2018 Ford Explorer Technical Service Bulletins

191 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2018 Ford Explorer. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10162087Jun 24, 2019Electrical system. Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM,Section 415-00 and update the APIM software.
• 10162086Jun 20, 2019Equipment, Forward collision avoidance. Some 2015-2017 F-150/Mustang, 2015-2018 Edge/MKC, 2016-2018 MKX, 2013-2018 Explorer/Taurus/Flex/MKT, and 2017-2018 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles built on or before 19-Oct-2017 may exhibit an inoperative adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and/or collision avoidance system with a Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Collision Warning Not Available, and/or Adaptive Cruise Fault message present in the…
• 10162063Jun 5, 2019Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2018-2019 Explorer/Flex/Taurus/MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), powertrain malfunction (wrench) lamp, Service AdvanceTrac message, Hill Start Assist Not Available message, and/or lack of power with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0107, P0108 and/or P0109 present. This may be due to a faulty manifold absolute pressure and temperature…
• 10160943May 23, 2019Engine cooling, Engine. Some 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a squeal noise from the accessory drive belt, illuminated charging system indicator, and/or damaged alternator pulley. Accessory drive belt DA8Z-8620-G has been released to eliminate this noise and alternator pulley damage. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-05 for the removal and installation procedure.
• 10160931May 10, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
• 10160880May 6, 2019Equipment. Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S.
• 10160876May 1, 2019Seats. Some 2015-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a loose cushion cover corner and/or exposed foam on the 2nd row left 60 percent seat. The left 2nd row 60 percent seat cushion cover is a different design from the right 2nd row 40 percent cushion cover and the two are not comparable. The right seat trim wraps under the seat and is closed off while the left side is not closed off and may appear loose. This is normal…
• 10159494Apr 26, 2019Engine. SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts.
• 10159489Apr 26, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S.
• 10159507Apr 11, 2019Electrical system, Fuel system. SSM 47926 - 2018-2019 F-150/Expedition/Navigator/Transit/Explorer - Illuminated MalfunctionIndicator Lamp (MIL) With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P025A Some 2018-2019 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harnessto the fuel pump driver…
• 10159505Apr 5, 2019Body and structure. SSM 47914 - 2016-2019 Explorer roof rack cap trim clips now available. 2016-2019 Explorer roof rack cap clips are now available as a separate part. It is no longer necessary to order a complete roof rack rail to obtain the cap retainer clips. To correct loose roof rack caps or broken or missing clips, order part number FB5Z-7851050-A.
• 10156602Mar 27, 2019Electrical system. Some 2017-2019 F-Super Duty, 2017-2019 Continental, and 2016-2018 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a crank/no start condition, inoperative trailer tow lighting and/or inoperative power telescoping mirrors. This may be due to a concern within the battery junction box (BJB) relay module. A lower level service part has been released to allow for replacement of just the BJB relay module instead…
• 10156598Mar 19, 2019Electrical system. Various 2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and the latest software version 3.2 may exhibit an error message when attempting to update the software to version 3.3. Professional Technician Society (PTS) website may show that software version 3.3 is available for 2019 SYNC 3 vehicles. Do not carry out this update as it may lead to a hardware error message. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates.
• 10156887Feb 22, 2019Electrical system. Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error 232: Key Table Not Allocated. If this error message is encountered, the Body Control Module (BCM) is internally faulted and requires replacement.
• 10155575Feb 22, 2019Electrical system. Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error 232: Key Table Not Allocated. If this error message is encountered, the Body Control Module (BCM) is internally faulted and requires replacement.
• 10156885Feb 21, 2019Electrical system. Some 2018-2019 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 accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programing remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for…
• 10155573Feb 21, 2019Electrical system. Some 2018-2019 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 accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programing remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for…
• 10156883Feb 19, 2019Seats, Electrical system. Some 2016-2019 Explorer, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019 Edge/Nautilus, 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ, and 2018-2019 F-150/Mustang/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with climate controlled seats may exhibit a buzzing noise from the front seats, front seats too warm, and/or inoperative climate controlled front seats. DTCs B14BA:13, B1154:4B, and/or B14B9:13 may also be present. This may be due to loose terminal pin fit on the…
• 10155571Feb 19, 2019Seats. Some 2016-2019 Explorer, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019 Edge/Nautilus, 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ, and 2018-2019 F-150/Mustang/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with climate controlled seats may exhibit a buzzing noise from the front seats, front seats too warm, and/or inoperative climate controlled front seats. DTCs B14BA:13, B1154:4B, and/or B14B9:13 may also be present. This may be due to loose terminal pin fit on the…
• 10156856Feb 18, 2019Equipment. Some 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a detached center console rear cup holder and/or the cover panel detached from the rear cup holder. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10155444Feb 18, 2019Equipment. Some 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a detached center console rear cup holder and/or the cover panel detached from the rear cup holder. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10156877Feb 7, 2019Electrical system, Engine cooling, Equipment. Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control.
• 10156863Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
• 10155565Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control.
• 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
• 10156860Feb 5, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. Some all-wheel drive (AWD) 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost/Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost/MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost, 2017-18 MKZ vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 MKC vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost/Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost/Explorer vehicles…
• 10155548Feb 5, 2019Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Some all-wheel drive (AWD) 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost/Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost/MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost, 2017-18 MKZ vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 MKC vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost/Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost/Explorer vehicles…
• 10153970Jan 17, 2019Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2018-2019 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 accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programing remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for…
• 10153969Jan 17, 2019Equipment. Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursable through the Ford Motor Company warranty system. Please see the Warranty and Policy Manual for further information on Ford Licensed Accessories.
• 10153923Jan 9, 2019Seats. Some 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a heated lower front seat cushion that does not operate properly after turning the ignition on after a remote start event. To temporarily resolve the concern, the heated seat control switch may be cycled off and then back on. Do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating. To assist with the investigation, use the Report a Vehicle Concern link at…
• 10153921Jan 7, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2018-2019 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 accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes prior to programing. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle and…
• 10153929Dec 17, 2018Equipment. Some 2018-2019 Explorer vehicles built on or before 13-Nov-2018 equipped with a 4G telematics control unit (TCU) modem may exhibit an Acquiring Signal message with a loss of satellite radio reception while driving in unobstructed areas. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10153948Dec 14, 2018Electrical system. Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and a 6, 8 or 10 inch screen may show a pop-up message every key cycle that states 'SYNC can check for updates when connected to a WiFi network'. To remove the inconvenience of the pop-up the customer can either connect to a trusted WiFi network to complete the setup process or turn off WiFi in the WiFi settings located under the Settings menu. Adjusting…
• 10153931Dec 4, 2018Seats, Equipment. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2019 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 Edge/F150/MKC/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017 Super Duty, 2018-2019 EcoSport/Expedition, and 2019 Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or clunk/thump noise on turns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10152473Nov 14, 2018Engine cooling. For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the…
• 10152466Nov 1, 2018Steering. 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert…
• 10152465Nov 1, 2018Seats, Latches, locks and linkages. Some 2016-2019 Explorers equipped with the power folding 3rd row seat may experience a seat that will not latch/unlatch from folded or normal positions. This may be due to misalignment between the seat latch and the anchor bracket or misalignment between the load floor support and the load floor panel. If the seats attempt to move and stop, attempt to neutralize the anchor brackets and load floor support brackets…
• 10152464Nov 1, 2018Electrical system. 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…
• 10148722Oct 5, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles built on or before 07-Aug-2018 may automatically switch from A/C to heat and defrost after 1 minute during a remote start event when the customer expects the A/C to remain on. To resolve the concern, reprogram the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
• 10148743Oct 4, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. Certain 2018 Model Year Explorer And Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Key Off Load Battery Drain Certain 2018 Model Year MKZ Hybrid Vehicles Equipped with the Magnetic Appearance Package - Accelerator Pedal and Brake Pedal Cover Replacement
• 10149778Sep 27, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
• 10149777Sep 27, 2018Electrical system. Some 2017-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 110V power outlet may exhibit a high pitched buzzing or ringing noise from the right side front interior area while the engine is running. If replacing the DC/AC inverter does not resolve the concern, replace the fuel pump control module with part number FU5Z-9D370-B. Inspect the new replacement module and ensure the engineering part number suffix shows "LA" before…
• 10149770Sep 21, 2018Electrical system. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software. In prior versions of SYNC 3 software this menu was present, however in version 3.0 software the Android Auto Preference menu will only show up once an Android Phone has been initially connected to SYNC.
• 10149768Sep 20, 2018Equipment. Some 2018 Explorer, Expedition, F150 excluding Raptor fleet vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) may exhibit incomplete Ford Telematics service subscription activation, inability to remotely interface with a vehicle, and/or not receiving fleet alerts. Reprogram the TCU using the appropriate Ford scan tool at the latest software level. Fleet vehicle and TCU type can be identified in the Vehicle…
• 10149766Sep 19, 2018Equipment. Some 2016-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may have an illuminated MIL with ambient air temperature (AAT) sensor DTC P0073. During the installation of certain police accessories by non-Ford vehicle upfitters, wiring connector C134 may have been left disconnected following the removal and installation of the front bumper cover. If this issue is noted, first check C134 before beginning other diagnostic steps.
• 10149782Sep 13, 2018Electrical system. Certain 2018 Model Year Explorer And Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Key Off Load Battery Drain
• 10149757Sep 11, 2018Electrical system. Some 2018 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with Police, Base 100A, or XLT 200A package trim levels (Type 1 analog cluster in the Owner's Manual) built on 08-May-2018 and through 05-Aug-2018 may exhibit a parasitic battery drain of approximately 250 milliamps with the instrument panel cluster (IPC) possibly staying awake with the key off. This may result in a no crank/no start/discharged battery…
• 10144949Aug 30, 2018Equipment. Some 2018 Explorer and Escape vehicles equipped with a 4G TCU modem may exhibit an Acquiring Signal message with a loss of satellite radio reception while driving in unobstructed areas. If normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnosis and testing does not indicate a fault and no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates.
• 10144948Aug 29, 2018Equipment. Some 2018 F-Superduty/F-150/Explorer/Taurus/Flex/MKT/Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on 8-Mar-2018 and through 18-Jun-2018 may exhibit a soft brake pedal and/or long brake pedal travel. Bleed the brake system per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-00. For claiming, use causal part 2552 and applicable labor operations in Section 02 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
• 10144947Aug 24, 2018Steering. 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…

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