I bought a 2011 Explorer. It now has 5,000 miles. I can't seem to get a straight answer on when to change the oil.

Dealer #1 says "every 3,750 miles".
Dealer #2 says "every 5,000 miles".
Dealer #3 says "you can go 10,000 miles with synthetic oil, though the first change should be done at 5,000", but they won't use synthetic unless you request it. The dealers use synth-blend.

The manual says to do it based on the "oil life indicator" in the onboard computer - in other words, 10,000 miles. But if the computer isn't working right, then change every 5,000 miles.
The maintenance schedule/table in the owner's manual says do it every "1", "2", "3", ... what does that mean????

Does anyone actually know what to do?

Thank you,
AABob

 

You may get a lot of answers on this question, so let me say what I state here is from some past experience, some better judgement and some strictly opinion.
Past experience always depended to a certain extent on driving habits like mostly city or mostly highway miles. Better judgement went with what the manufacturer recommended.
Opinion was usually based on both. I believe the reason the dealers use synthetic blend is because it is cheaper than straight synthetic. Most hi end vehicles today come with straight synthetic already in them. I believe that says something for using straight synthetic. Why not check out one of the forum sponsors, Amsoil , its an excellent product and they should be better able than I to answer some of your concerns.

 

From the manual:

As indicated by the message center (do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])

The 5000 mile interval is if the reminder is prematurely reset. As long as you only reset the maintenance reminder, it seems like 10,000 miles is the maximum. I would split the difference and go at 7500 miles or go by the indicator. My wife's vehicle is driven very little and we could easily go 2 years. We change ours every 6 months as moisture will condense in the crankcase and water is not good in there.

 

Thank you.