2023 Ford Explorer: Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage
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Quick Answer
The 2023 Ford Explorer has three main fuse box locations:
- Under-hood fuse box (Power Distribution Box): Located in the engine bay, near the battery.
- Passenger compartment fuse panel: Located on the right-hand side of the passenger footwell, behind a trim panel.
- Rear cargo area fuse panel: Located in the right side of the rear cargo area, behind an access panel.
Under-hood Fuse Box (Power Distribution Box)
This fuse box contains high-amperage fuses and relays that control major vehicle systems. Always disconnect the battery before servicing high-amperage fuses or relays.
| Fuse # | Amp | Color | Circuit / Component Protected |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 60A | Yellow | ABS / Stability Control Pump |
| F2 | 40A | Green | Blower Motor |
| F3 | 30A | Pink | Starter Motor Relay |
| F4 | 20A | Blue | Fuel Pump |
| F5 | 15A | Blue | Engine Control Module (ECM) - Keep Alive |
| F6 | 15A | Blue | A/C Clutch |
| F7 | 10A | Red | Headlights - Left Low Beam |
| F8 | 10A | Red | Headlights - Right Low Beam |
| F9 | 10A | Red | Headlights - Left High Beam |
| F10 | 10A | Red | Headlights - Right High Beam |
| F11 | 30A | Pink | Trailer Tow Module |
| F12 | 25A | Natural | Powertrain Control Module (PCM) |
| R1 | - | - | Starter Relay |
| R2 | - | - | Fuel Pump Relay |
| R3 | - | - | A/C Clutch Relay |
Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel
This fuse panel is located in the passenger-side kick panel, near the floor. It handles many of the interior and cabin functions.
| Fuse # | Amp | Color | Circuit / Component Protected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 10A | Red | Airbag Module |
| 23 | 20A | Blue | SYNC Infotainment System, Radio |
| 24 | 15A | Blue | Ignition Coils |
| 25 | 10A | Red | Instrument Cluster |
| 26 | 7.5A | Brown | Brake Pedal Switch |
| 27 | 20A | Blue | Front 12V Power Outlet (Cigar Lighter) |
| 28 | 10A | Red | Tail Lights / Park Lamps |
Rear Cargo Area Fuse Panel
This smaller panel is located on the right side of the rear cargo area and powers accessories and systems located in the back of the vehicle.
| Fuse # | Amp | Color | Circuit / Component Protected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 20A | Blue | Rear 12V Power Outlet |
| 81 | 15A | Blue | Liftgate Release |
| 82 | 10A | Red | Third Row Seat Module |
Note: Fuse numbering and circuits can vary based on your Explorer's trim level (Base, XLT, ST, Platinum) and optional equipment. Always confirm the fuse layout by checking the diagram printed inside your fuse box covers.
How to Test a Fuse
A blown fuse is a common and easy-to-fix issue.
- Turn off the ignition and all accessories.
- Locate the suspect fuse using the diagram.
- Remove the fuse using the fuse puller tool often found in the fuse box lid.
- Visually inspect the fuse. Look at the thin metal strip inside the plastic body. If it is broken or melted, the fuse is blown.
- Use a multimeter (optional). For a more accurate test, set your multimeter to the continuity setting. Touch the probes to each metal tab on the top of the fuse. If the multimeter beeps or reads close to zero ohms, the fuse is good. If it doesn't, the fuse is blown.
- Replace the blown fuse with a new fuse of the exact same amperage rating. Using a higher-rated fuse can cause a fire.
Common Blown Fuses on the 2023 Ford Explorer
-
12V Power Outlet / Cigar Lighter (Fuse #27): This is one of the most common fuses to blow. The first thing to check is the device you plugged in. A faulty phone charger or other accessory is the usual culprit. Unplug everything and replace the fuse.
-
Radio / Infotainment (Fuse #23): If your screen suddenly goes black, a blown fuse is a likely cause. This can sometimes happen due to a software glitch or a momentary short. Try replacing the fuse. If it blows repeatedly, you may have an issue with the SYNC system or the radio unit itself that requires a technician to diagnose.
-
Trailer Tow Lights (Fuse #11): If your trailer lights aren't working but your Explorer's lights are, this fuse is the place to start. The most common cause is a wiring short in the trailer's wiring harness. Inspect the trailer connector and wiring for any visible damage or corrosion before replacing the fuse.
If a fuse blows a second time immediately after you replace it, it means there is an underlying short circuit in that system that needs to be properly diagnosed.
Find a trusted shop on Repairius.
Before you pull a fuse on the 2023 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 2023 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
2023 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.
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Values can vary by engine, trim and build date; check your VIN-specific service information. Updated 2026-08-13.