Ford Explorer
Electrical Fuse Replacement Guide
How to check or change a blown electrical
fuse or relay in a 5th generation 2011-2015 Ford Explorer with photos.
Engine Bay Fuse Box |
Two Retaining Clips On Rear |
Push In To Release Clips |
This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the fifth generation (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015) Ford
Explorer SUV in checking or changing a blown electrical fuse or
relay in either the engine bay or the interior passenger compartment
fuse panels. Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicles such as the Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Escape, Edge, Flex, Expedition, F-150, Focus, C-MAX, MKC, MKZ, MKX, MKS, MKT and Navigator may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The '11-'15 Explorer uses standard mini blade fuses which can be purchased at stores such as Walmart, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, Napa, AutoZone or online at Amazon. To access the interior passenger compartment fuse panel, you'll need a 7mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench. A white plastic fuse puller tool is included on the underside of the interior fuse block cover. |
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Engine Bay Fuse Block |
Fuse Location Diagram |
Remove Two 8mm Screws |
The engine bay fuse
block is located on the right (driver) side of the engine bay next to the
12V automotive battery. Push the tabs on the two retaining clips at the rear edge of the box in towards the front of the car to release them. Swing the hinged cover open towards the front of the SUV. There is a fuse location diagram located on the underside of the lid and also another one in your owner's manual. The interior passenger compartment fuse block is located under the dashboard near where the driver's left knee usually resides. To access the interior fuse block, you'll first have to remove the under dash panel. |
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Pull Off Under Dash Panel |
Driver Side Under Dash Cover |
Interior Fuse Panel Cover |
Loosen the two
screws that hold the under dash cover in place by turning them
counterclockwise with a 7mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench. Pull the left side of the under dash cover off the grey plastic pop rivet friction fastener attached to the dashboard. Set the under dash panel aside in a safe place. Once the cover has been removed, you'll be able to see the black plastic cover on the interior fuse block. |
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Squeeze Two Retaining Clips |
Plastic Fuse Puller Tool |
Interior Block Exposed |
Squeeze the two
retaining clips on the sides of the fuse box cover towards each other and
pull it straight off. There is a white plastic fuse puller tool included on the back side of the passenger compartment fuse panel cover. There is a fuse location diagram on the outside of the interior fuse panel cover and also another one in the owner's manual. |
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Place Tool Over Old Fuse |
Hold Fuse Up To Light |
Push In New Mini Fuse |
Place the jaws of
the plastic puller tool over the end of the fuse you'd like to check or
replace. Pull the fuse straight out of its socket and hold it up to a light source. If the thin metal bar inside the translucent plastic center of the old fuse appears broken or "burnt" the fuse is most likely "blown" and should be replaced with a new one. If the thin metal strip inside the old fuse appears to be intact, the old fuse is probably still good. Since new fuses are so inexpensive, the old fuse should still be replaced as part of your troubleshooting process. Push a new mini blade fuse of the same amperage rating (e.g. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) straight in to the socket. (Avoid buying the newer style "low profile" mini blade fuses, which may not fit in the Explorer's electrical panels.) |
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Replace Fuse Puller Tool |
Push On Panel Cover |
Replace Under Dash Cover |
Replace the fuse
puller tool on the underside of the passenger compartment electrical panel
cover. Push on the cover until it clicks securely in to place. Line up the under dash cover. |
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Push On Pop Rivet Fastener |
Line Up Screw Holes |
Tighten 7mm Screw |
Push the hole on
the left side of the under dash cover on to the grey plastic pop rivet
friction fastener. Tighten the two 7mm screws near the upper edge of the under dash cover by turning them clockwise with the 7mm socket and ratcheting wrench. |
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Tighten 7mm Clockwise |
Swing Cover Closed |
Push On Fuse Box Lid |
Make sure that the
under dash cover is securely in place so it won't interfere with the
accelerator or brake pedal when you are driving the vehicle. Swing the hinged engine bay fuse box cover closed from the front towards the rear of the vehicle. Push on the cover until the two retaining clips snap securely in place. Test the electrical component (headlights, tail lights, radio, wipers, seat, windows, etc) to see if the issue was resolved by changing the fuse. If the electrical problem persists, you might have a short in the wiring system or the component needs to be replaced. For more, check out my other
Ford Explorer DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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