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Service bulletins for the 2017 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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 471672018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at version 2.2 please update the module to the latest software level. After the software is updated make sure you shut the vehicle off, open the door for 2 minutes, then turn the key back on before testing the touch screen. If the software is at a later version than 2.2, proceed with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 471632018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Some 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with automatic temperature control and premium AM/FM/CD may exhibit a broken or missing temperature control switch. The driver and passenger switches are now available separately from the control head. Replacement of the control head assembly is not necessary. The switches are driver and passenger specific and must be installed in the correct location with the red heat indicator facing up. HB5Z-19986-AA - Drivers Side Switch, HB5Z-19986-BA - Passengers Side Switch
SSM 470702018-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start or no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. For Lincoln vehicles, this information is now listed in the Technical Inspection and Post Road Test Sections of ePDI on the PTS website. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from the DLC and disconnect the vehicle battery. Wait 10 minutes and reinstall with the ignition off. Clear any DTCs present and retest.
SSM 469472018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; BACK OVER PREVENTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle image is displayed. The vehicle image may intermittently display after shifting out of reverse or turning the vehicle off when in reverse. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available, refer to WSM Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
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 468882017-12-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 110V power inverter may exhibit a high pitched buzzing or ringing noise from the passenger side front interior area while the engine is running. To isolate the noise to the power inverter, remove fuse 56 from the battery junction box with the engine running. Make sure there is nothing plugged into the 110V outlet during the test. If the noise is no longer present with the fuse removed, the noise is isolated to the inverter and no other components should be replaced. Replacement of the inverter may not resolve the noise. Engineering is aware of the concern and is investigating. The noise does not affect the operation of the power inverter. Please submit a Global Concern Report and continue to monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 468582017-12-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2017 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit flickering front amber marker lamps (inboard amber lights under the headlamps) when the engine is running. Before attempting repairs, verify the frequency type using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or equivalent. The frequency type in police mode programmable parameters must be set to type 2. The engine must be running for the configuration to complete if this parameter is changed.
SSM 468342017-10-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 467192017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017 Explorer/Taurus/Police vehicles equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L twin independent variable camshaft timing (TiVCT) engine, built on 14-Jun-2017 and through 21-Jun-2017, may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0740 or P0743 stored in powertrain control module (PCM) memory. Prior to replacing any components, check pin 14 in connecter c168 for correct fitment, tension, push out, or any signs of damage. If terminal replacement is necessary, pigtail kit 8U2Z-14S411-ACB can be ordered to obtain the terminal with wire lead. If no concerns are found with C168, follow normal diagnostic routines for the fault codes. For claiming, use causal part 12a581 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 467022017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016-2017 Ford/Lincoln vehicles SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blank screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. During the update process the SYNC status bar shows Updating System Software for approximately 30 minutes. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or blank screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 460732017-08-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2017 Escape, MKC, Fiesta, F150, Expedition, Navigator, Mustang, Transit, Focus, C-Max, MKX, Taurus, MKS, Flex, MKT, and Edge and 2017 Explorer, Fusion, MKZ, Super Duty, Transit Connect and Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 might exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in Transport mode. Engineering is aware of this possibility and it is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transportation mode. It is beneficial to extended battery life to keep the vehicle in Transport Mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. If the vehicle should exhibit a blank screen or other SYNC symptoms after it has been taken out of Transport mode, refer to Workshop Manual, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
