Ford Explorer: Common Codes & Fixes
Real-world diagnostic data for the Ford Explorer. These are the codes techs see most often. Tap any code for the full vehicle-specific fix and the exact part.
73 codes have specific fixes for the Ford Explorer
B1000 B1000 is a generic ECU malfunction code on Ford vehicles. B1325 Explorer and Taurus share the same body-to-frame grounding points. B1601 PATS key issues on Ford SUVs often stem from a weak key battery (push-button start models) or a damaged transponder in the key blade… C1233 Explorer and Taurus use integrated hub/sensor assemblies. C1234 Right front hub assembly replacement is the same as the left. P0018 On EcoBoost V6s P0018 is usually the Bank 2 cam phaser sticking due to aged oil. P0021 On the Cyclone V6, P0021 is usually a sticking variable cam timing (VCT) solenoid or a worn cam phaser, aggravated by extended… P0030 Ford bank 1 sensor 1 O2 heater failures are often caused by a corroded connector at the sensor pigtail, especially on trucks exposed to… P0050 On Ford V6 and V8 engines, the bank 2 sensor 1 O2 sensor is on the driver-side exhaust manifold. P0056 The bank 2 downstream O2 sensor on Ford trucks is in the exhaust pipe after the driver-side catalytic converter. P0087 Low fuel rail pressure on EcoBoost engines is most commonly caused by a failing high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) mounted on top of the… P0089 Fuel pressure regulator performance issues on Ford trucks are usually caused by a leaking or stuck regulator diaphragm. P0100 MAF sensor circuit malfunction typically caused by an oiled-over hot wire (from over-oiled aftermarket air filter) or a cracked intake… P0101 EcoBoost engines blow off excess boost pressure through the intake tract which contaminates the MAF sensor. P0102 Low MAF signal on EcoBoost often indicates a boost leak at the charge pipe causing the MAF to read lower than expected airflow. P0108 MAP high voltage often from a disconnected signal wire at the TMAP connector. P0110 Intake air temperature sensor circuit malfunction. P0113 The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is integrated into the MAF sensor on Ford trucks. P0120 Throttle position sensor circuit malfunction. P0121 TPS signal does not match expected range for current conditions. P0122 The throttle position sensor is integrated into the electronic throttle body on modern Ford trucks. P0124 TPS intermittent signal — clean or replace the electronic throttle body. P0131 Before replacing the O2 sensor, check for exhaust leaks near the exhaust manifold -- a leak upstream of the sensor causes false lean… P0132 Bank 1 upstream O2 sensor circuit high voltage (above 1.0V constantly). P0133 EcoBoost engines contaminate O2 sensors faster than NA engines due to higher exhaust temps. P0135 Check the O2 sensor heater fuse first (15A in the battery junction box). P0136 Bank 1 downstream O2 sensor malfunction. P0137 Test the downstream O2 sensor voltage with a scan tool -- it should fluctuate slowly between 0.1V and 0.9V. P0138 Bank 1 downstream O2 sensor reading high voltage (stuck rich above 0.9V). P0139 Downstream O2 slow response — catalytic converter efficiency dropping. P0141 Bank 1 downstream O2 sensor heater circuit fault. P0143 Bank 1 sensor 3 low — check for exhaust leaks ahead of the sensor and verify signal wire integrity. P0160 Bank 2 downstream O2 shows no activity — replace downstream O2 sensor. P0172 Rich condition on Bank 1 is often caused by leaking fuel injectors. P0191 Fuel rail pressure sensor range/performance on EcoBoost engines means the sensor signal is erratic or outside expected parameters. P0192 Low input from the fuel rail pressure sensor means the signal voltage is below the expected minimum. P0193 High input from the fuel rail pressure sensor means the signal voltage exceeds the expected maximum. P0201 Cylinder 1 fuel injector circuit malfunction. P0202 Cylinder 2 injector circuit malfunction. P0204 Cylinder 4 injector circuit malfunction. P0222 Ford EcoBoost P0222 almost always = corroded throttle body connector pins. P0230 The fuel pump primary circuit supplies power to the