to drain the transmission fluid by mistake . Thanks

 

I can now understand your situation, however, There are reasons why some manufacturers use regular motor oil for the initial period of vehicle use and that is to allow the piston rings to seat and make a better seal. Sometimes full synthetic lubricates so well it doesn't allow for this to take place as well as it should. Been there done that.
Also modern engines may not require this, but that is why I suggested you confirm the change with your service dept. Let's hope everything goes well.
Have a nice Holiday.

 

Yes I wouldn't use anything but conventional oil for the first 15k miles to properly seat the rings. Full synthetic is so good they glide over each other and never really seat. Only exception to this is certain cars like the corvette etc that are factory fill mobil 1 Full Synthetic.

 

Food for thought will certainly consider your recommendations ! Happy Holidays to all! Bill