SSM 460582017-08-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and navigation may exhibit a condition in which the SiriusXM Traffic Listing is not loading but all remaining Travel Link features operate properly. SiriusXM Traffic is only available on vehicles equipped with navigation, only in select markets and requires an active subscription to SiriusXM Traffic information. If SiriusXM Traffic will not load attempt the following procedure. Turn the ignition off, open and close the drivers door, wait for 3 minutes, then drive the vehicle outside to obtain a clear view of the sky. SiriusXM Traffic should recover. If SiriusXM Traffic does not recover continue to monitor OASIS for future updates. Engineering is aware of this concern and no component replacement or any software re-flashes should be performed at this time. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
SSM 460482017-08-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may have DTCs U3000:04, B108E:12 and/or U1A00:87 present in the APIM. If these DTCs are present and no other symptoms are reported by the customer, then clear the DTCs and retest. If the DTC(s) do not return then no further repairs should be attempted. If one or more DTCs return as current faults and/or the customer reports other symptoms, then refer to Workshop Manual, Section 415-00 for further diagnostics. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
SSM 464862017-05-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. SOME 2016-2017 FORD OR LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 MAY EXHIBIT A BLANK SCREEN OR OTHER VARIOUS SYNC SYMPTOMS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN TRANSPORT MODE. THIS IS CONSIDERED NORMAL DUE TO THE POWER SAVING FEATURES ENABLED WHILE IN TRANSPORT MODE. IT IS BENEFICIAL FOR BATTERY LIFE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN TRANSPORT MODE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PREPPED FOR SALE. TO PREVENT A SYNC SYSTEM LOCKUP DURING TRANSPORT MODE DEACTIVATION, FOLLOW THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) PROCEDURE EXACTLY ALLOWING TIME FOR THE SYNC SYSTEM TO COMPLETE ITS TASKS SUCH AS FULLY BOOTING UP OR POWERING DOWN AND SHUTTING OFF BEFORE MOVING TO THE NEXT STEP OF THE PROCEDURE. IF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS A BLANK SCREEN OR SYNC SYMPTOMS AFTER TRANSPORT MODE DEACTIVATION, REFER TO WSM, SECTION 415-00 FOR NORMAL DIAGNOSIS. THE SYNC VERSION CAN BE CONFIRMED VIA OASIS.
SSM 460222017-02-23. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WHEN HOOKING UP THE VEHICLE COMMUNICATION MODULE (VCM) AND INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) TO THE DLC LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE GWM, MAKE SURE THAT THE IGNITION IS OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TO IDS. IF THE IGNITION IS ON OR THE ENGINE IS RUNNING DURING THE HOOK UP, IT CAN RESULT IN VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS), NO START OR NO CRANK CONDITIONS OR THE CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. FOR LINCOLN VEHICLES, THIS INFORMATION IS NOW LISTED IN THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND POST ROAD TEST SECTIONS OF EPDI ON THE PTS WEBSITE. IF A VEHICLE DISPLAYS THESE ISSUES, DISCONNECT THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE DLC AND REINSTALL WITH THE IGNITION OFF. CLEAR ANY DTCS PRESENT AND RETEST.
SSM 459682017-02-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SOME 2016 ESCAPE/MKC/FIESTA/F150/EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR/MUSTANG /TRANSIT/FOCUS/C-MAX/MKX/TAURUS/MKS/FLEX/MKT/EDGE AND 2017 ESCAPE/EXPLORER/MKC/FUSION AND MKZ VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 MIGHT EXHIBIT A BLANK SCREEN OR OTHER VARIOUS SYNC SYMPTOMS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN TRANSPORT MODE. ENGINEERING IS AWARE OF THIS POSSIBILITY AND IT IS CONSIDERED NORMAL DUE TO THE POWER SAVING FEATURES ENABLED WHILE IN TRANSPORTATION MODE. IT IS BENEFICIAL TO EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN TRANSPORT MODE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PREPPED FOR SALE. IF THE VEHICLE SHOULD EXHIBIT A BLANK SCREEN OR OTHER SYNC SYMPTOMS AFTER IT HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF TRANSPORT MODE, REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL, SECTION 415-00 FOR NORMAL DIAGNOSIS. THE SYNC VERSION CAN BE CONFIRMED VIA OASIS.
SSM 459142017-02-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SOME 2017 POLICE UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE 6/23/2016 AND EQUIPPED WITH THE DARK CAR OPTION MAY EXHIBIT THE DARK CAR FEATURE NOT ENABLING. TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, UPDATE THE AS-BUILT DATA IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM). MAKE SURE YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET WHEN PROGRAMMING AS BUILT DATA. DURING UPDATE PROCESS, WHEN PROMPTED BY IDS TO USE MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC DATA RETRIEVAL, SELECT AUTOMATIC TO OBTAIN THE LATEST CONFIGURATION. USE APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS IN SECTION 10 OF THE SLTS MANUAL AND CAUSAL PART 15604.

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