2020 Ford Explorer Fuse Box Diagram & Amp Ratings
An ASE master tech’s complete guide to fuse boxes, relays, and circuit diagrams for the 2020 Ford Explorer.
AI-generated reference. Always verify torque values, fluid capacities, intervals, and procedures against the manufacturer's service manual or OEM repair information before performing work. Repairius is not liable for damage from acting on this content without verification.
Working on this 2020 Ford Explorer? Run just this one job through Repairius.
No big switch. Write the estimate, text it for approval, and get paid on your phone. Keep everything else the way it is.
14-day free trial · credit card required · cancel anytime
As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve spent countless hours tracking down electrical gremlins. When a customer brings in a 2020 Ford Explorer with a dead radio, a blown 12V outlet, or a crank-no-start condition, the very first thing I check is the fuse box. Modern vehicles like the redesigned 2020 Explorer (U625 platform) rely heavily on complex electrical architectures, meaning a single blown fuse can take down multiple systems.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the fuse box locations, diagrams, and amperage ratings for the 2020 Ford Explorer.
Disclaimer: Fuse configurations can vary based on trim level (XLT, Limited, ST, Platinum) and optional equipment (like the Hybrid powertrain or Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package). Always verify the printed legend on the inside of your fuse box lid before replacing a fuse.
Quick answer: Where are the fuse boxes on a 2020 Ford Explorer?
The 2020 Ford Explorer features two primary fuse boxes that house the fuses and relays for all major circuits:
- Engine Compartment Power Distribution Box: Located under the hood on the passenger side, near the firewall and battery. This box contains high-current fuses and relays for critical powertrain components, ABS, cooling fans, and exterior lighting.
- Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel (Body Control Module): Located inside the cabin on the driver’s side, tucked up under the dashboard/kick-panel area. This panel controls interior electronics, the SYNC infotainment system, power windows, and cabin lighting.
There is no dedicated rear/cargo fuse box on standard gas models, though some Police Interceptor Utility or Hybrid models have auxiliary power modules in the rear cargo area.
Engine Compartment Power Distribution Box
To access the under-hood fuse box, open the hood and locate the black rectangular box on the passenger side. Release the securing tabs to remove the cover. The underside of the cover contains a diagram mapping out the fuse numbers and relays.
Here is the most common configuration for critical under-hood circuits on the 2020 Explorer:
| Fuse # | Amp | Color | Circuit / Component Protected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 30A | Pink | Starter motor relay |
| 12 | 40A | Green | Blower motor relay / HVAC |
| 15 | 20A | Yellow | Power point 1 (12V outlet) |
| 16 | 20A | Yellow | Power point 2 (Cargo/Rear 12V outlet) |
| 21 | 30A | Pink | Fuel pump control module |
| 23 | 50A | Red | Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) pump |
| 24 | 30A | Pink | ABS valves |
| 28 | 15A | Blue | Headlights (Left/Right low and high beam logic) |
| 34 | 20A | Yellow | Engine Control Module (ECM / PCM) |
| 45 | 30A | Pink | Trailer brake control module (if equipped) |
| 48 | 10A | Red | A/C clutch relay |
| 52 | 30A | Pink | Power liftgate module |
| 56 | 20A | Yellow | Ignition coils / Powertrain sensors |
| 62 | 20A | Yellow | Trailer tow park lamps |
| Relay | - | - | Relay Circuits |
| R1 | Micro | Black | Starter Relay |
| R2 | Micro | Black | ECM / PCM Power Relay |
| R3 | Micro | Black | Fuel Pump Relay |
| R4 | Micro | Black | A/C Clutch Relay |
| R5 | Mini | Black | Blower Motor Relay |
Note: High-current J-case fuses (square blocks) are often color-coded differently than standard blade fuses.
Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel
To access the interior fuse box, look under the driver’s side dashboard, near the steering column and kick panel. You may need to unclip a small trim cover to fully expose the Body Control Module (BCM) and its fuses.
| Fuse # | Amp | Color | Circuit / Component Protected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7.5A | Brown | Memory seats / Lumbar support |
| 3 | 20A | Yellow | Driver door module (Power windows/locks) |
| 4 | 20A | Yellow | Passenger door module |
| 9 | 10A | Red | SYNC Infotainment system display / Radio |
| 12 | 7.5A | Brown | Climate control module / HVAC logic |
| 14 | 10A | Red | Instrument cluster panel |
| 16 | 15A | Blue | Steering wheel control module |
| 23 | 10A | Red | Airbag module (Supplemental Restraint System) |
| 26 | 5A | Tan | Push-button start / Ignition switch |
| 29 | 15A | Blue | Audio amplifier / Premium sound system |
| 32 | 10A | Red | Diagnostic connector (OBD-II port) |
| 35 | 5A | Tan | Brake pedal switch / Stop lamps logic |
| 38 | 10A | Red | Auto-dimming rear view mirror / Backup camera |
How to test a fuse
As a master tech, I see plenty of customers who replace components when a simple fuse was the culprit. Don't guess—test!
