WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

Service bulletins for the 2020 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.

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

By type

By component

By trouble code

By topic

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

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 493782021-01-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer Base vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) and class III trailer tow package 52T may exhibit an illuminated BLIS indicator and/or inability to turn the BLIS system off. This may be due to the software in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). To correct the condition, perform a programmable module installation (PMI) on the IPC using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 10849 and applicable labor times from Section 10 in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 493772021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 01-Dec-2020 may exhibit inoperative air conditioning, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and/or an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with various diagnostic trouble codes present and a blown fuse F14. This may be due to wiring harness 14290 chaffing on the A/C compressor pulley. If chaffing is present, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005 for repair procedures. Make sure that the wiring harness retainer is fully seated in the back side of the bracket on the A/C compressor to keep the harness away from the compressor pulley.
TSB 20-24052020-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a rough idle with the air conditioning (A/C) on. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 493292020-12-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN; ENGINE. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. This may be due to a loose ground G210 and/or G214. Check grounds G210 and G214, refer to the Wiring Diagram for location information. If the concern persists, or the grounds are found to be secure, refer to the Workshop Manual and applicable sections of the Powertrain Controls/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for normal diagnostics.
TSB 20-23632020-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019 MKZ, 2019-2020 EcoSport/Mustang/Continental/Fusion/F-150/Transit Connect/Ranger/Edge/Nautilus and 2020 Escape/Corsair/Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/Navigator/F-Super Duty vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
TSB 20-23452020-11-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0C48, P0C49, P2B29, P0CFF, P0E1F, P0C4B, P0C4A, P2CF3, P0A06, P0A07, P2D01, P2D00, P2D03, P2D04, P0C73, and/or P2D02 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the battery energy control module (BECM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the BECM.
SSM 492842020-11-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with TCU and WiFi Hotspot, May display Vehicle Hotspot feature not enabled on this vehicle when attempting to enter the Hotspot menu. When using the FordPass/Lincoln Way application, the customer may receive a message saying Wi-Fi has been disabled from this vehicle. Check the vehicle specifications or vehicle build information for the mfal code. If mfal = WAFAC or WAFAB do not replace the TCU, engineering is currently investigating this condition. Inform customers Ford is developing a software fix that is expected in early January. In the interim, let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule a follow-up appointment with the customer for early January. Once the update becomes available, contact the customer and confirm the service appointment is going forward. Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 492832020-11-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) may exhibit incomplete user authorization, inoperative remote features and/or a message stating the system cannot access the Lincoln/FordPass Connect feature in the application due to being a fleet vehicle. Replacing the TCU will not resolve this condition. Engineering is currently investigating this condition. Inform customers Ford is developing a software fix that is expected in early January. In the interim, let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule a follow-up appointment with the customer for early January. Once the update becomes available, contact the customer and confirm the service appointment is going forward. Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 492182020-11-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:GEARS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0155, P166B, P0929, and/or P0919. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator lamp. This may be due to the software in the gear shift module (GSM). To correct the condition, reprogram the GSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 7P155 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 492452020-11-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 30-Sep-2020 may experience an intermittent or constant blank/black screen on the center infotainment display due the low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) cable at the SYNC accessory protocol interface module (APIM) not being fully seated. Verify that the connector is fully seated into the APIM prior to performing any other diagnostics or repairs on the vehicle for this concern. If the connection is found loose, re-seat the connection and retest.
SSM 492042020-10-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box (BJB). Service part LU5Z-14526-ALD has been released for the 3 post fuse array and LU5Z-14526-ANC has been released for the 4 post fuse array. It is no longer necessary to order the complete wiring harness to obtain these parts.
SSM 491632020-10-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. Some 2020 Escape and Explorer hybrid vehicles may experience discharge of the high voltage battery (HVB) with DTCs P0DE6 and P0A7D. This may be due to the vehicle not being operated for an extended length of time or from a crank/no-start condition. If the HVB is discharged, refer to the applicable GSB and Workshop Manual section to confirm if off-board charging is required. Note that the voltages in the GSB do not apply to 2020 Escape and Explorer. Using the appropriate Ford scan tool, monitor PID values: HVBAT_V on 2020 Escape (at least 90V, but less than 165V)and 2020 Explorer HVBAT_V (at least 114V, but less than 210V). For both vehicles, HEV_BAT_MIN_V should be greater than 1.45V, and HEV_BAT_VAR_V less than 2.5V. If the values are within limits and the HVB is suitable for a rescue charge, contact the Technical Assistance Center to request a high voltage charger.
