# Service bulletin SSM 54039

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

- Type: Service bulletin
- NHTSA id: 11020704
- Published by NHTSA: 2025\-07\-15
- Manufacturer's number: SSM 54039
- Manufacturer's date: 2025\-07\-11
- NHTSA component: ENGINE

## NHTSA's summary

Some 2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger oil return tube due to various concerns. Workshop Manual, Section 303\-04 has been updated with improved turbocharger oil return tube removal and installation service procedure steps.

## The document

- [NHTSA's copy of the document (PDF)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2025/MC-11020704-0001.pdf)
- [If that address does not open, try this one](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2025/MC-11020704-9999.pdf)

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it.

## Components

Engine

## Vehicles listed

- 2025 FORD EXPLORER

## Recalls for the same vehicles and component

- [2026258](/recalls/tc/2026258.md), 2026-05-27: Engine
- [26V343000](/recalls/nhtsa/26V343000.md), 2026-05-27: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- [2026094](/recalls/tc/2026094.md), 2026-03-03: Engine
- [26V122000](/recalls/nhtsa/26V122000.md), 2026-03-03: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE \(EGR VALVE\)
- [25V344000](/recalls/nhtsa/25V344000.md), 2025-06-13: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

## Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component

- [SSM 55228](/bulletins/11038440.md), 2026-10-12, Service bulletin: ENGINE; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020\-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F\-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L \(non\-diesel\) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 303\-01 Engine \> Removal and Installation \> Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool \(ESST\) guide pin alignment tool \(303\-1790\) that is used to align the engine front cover to the engine block, preventing the O\-ring seal on the engine oil galley feed tube from getting damaged during installation.
- [TSB 26\-2349](/bulletins/11035508.md), 2026-08-03, Service bulletin: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; ENGINE; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. This bulletin supersedes 25\-2415. Reason for update: To add production build dates of the right\-side engine valve cover. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit oil consumption and blue smoke from the tailpipe. This may be due to the sealing process of the positive crankcase ventilation \(PCV\) baffle which is part of the valve cover assembly.
- [TSB 26\-2269](/bulletins/11034968.md), 2026-07-13, Service bulletin: ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp \(MIL\) with diagnostic trouble codes \(DTCs\) P0300 and/or P0316 stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\) \(with no other relevant DTCs present\) during a cold start after a 3 to 8 hours cold soak. This may be due to the machining surface of the intake ports in the cylinder head.
- [TSB 26\-2210](/bulletins/11033573.md), 2026-06-05, Service bulletin: POWER TRAIN; ENGINE. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: \* Engine misfire condition \* Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp \(MIL\) with diagnostic trouble codes \(DTC\) P0301, P0302, P0303, and/or P0304 stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\)
- [SSM 54795](/bulletins/11032565.md), 2026-05-08, Service bulletin: ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2021\-2023 F\-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020\-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction \(wrench\) indicator with diagnostic trouble code \(DTC\) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric\-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator \(BISG\). For vehicles with this condition, follow Pinpoint Test I: Battery Isolation/Voltage Stabilization Control Circuit Carry Outance located in the Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 303\-06D and repair the vehicle as necessary. Note that the BISG is on backorder status at the time of this publication and Ford is working to make parts available. Engineering is investigating this concern. Monitor PTS for updates.
- [SSM 54774](/bulletins/11031637.md), 2026-04-28, Service bulletin: ENGINE. Some 2024\-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator \(MIL\) lamp with engine over\-temperature warning in the message center and poor air conditioning \(A/C\) performance from the engine cooling fan not running. Diagnostic trouble codes \(DTC\) B3A1B, P0113, P0217, and/or P0480 may be stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\). This may be due to poor engine compartment ground connections at G105, G107, G111 and/or G122. Refer to the Wiring Diagram \(WD\) \> Grounds Cell 010 \> Pages 2, 3, 7 and 8. Prior to any Workshop Manual \(WSM\) diagnostics, verify all listed grounds are tightened to 62 lb\-in \(7 Nm\) to resolve this condition. If symptoms or DTCs return after all grounds are tightened, follow normal WSM diagnostics.
- [SSM 54756](/bulletins/11031411.md), 2026-04-21, Service bulletin: ENGINE. 2021\-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require air conditioning \(A/C\) compressor belt removal for various reasons. The Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 303\-05A Accessory Drive \- 2.3L EcoBoost \> Removal and Installation \> Air Conditioning \(A/C\) Compressor Belt procedure has been revised to eliminate cutting the A/C compressor belt to remove it. Refer to the updated procedure to reuse the belt.
- [SSM 54593](/bulletins/11029082.md), 2026-02-27, Service bulletin: ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Some 2024\-2025 F\-150, Expedition/Navigator, Escape/Corsair, Bronco, Explorer, Mustang, Maverick vehicles equipped with a 1.5/2.0/2.3/3.5L EcoBoost engine and built on 01\-Oct\-2024 and through 31\-May\-2025 may exhibit an extended crank condition, strong fuel smell in the engine oil, high engine oil level and/or may have various drivability diagnostic trouble codes \(DTCs\) stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\) with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp \(MIL\). This may be due to an internal fuel leak of the high\-pressure fuel pump causing fuel to enter the crankcase and reduce fuel pressure in the direct injection fuel rail. Diagnose this condition using Pinpoint Test HP located in Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 303\-04. If no DTCs are stored in the PCM, proceed from Step HP1 to Step HP5 and continue testing. Repair as necessary outside of this article. For claiming, if high\-pressure fuel pump replacement is required, use causal part number 9D376 and labor operation code 9543A. If the root cause is identified as anything other than the fuel injection pump, claim the repair outside of this article.
- [25H03](/bulletins/11023856.md), 2025-10-03, Other: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE. Harvest Program 25H03 Certain 2024 \- 2025 Model Year Bronco, Bronco Sport, Corsair, Escape, Explorer, Maverick, Mustang, and Ranger Vehicles with 1.5L, 2.0L, or 2.3L Engine Spark Plug Replacemen
- [25H03](/bulletins/11022299.md), 2025-09-02, Other: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. Certain 2024 \- 2025 Model Year Bronco, Bronco Sport, Corsair, Escape, Explorer, Maverick, Mustang, and Ranger Vehicles with 1.5L, 2.0L, or 2.3L Engine Spark Plug Replacement

JSON: [/v1/bulletins/11020704](/v1/bulletins/11020704)

[Report an error on this page](https://github.com/wenmar-pro/wenmar-open/issues/new?template=data_correction.yml&title=Data%20correction%3A%20Service%20bulletin%20SSM%2054039&page=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.wenmarpro.com%2Fbulletins%2F11020704&vehicle=Service%20bulletin%20SSM%2054039)