- Visual Inspection: Pull the fuse using a fuse puller tool or needle-nose pliers. Look at the U-shaped metal wire inside the colored plastic housing. If the wire is broken or scorched, the fuse is blown.
- Use a Test Light: Ground the clamp of a 12V test light to a good, bare metal chassis ground. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position. Touch the probe to the small exposed metal testing dots on top of the fuse. If the test light illuminates on both sides of the fuse, the fuse is good. If it lights up on one side but not the other, the fuse is blown.
- Use a Multimeter: Set your digital multimeter to the "Continuity" or "Ohms" setting. Touch the probes to the test pins on the fuse. If you hear a beep or read very low resistance (close to 0 ohms), the fuse is intact. If it reads "OL" (Open Loop), the fuse is blown.
Always replace a blown fuse with one of the exact same amperage. Installing a 30A fuse in a 10A circuit is a massive fire hazard and can permanently destroy expensive control modules.
Common blown fuses on this vehicle
Based on what rolls into the shop, here are the most common electrical faults on the 2020 Explorer and what you should check first:
- Dead 12V Outlets (Cigar Lighter): If you plug in a phone charger or a portable tire inflator and get no power, check Fuses 15 and 16 in the under-hood power distribution box. A cheap, shorted USB adapter is almost always the cause.
- Blank SYNC Infotainment Screen: If your radio and touchscreen are completely dead, look at Fuse 9 (10A) in the passenger compartment. If the fuse is good, the SYNC system might just need a hard reboot (hold the power button and the right-seek button simultaneously).
- Trailer Lights Not Working: Towing puts extra strain on electrical circuits. If your trailer parking lights or brakes aren't responding, check Fuse 62 (20A) and Fuse 45 (30A) in the engine compartment. Ensure your trailer wiring harness isn't pinched or corroded before throwing a new fuse in.
- OBD-II Scanner Won't Connect: Trying to read a check engine light but your scanner won't power on? The diagnostic port shares power with other interior accessories. Check Fuse 32 (10A) in the interior fuse panel.
Find a trusted shop on Repairius.
Before you pull a fuse on the 2020 Ford Explorer
- Use the label printed on the panel cover or the owner's manual for your exact build. Layouts change with options, model year and build date, so a chart for another truck can be wrong.
- Replace a blown fuse only with the same amp rating. A larger fuse can let wiring overheat.
- A fuse that blows again right away means a short or failing component downstream. Find the cause before replacing it again.
- A good fuse doesn't prove the circuit works — relays, grounds and connectors fail too.
- Disconnect the battery before working near high-current fuses or cables.
Learn more: How fuses, relays and truck electrical systems work
More specs for the 2020 Ford Explorer
Oil Capacity & Filter
Capacity, weight, filter PN, drain plug torque, change interval.
Fluid Type Specs
Engine oil, coolant, ATF, diff, brake, PS, DEF — with OEM spec numbers.
Coolant Capacity & Type
Total system capacity, OEM coolant spec, flush interval, bleed tips.
Transmission Fluid & Service
Trans model, fluid spec, capacity, filter PN, service interval.
Torque Specifications
Lug nuts, drain plug, caliper, axle nut, plug, key fasteners.
Brake Pad & Rotor Specs
Pad PNs, rotor size, min thickness, caliper torque.
Tire Size & Pressure
OEM size, cold psi, bolt pattern, wheel size, TPMS.
Battery Size & Group
Group size, CCA, AGM/flooded, dimensions, reset note.
A/C Refrigerant & Oil
R-134a or R-1234yf, charge oz, PAG oil spec.
Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)
Headlight, fog, tail, turn, reverse, interior.
Factory Maintenance Schedule
Service intervals by mileage, severe-duty notes, known issues.
Towing Capacity & Payload
Max tow, payload, GVWR/GCWR, hitch class by trim.
Serpentine Belt Routing & Length
Belt routing, length, rib count, OEM + aftermarket PNs.
Wheel Alignment Specifications
Camber, caster, toe ranges (front & rear), adjustability notes.
Paint Color Codes
All factory colors with paint codes, sticker location, touch-up tips.
Wiper Blade Sizes
Driver/passenger/rear blade size, attachment, OEM + cross-refs.
Spark Plug Type & Gap
Plug PN, gap, torque, interval by engine.
Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios
Trans gear ratios, axle ratios, RPO codes, tow vs MPG impact.
Key Fob Programming
DIY programming steps, FCC ID, fob PN, battery, transponder.
Same spec — other model years
Maintenance & repair guides
2020 Ford Explorer Maintenance Schedule →
Available maintenance guidance; confirm the manufacturer schedule.
Repair planning references →
Plan the scope of work; detailed procedures need configuration-matched evidence.
Browse by make
Running an auto or diesel repair shop?
Compare Repairius to the shop software you're paying for
$99.99/month (first location included), unlimited users, 14-day free trial.