SSM 491622020-10-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may display a distance to empty value in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that does not correctly represent the actual fuel level of the vehicle. This may be due to excessive idling and/or a learned value in the powertrain control module (PCM) that is incorrect. To correct the condition, perform the PCM - Reset the Keep Alive Memory (KAM) application in the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use Causal Part 12A650 and applicable labor times from Section 10 in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 20-23012020-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM. Some 2019 MKZ, 2019-2020 Mustang/Continental/Fusion/F-150/Transit Connect/ Ranger/Edge/Nautilus and 2020 Escape/Corsair/Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/ Navigator/F-Super Duty vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
TSB 20-23002020-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Police Interceptor vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec engine may exhibit a reduction in expected top vehicle speed and/or exhibit vehicle speed limited to 35 km/h (19 MPH) in REVERSE with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
TSB 20-22992020-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P062C or P179D stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and a possible lack of power. This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 490852020-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit incomplete user authorization, no authorization pop-up on the SYNC infotainment system, vehicle connectivity concerns, vehicle location disabled message and/or various FordPass/LincolnWay App command/control concerns. To correct these conditions, ensure that customer connectivity settings (CCS) are turned on in the SYNC system. If the concerns persist after CCS is turned on, turn CCS OFF, perform an ignition cycle, and turn CCS settings back on. After any CCS changes, force-close and relaunch the FordPass/ LincolnWay app on the customers phone. Once CCS is turned on, program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229.
SSM 490842020-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app , incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number (ESN) is now displayed. Start a new IDS/FDRS session. Program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual(WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 490662020-09-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may not be able to properly disable remote start through the SYNC interface. This may be due to the current level SYNC software installed. To correct this condition, program the SYNC module. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. If no update is available or the condition persists after programming, refer to WSM, Section 303-06 for further diagnosis. The remote start can be disabled in one of three methods: (1) leaving the hood open, (2) de-activation through the SYNC System Customer Preferences (refer to SYNC settings in the Owner's Manual), or (3) disconnecting the 12 Volt Battery. Refer to WSM, Section 100-00 for further information on remote start disabling.
SSM 491282020-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with SYNC built on or before 30-Aug-2019 may exhibit a discharged battery/no crank condition. This may be caused by the software in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), body control module (BCM) and/or the telematics control unit (TCU) module. To correct the condition, reprogram the APIM, BCM, and the TCU using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive should not be used to correct this condition. If the battery drain concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual(WSM), Section 414-01 > General Procedures.
TSB 20-22592020-09-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019 MKZ, 2019-2020 Mustang/Continental/Fusion/F-150/Transit Connect/ Ranger/Edge/Nautilus and 2020 Escape/Corsair/Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/ Navigator/F-Super Duty vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure
TSB 20-22522020-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost/3.3L Duratec engine and a rotary gear shift knob built on or before 14-Jul-2020 may exhibit slow fuel fill, premature fuel nozzle shut off, and/or spit back during refueling with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 490422020-08-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 15Jul-2020 may exhibit a perceived soft/low brake pedal at initial vehicle start up with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0047:64 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated ABS, Advance Trac, and/or red brake warning lamp, and possible Advance Trac Fault message displayed. This may be due to the software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 2005 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 490322020-08-04. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020 Corsair/Explorer/Super Duty vehicles built on or before 27-May-2020 and not equipped with a 360-camera system may exhibit various rear parking aid camera concerns such as poor image quality, flickering and/or completely inoperative. If a vehicle exhibits any of these conditions, replace the rear parking aid camera. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 413-13. For claiming, use causal part 19G490 and any applicable labor operations in Section 11 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual
SSM 490152020-08-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 17-Feb-2020 may exhibit an intermittent partial opening of the power liftgate and/or false activation of the anti-theft alarm with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B144D, B144E, B1555 and/or B1556 stored in the rear gate trunk module (RGTM). This may be due to the software in the RGTM improperly sensing that the liftgate is ajar. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.

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