in-tank fuel pump through the fuel pump relay and fuel pump driver module (FPDM). P0231 Fuel pump secondary circuit low means the fuel pump feedback signal to the PCM is below the expected range. P0261 Cylinder 1 injector circuit low means the PCM detects low current draw from the #1 fuel injector. P0262 Cylinder 1 injector circuit high means excessive current draw or a short to power. P0299 Turbo underboost on EcoBoost engines is most commonly caused by a leaking charge air cooler (intercooler). P0313 P0313 is a SAFEGUARD code -- the engine triggers it when the tank is too low and the fuel pump cavitates, causing a misfire. P0345 Bank 2 cam position sensor failure. P0351 Ignition coil 1 primary/secondary circuit malfunction. P0352 Ignition coil 2 primary/secondary circuit fault. P0391 Bank 2 cam sensor B circuit malfunction — replace the cam position sensor on the passenger side head. P0405 P0405 means the EGR valve position sensor is reading lower than expected. P0442 The fuel tank deformation on Ford trucks causes intermittent small leaks. P0446 The EVAP canister purge valve (Motorcraft CX-2536) sticks open, which can also set P0446. P0451 P0451 indicates the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor is reading outside of its expected range. P0460 The fuel level sender wiring harness connector on top of the tank corrodes from moisture trapped between the tank and the body. P0602 P0602 on Ford = PCM 'Control Module Programming Error.' Usually appears after a PCM swap without programming, or after a failed Ford… P1131 P1131 on Ford = 'Lack of Upstream O2 Sensor Switch, Bank 1 Lean' -- the upstream O2 is reading lean constantly. P1150 Ranger and Explorer set P1150 when the Bank 1 upstream O2 sensor heater circuit opens. P1200 P1200 fuel injector circuit on Ford V8s is typically a single failed injector or its driver circuit in the PCM. P1289 4.0L SOHC P1289 = CHT sensor high. P2270 Check wiring harness near the downstream O2 for heat or rodent damage -- very common on trucks. P2635 Ford EcoBoost P2635 = low-pressure (lift) fuel pump flow out of range. U0001 CAN bus issues on Ford vehicles are frequently caused by a corroded connector at the Gateway Module (behind the fuse panel). U0100 On Ford vehicles, U0100 often appears alongside a no-start condition. U0121 Ford ABS module communication loss is often caused by a failing ABS module power supply. U0131 Ford EPAS (Electric Power Assist Steering) communication faults are commonly caused by the EPAS module overheating. U0140 Ford BCM communication loss often accompanies multiple other U-codes because the BCM is a gateway for many subsystems. U0155 Ford instrument cluster communication issues are commonly caused by a software glitch. U0401 U0401 on Ford vehicles can be caused by a PCM that needs a Throttle Body relearn or KAM (Keep Alive Memory) reset after a battery… U0645 Similar cluster issue on Mustang and Explorer -- the CAN gateway inside the cluster fails and the module stops responding. U1609 U1609 on Ford is a lost communication code typically from the BCM or GEM. U3125 Ford U3125 is often the ABS module or 4WD control module that won't respond on CAN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common check engine light codes on a Ford Explorer?
The most commonly reported OBD-II codes for the Ford Explorer include B1000, B1325, B1601, C1233, C1234. Each code indicates a specific issue -- tap any code above for the full diagnostic breakdown.
How much does it cost to fix a check engine light on a Ford Explorer?
Repair costs vary by code. Many Ford Explorer fixes like gas cap replacement, sensor cleaning, or spark plug changes are under $50 in parts and can be done at home. More complex repairs like catalytic converter or transmission work can run $500-$2,000+ at a shop.
Can I drive my Ford Explorer with the check engine light on?
It depends on the code. A steady check engine light usually means you can drive short distances safely. A flashing check engine light means stop driving immediately -- continued driving can cause serious engine damage. Scan the code first to know what you are dealing with.