WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

Service bulletins for the 2015 Ford Explorer

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.

132 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

By topic

Only bulletins with component: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 543662025-11-19. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
SSM 523142024-03-20. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
SSM 508612022-06-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0715,P0717,P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch cylinder/tone wheel (7F283) inadvertently forcing the snap ring out of position resulting in damage to the direct clutch hub (7G384). Service part (7J250) complete rotating 3-5-R clutch module is now available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. For claiming, use causal part 7F283 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) manual.
TSB1600012021-12-20. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; ENGINE; EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN; AIR BAGS; STRUCTURE. 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C
LTR37562021-12-20. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; AIR BAGS; ENGINE; STRUCTURE; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016
TSB1501562021-12-20. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2.0 GTDI/2.3L - Front wheel drive - Bibration and/or grinding/banging/clicking noise
SSM 498212021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 484232020-01-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 479932019-06-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2015-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Taurus Police/Explorer/Explorer Police vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2016 and equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine, all wheel drive (AWD) and a power transfer unit (PTU) may exhibit a PTU venting, an odor originating from the PTU, or noise originating from the PTU. These vehicles may be a candidate for rebuild using PTU Idler Gear/Shaft/Bearing Kit (GB5Z-7P258-A). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07.
SSM 479762019-06-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
SSM 475472018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility vehicles may exhibit a reduced top speed after a transmission fluid service with unapproved fluid. The use of unapproved fluid or improper transmission fluid level can lead to reduced vehicle performance and transmission damage that is not covered under warranty. Use only Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid, XT-10-QLVC (US), CXT-10-LV12 (Canada). Use only the Transmission Fluid Exchanger process when performing service intervals. Check and adjust transmission fluid level only at normal operating temperatures of 82?C-93?C (180?F-200?F). The fluid adjustment procedure requires using the appropriate Ford scan tool or equivalent to verify fluid temperature. For optimum performance at high speeds, adjust fluid level to the top of the "MIN" mark on the dipstick.
SSM 475002018-09-24. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2017 Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines may exhibit a surge or hesitation condition at approximately 50-60 MPH in 6th gear under light to moderate loads. If there are no DTCs stored in the powertrain control module (PCM), do not attempt further repairs. Advise customers this is a normal characteristic of the vehicle and will not affect durability of the engine or transmission.
SSM 469002018-01-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure. This procedure will transfer the existing Key ID information between the modules without the need of having 2 programmed PATS keys present. There is no need to program keys when the PCM is going to be replaced. Additional information can be found in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Missing or lost keys are not warrantable.
SSM 460692017-08-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission Built On 11/2/2015 And Through 2/1/2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear and/or DTCs P0715, P0717, P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch snap ring out of position and/or damage to the direct clutch hub. The cause of the failure is the Tone Wheel surface putting uneven load on the snap ring. To repair this condition the Tone Wheel (7F283) must be replaced,(also referred to as Direct Clutch Cylinder/Tone wheel) in addition to the Tone Wheel, replace Direct Clutch Hub (7G384), Direct Clutch Return Spring (7F235), Direct Clutch Snap Ring (7C122), TSS Sensor (7M101), Seal Kit (7153) and filter in the kit. Disassemble, clean the transmission and main control to remove metal particles. Refer to WSM, Section 307-01. Use causal part 7F283 and applicable Labor ops from SLTS section 7.
SSM 464122017-03-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE. SOME 2007-2016 EDGE/MKX/FLEX/MKT/MKZ/MKS/TAURUS/TAURUS POLICE/EXPLORER/EXPLORER POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 30-JUN-2016 MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE AREA. TO IDENTIFY THIS NOISE, REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 100-04, AND FOLLOW THE SYMPTOM CHART. IF THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE IS IDENTIFIED AS THE PTU AND/OR INTERNAL TO THE PTU, DISASSEMBLE PTU ASSEMBLY. REFER TO UPDATED WSM, SECTION 308-07. IF THE PTU IS DETERMINED TO BE REPAIRABLE, UTILIZE KIT GB5Z-7P258-A AND THE INCLUDED INSTRUCTION SHEET. FOR CLAIMING, USE CAUSAL PART 7P258 AND APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS IN SECTION 07 OF THE SERVICE LABOR TIME STANDARDS (SLTS) MANUAL.
SSM 463552017-03-17. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SHIFT PATTERN INDICATOR. MULTIPLE 2014-2016 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6F35 TRANSMISSION AND BUILT ON 1-JAN-2014 AND THROUGH 31-DEC-2015 MAY EXHIBIT HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT AND HARSH/DELAYED 3RD AND 5TH GEAR UP/DOWN SHIFTS WITH NO DTCS PRESENT. THIS MAY BE DUE TO A MECHANICALLY BINDING SHIFT SOLENOID B (SSB). VERIFY HARSH REVERSE AND 3RD AND 5TH GEAR SHIFT EVENTS ARE PRESENT. USING IDS, IDENTIFY THE BAND NUMBER OF SSB FOR USE WHEN ORDERING PARTS. REMOVE THE MAIN CONTROL. DISASSEMBLE AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE VALVE BODY AND SOLENOID BODY TO REMOVE ANY CONTAMINANTS. REPLACE SSB, REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) SECTION 307-01. USING IDS, CLEAR TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE TABLES. FOR CLAIMING, USE CAUSAL PART 7G383 AND APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS IN SECTION 7 OF THE SERVICE LABOR TIME STANDARDS (SLTS) MANUAL.
SSM 459262017-02-11. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2013-2017 FUSION/ESCAPE/MKZ (EXCLUDING 3.7L), 2015-2016 EDGE/EXPLORER (EXCLUDING 3.5L/3.7L), 2015-2016 MKC, AND 2016 MKX VEHICLES (EXCLUDING 3.7L) EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) MAY EXHIBIT A LEAKING PASSENGER SIDE POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) HALFSHAFT/LINKSHAFT SEAL. THIS MAY BE DUE TO A WORN PTU BUSHING. THE PTU BUSHING CAN NOW BE REPAIRED WITHOUT PTU REPLACEMENT. THE ONLINE WSM IS BEING UPDATED FOR ALL LISTED VEHICLES.REFER TO THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BUSHING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION IN WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 308-07. THE PROCEDURE IS THE SAME FOR ALL VEHICLES. IF THE PROCEDURE IS NOT PUBLISHED FOR THE VEHICLE BEING SERVICED CHECK THE WSM OF ANOTHER LISTED VEHICLE. BUSHING PART NUMBER IS F2GZ-63600A58A. THE PARTS CATALOG IS BEING UPDATED TO INCLUDE THIS BUSHING.
16-00472016-06-22. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. HARSH ENGAGEMENT DURING ELEVATED IDLE - AMBIENT TEMPERATURE BELOW -9 °C ISSUE Some 2013-2015 Explorer vehicles located in Russia and equipped with a 3.5L Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) engine, may exhibit a harsh engagement during elevated idle. The condition usually occurs while ambient temperature is below -9°C. ACTION Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) to the latest calibration using IDS release 99.04 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com.
ASI-452392015-10-22. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FORD: SOME VEHICLES TRANSMISSION WILL EXPERIENCE, AFTER A COLD SOAK OR AN EXTENDED PERIOD WITH ENGINE OFF, A 2-3 SHIFT HESITATION DUE TO POSSIBLE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT DRAIN. MODEL 2013-16 VARIOUS VEHICLES. *PE
SB452772015-10-21. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FORD: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM CONVERTER HOUSING AREA ON POLICE UTILITY EQUIPPED WITH 6F50/6F55 TRANSMISSION *CN

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.