FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Ford/Explorer/Sixth Generation (2020-present)/What should I do if my 2021 Ford Explorer is leaking oil?

What should I do if my 2021 Ford Explorer is leaking oil?

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
4 min read
672 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and repair oil leaks in your 2021 Ford Explorer with detailed steps and required tools.

Component
engine
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Symptoms

  • •Visible Oil Puddles
  • •Oil Warning Light
  • •Burning Oil Smell
  • •Engine Noise
  • •Oil Consumption

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Visual Inspection
  2. 2Check Oil Level
  3. 3Pressure Test

Solution

Oil Leak Diagnosis and Repair for 2021 Ford Explorer

If your 2021 Ford Explorer is leaking oil, it is essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the engine. Below are detailed steps to diagnose and repair the oil leak.

1. Visual Inspection

Tools Needed:

  • Flashlight
  • Clean rags

Procedure:

  • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and turn off the engine.
  • Allow the engine to cool down.
  • Use a flashlight to inspect the undercarriage, engine, and oil pan for oil stains or drips.
  • Check around the oil filter, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, and around the oil fill cap.

2. Check Oil Level

Tools Needed:

  • Clean dipstick

Procedure:

  • Remove the oil dipstick and wipe it clean.
  • Reinsert the dipstick fully and remove it again to check the oil level.
  • If the oil level is low, note the color and consistency of the oil.

3. Pressure Test

Tools Needed:

  • Oil pressure gauge
  • Oil pressure test port adapter

Procedure:

  • Locate the oil pressure test port (usually near the oil filter).
  • Attach the oil pressure gauge.
  • Start the engine and observe the oil pressure readings.
  • A low reading may indicate an internal leak.

Repair Instructions

1. Tighten or Replace Oil Filter

Tools Needed:

  • Oil filter wrench
  • Torque wrench

Procedure:

  • If the oil filter is loose, tighten it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • If the filter is damaged or leaking, replace it:
    • Drain the oil using an oil pan.
    • Remove the old oil filter using the oil filter wrench.
    • Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new filter with a bit of fresh oil.
    • Install the new filter and tighten it by hand, then use the torque wrench if specified.

2. Replace Gaskets

Tools Needed:

  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Scraper
  • RTV sealant (if specified)

Procedure:

  • Valve Cover Gasket:

    • Remove any components obstructing access (e.g., ignition coils).
    • Unbolt the valve cover and remove it.
    • Scrape off the old gasket material from both the valve cover and cylinder head.
    • Apply a new gasket and reassemble, torquing bolts to specifications.
  • Oil Pan Gasket:

    • Drain the oil completely.
    • Remove the oil pan bolts and carefully separate the oil pan from the engine.
    • Clean both surfaces thoroughly.
    • Apply a new gasket or RTV sealant as specified and reassemble, ensuring proper torque.

3. Inspect Oil Lines and Seals

Tools Needed:

  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Clean rags

Procedure:

  • Inspect any visible oil lines and seals for cracks or leaks.
  • If any seals are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
  • This can include the front and rear main seals, which may require removing the engine or transmission.

4. Final Checks

Tools Needed:

  • Clean rags
  • Oil

Procedure:

  • After repairs, clean any spilled oil and ensure no residual oil is present under the vehicle.
  • Refill the engine with the appropriate type and amount of oil.
  • Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes while checking for leaks.
  • Recheck oil levels and top off if necessary.

Conclusion

If the oil leak persists after performing these checks and repairs, or if you are uncomfortable with any of the procedures, it's advisable to consult a professional technician or take the vehicle to a certified Ford dealership. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent future issues and ensure optimal performance of your Ford Explorer.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Flashlight
  • Clean rags
  • Clean dipstick
  • Oil pressure gauge
  • Oil pressure test port adapter
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Torque wrench
  • Socket set
  • Scraper
  • RTV sealant

Additional Information

Component

engine

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

10 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. What should I do if my 2020 Ford Explorer's windshield wipers are not working?

    Learn how to diagnose and repair windshield wiper issues on your 2020 Ford Explorer with this detailed guide.

    Component:windshield wipers
    Symptoms
    • •Windshield wipers do not move when activated
    • •Wipers move slowly or erratically
    • +{count} more
  2. Why does my 2020 Ford Explorer have a persistent service engine soon light?

    Learn how to diagnose and resolve the Service Engine Soon light issue on your 2020 Ford Explorer with step-by-step instructions and required tools.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Service Engine Soon light is illuminated on the dashboard.
    • •The vehicle may exhibit rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, or a loss of power.
    • +{count} more
  3. What are the typical problems with the Ford Explorer Sixth Generation's fuel system?

    Explore common fuel system issues in the Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present), including symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:fuel system
    Symptoms
    • •Engine cranks but does not start
    • •Intermittent stalling
    • +{count} more
  4. How do I troubleshoot the Ford Explorer 2021's automatic transmission problems?

    Learn how to troubleshoot automatic transmission problems in a 2021 Ford Explorer with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and required tools.

    Component:automatic transmission
    Symptoms
    • •Slipping Gears
    • •Delayed Engagement
    • +{count} more
  5. What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing in the Ford Explorer Sixth Generation?

    Learn about the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing in the Ford Explorer Sixth Generation and how to diagnose and repair the issue.

    Component:wheel bearing
    Symptoms
    • •Unusual Noise
    • •Vibration
    • +{count} more
  6. What are the common electrical issues affecting the Ford Explorer 2021?

    Explore common electrical issues affecting the 2021 Ford Explorer, including symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:Electrical System
    Symptoms
    • •Vehicle fails to start
    • •Electrical components (lights, radio) dim or are non-functional
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation