2020 Ford Explorer Technical Service Bulletins

366 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2020 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.

• 10198658Jun 28, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2015-2021 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) software. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
• 10198640Jun 14, 2021Equipment. Some 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the concern. Also turning on, then off, the privacy setting in the SYNC touchscreen can temporarily alleviate the concern. Engineering is currently investigating this…
• 10198634Jun 8, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly.
• 10198633Jun 8, 2021Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat from the passenger side of the vehicle when using the climate control. When diagnosing for insufficient, erratic or no heat from passenger side floor vents, first perform pinpoint test (PPT) K.
• 10194648May 27, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it…
• 10194523May 27, 2021Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Ford Motor Company has determined certain 2020 Model Year Ford F-150, F-Super Duty and Explorer vehicles with a Ford factory-installed backup camera fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111 - Rear Visibility. Contact your local Ford dealer to schedule a service date to perform the recall. Refer to the included communication from Ford for additional information. Altec is not able to…
• 10194428May 24, 2021Transmission and drivetrain, 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…
• 10194425May 24, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing Authorization, Command and Control, Battery Charging Details or Phone-as-a-Key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition is due to an error within the FordPass or LincolnWay App and not due to a concern on the vehicle. Verify that the customers FordPass or LincolnWay App is at the latest version.
• 10194419May 18, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control unit (TCU). These symptoms may persist even after performing a TCU software update and/or replacement. To correct this condition, start a new session with the…
• 10194433May 13, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
• 10194413May 12, 2021Electrical system, Other or unknown. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may not be able to perform remote commands via the FordPass/LincolnWay App due to an erroneous deep sleep message. If the vehicle has been driven within 14 days and the battery state of charge is above 9.5 volts when the deep sleep message set, this is an erroneous message. Starting and running the vehicle will clear the message and allow the remote commands to function again.
• 10191521Apr 28, 2021Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2018-2021 vehicles supported by FDRS may not list a software update for a module under the SW Updates tab although an SSM or TSB is published for a software update. This may be due to the module already being at the latest software level. A later software level may have been programmed at the assembly plant, during a previous dealer visit or by an over the air (OTA) update for vehicles that have automatic…
• 10191102Apr 26, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming from between the hybrid drive unit and transmission case joint. This condition may be due to residual transmission fluid trapped between the front module and…
• 10189869Mar 31, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704 and/or P2705 stored in the powertrain…
• 10189610Mar 29, 2021Electrical system. Some 2018-2019 F-150/F-Super Duty/Expedition/Navigator and 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a 'Trailer Connected' or 'Trailer Disconnected' message in the vehicle's message center with no trailer attached to the vehicle. To address this condition, reprogram the trailer module (TRM) using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming use causal part 19H332 and applicable labor operations in…
• 10189587Mar 26, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it…
• 10189581Mar 25, 2021Electrical system. For 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2021 Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 Escape/Explorer/SuperDuty/Transit/Aviator/Corsair, 2021 Bronco Sport/F-150/Mustang/Mach-E the Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics may direct to replace a module on vehicles that use Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). First, an FDRS session must be created on the vehicle prior to removing the faulted module.
• 10189577Mar 22, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles built on and before 24-Feb-2021 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.
• 10189567Mar 16, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated AWD indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C00A6:07, C00A6:18, C00A6:19, C00A6:4B, C00A6:66, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and/or C00A6:99. It may not be necessary to replace the transfer case clutch actuator. Follow the updated transfer case clutch actuator Pinpoint Tests in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A for…
• 10189553Mar 3, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with an 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P27B2 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. This DTC may be present due to activation of the transmission park by wire manual release during vehicle assembly and has not yet achieved the 40 warm up cycles needed to be cleared from memory.
• 10188010Feb 23, 2021Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs or loose/corroded grounds.
• 10187984Feb 16, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 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.
• 10187723Feb 15, 2021Brakes, Equipment, Electrical system. In some of the affected vehicles, the Electric Brake Booster (EBB) may contain a cracked solenoid valve plunger that may break and move out of position.
• 10187930Feb 3, 2021Equipment. 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 on the PTS website…
• 10187831Feb 3, 2021Brakes, Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020. This may be due to a poor ground connection and/or improper plating on…
• 10187917Feb 1, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80-MHT automatic transmission and built on or before 29-Oct-2020 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).
• 10186415Jan 26, 2021Electrical system, Brakes. This article supersedes TSB 20-2364 to update the production fix date. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020.
• 10185994Jan 21, 2021Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. In some of the affected vehicles, a leak in the transmission oil cooler may occur due to a crack developing near the oil cooler line fittings. Loss of transmission fluid could lead to transmission noise, harsh shifts or the inability to shift out of park.
• 10186600Jan 14, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owners Guide, Maintenance, Engine oil check section. When checking the engine oil level after shutting off the engine wait at least 15 minutes prior to checking in order to allow the oil to drain back to the oil pan. The engine oil level can be…
• 10186402Jan 13, 2021Electrical system, Seats. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3rd row power seats may exhibit inoperative 3rd row power seat folding with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1231:54 and/or B1232:54 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). This may be due to the software in the SCMJ. To correct the condition, connect a battery charger and reprogram the SCMJ using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford…
• 10186401Jan 12, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Dec-2020 may falsely store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0415 and/or U3000:42 in the image processing module B (IPMB). These DTCs may be associated with camera display issues or a Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable fault message. To correct the condition, reprogram the IPMB using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
• 10186387Jan 12, 2021Equipment, Brakes. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 29-Feb-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020. This may be due to a poor ground connection and/or improper plating on the…
• 10186400Jan 7, 2021Equipment, Brakes, Wheels. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034, C0037, and/or C003A. This may be due to metal contamination on the wheel speed sensors or wheel speed sensor rings. Verify that all wheel speed sensors and wheel speed sensor rings are free of metal contamination before replacing…
• 10186386Jan 6, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 19-May-2020 and equipped with a 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh 7-6 gear downshift. This may be caused by the A clutch piston return spring snap ring becoming dislodged. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the front support and A clutch assemblies.
• 10186564Jan 5, 2021Electrical system. Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020 Escape and 2020-2021 Corsair/Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit a lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to a missing wastegate actuator e-clip.
• 10186563Jan 5, 2021Equipment. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit the vehicle locator feature display the vehicle location incorrectly when using the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app. Customers may report that the vehicle location that is displayed is the Ford manufacturing facility were the vehicle was assembled, yet all other features work as intended. This may be due to the vehicle location not updating since assembly.
• 10184781Dec 24, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the battery energy control module (BECM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to…
• 10184642Dec 18, 2020Equipment, Engine cooling, Electrical system. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.3L/3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or Engine Coolant Over Temperature warning with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0128, P0217, P0330, P1026, P1299, and/or P130D. This may be due to the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor or ECT sensor wiring harness. For 2.3L vehicles, replace…
• 10184645Dec 15, 2020Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicle may exhibit a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or exhibit water in the spare tire area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path.
• 10184648Dec 10, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. In all of the affected vehicles, an incorrect left-hand rear door panel with the wrong color door handle switch bezel was installed.
• 10184627Dec 4, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. 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.
• 10184626Dec 4, 2020Equipment, 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…
• 10183421Nov 20, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling, Electrical system. 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.
• 10183420Nov 20, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P0751, P0756, P0761, P0766, P0771, P2707, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703…
• 10183569Nov 11, 2020Fuel system, Engine cooling, Equipment. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function…
• 10183390Nov 11, 2020Engine, Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. 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.
• 10181913Oct 26, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. 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.
• 10181912Oct 26, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. 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…
• 10181924Oct 20, 2020Electrical 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.
• 10181904Oct 20, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. 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…

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