2020 Ford Explorer Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Reset

If your dashboard is flashing a persistent warning light, you likely need a 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset to restore your system’s accuracy. This guide provides the exact steps to clear the fault using the vehicle’s internal menus or a simple handheld TPMS tool. You will learn how to distinguish between a simple low-pressure alert and a hardware malfunction in your Ford’s monitoring system.

Seeing a “Tire Pressure Sensor Fault” message on your Ford Explorer can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you know your tires are properly inflated. This error often appears after a tire rotation, a sudden temperature drop, or when a sensor battery finally gives up the ghost.

I understand the urge to just ignore that glowing amber light, but your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a vital safety feature. It provides real-time data that can prevent a high-speed blowout or uneven tread wear that ruins your expensive tires.

In this guide, I will walk you through the exact process for a 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset. We will cover the manual methods, the tools you might need, and how to troubleshoot sensors that refuse to cooperate.

Understanding the TPMS on Your 2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer uses a direct TPMS system, which means there is a physical pressure sensor mounted inside each wheel. These sensors are attached to the valve stem and transmit radio frequency signals to the vehicle’s computer.

When the computer stops receiving a signal from one or more sensors, it triggers the “Sensor Fault” message. This is different from a “Low Tire Pressure” warning, which simply means you need more air. A fault usually indicates a communication error or a hardware failure.

Modern Ford systems are quite robust, but they are sensitive to electronic interference and battery age. Most sensors are designed to last about 5 to 10 years, meaning your 2020 model is likely entering the window where sensor batteries might begin to fail.

The Difference Between a Fault and Low Pressure

Before you begin the reset process, look closely at your instrument cluster. If the icon is solid, you likely just have a low tire that needs air. If the light flashes for about 60 seconds and then stays on, you have a system fault.

A fault means the car has “lost track” of a sensor. This happens most often after you rotate your tires. The car thinks the front-left sensor is still in the front-left position, even though it is now on the rear-right.

Performing a 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset re-teaches the vehicle exactly where each sensor is located. This ensures that when the dash says “Front Left Low,” it is actually referring to the correct tire.

2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset

The most common way to fix this issue without visiting a dealership is through the TPMS Training Mode. This is a built-in sequence that puts the Explorer’s computer into “learning” mode so it can scan for sensor signals.

Follow these steps carefully to initiate the reset sequence manually:

1. Prepare the vehicle: Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended PSI found on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
2. Enter Accessory Mode: Sit in the driver’s seat and make sure the engine is off. Press the Start/Stop button once without touching the brake pedal.
3. The Hazard Light Trick: Quickly press the Hazard Light button (the red triangle) six times within five seconds.
4. Listen for the Horn: If successful, the horn will honk once, and the message center will display “Train Left Front Tire.”
5. Trigger the Sensors: You must now go to the front-left tire and let air out until the horn honks again. This can take up to 30 seconds.
6. Repeat the Pattern: Move clockwise around the vehicle: Front Right, Rear Right, and finally Rear Left.

Once you finish the last tire, the horn should honk twice, indicating the training process is complete. You will then need to refill all tires to their proper operating pressure, as you likely let out several pounds of air during the reset.

Using the TPMS19 Reset Tool

If you don’t want to let air out of your tires, you can use a TPMS activation tool. These are inexpensive handheld devices (often called “clickers”) designed specifically for Ford vehicles.

Instead of bleeding air to trigger the sensor, you simply hold the tool against the sidewall near the valve stem and press the button. The tool sends a signal that “wakes up” the sensor, allowing the car to register its ID and position.

I highly recommend the Ford TPMS19 tool for DIYers. It is small enough to keep in your glove box and makes the 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset much faster and cleaner than the air-bleeding method.

Common Reasons the Reset Fails

Sometimes you follow the steps perfectly, but the car refuses to honk at a specific tire. This usually indicates that the TPMS sensor in that wheel is dead or damaged. If the car can’t hear the sensor, it can’t complete the training.

Radio interference is another common culprit. If you are parked near a large power transformer or have high-powered electronics plugged into your 12V outlets, the signal might be blocked. Unplug your dashcams and phone chargers before starting the reset.

Temperature also plays a role. If it is extremely cold, the lithium battery inside the sensor might not have enough voltage to transmit. Try performing the reset after the vehicle has been driven for a few miles, which warms up the tires and the sensors.

Dealing with Aftermarket Wheels

If you have recently installed off-road wheels or winter rims, you may have forgotten to move the sensors over. A 2020 Ford Explorer will not automatically recognize new sensors without a formal reset procedure.

Ensure your aftermarket sensors are compatible with the 315MHz or 433MHz frequency used by Ford. If the frequencies don’t match, the computer will never see the signal, and the “Fault” light will remain a permanent fixture on your dash.

For those using the Explorer for overlanding, frequent airing down can also confuse the system. If you drop your pressure below 20 PSI for trail riding, the system may flag a fault because it thinks the sensor is malfunctioning due to the extreme pressure drop.

Tools and Supplies for TPMS Maintenance

Maintaining your tire system requires more than just a gas station air pump. To keep your 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset results permanent, you should have a few basic tools in your garage.

• Digital Tire Pressure Gauge: These are much more accurate than the “stick” style gauges and help you match the pressures exactly.
• Portable Air Compressor: A 12V compressor allows you to refill your tires immediately after a manual reset without driving on low pressure.
• TPMS Activation Tool: As mentioned, the Ford TPMS19 is the gold standard for Explorer owners.
• Valve Core Tool: Sometimes a “fault” is just a leaky valve core that has allowed moisture to enter and corrode the sensor electronics.

Having these tools on hand transforms a stressful “check engine” style moment into a five-minute fix. It also empowers you to help other Ford owners who might be struggling with the same annoying dashboard messages.

The Importance of Valve Stem Caps

It sounds simple, but never drive without your valve stem caps. These caps aren’t just for looks; they keep dirt, moisture, and road salt away from the delicate sensor mechanism inside the stem.

On a 2020 Explorer, the sensors are part of the valve assembly. If corrosion builds up inside the stem, it can seize the valve core or damage the electronic pressure transducer. Use high-quality plastic or nickel-plated caps to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Advanced Troubleshooting: When the Light Returns

If the fault light returns a few days after a successful 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset, you likely have an intermittent hardware issue. This is common when a sensor battery is on the verge of dying.

In this scenario, the sensor works while the tire is warm but fails after sitting overnight. A professional OBDII scan tool with TPMS capabilities can read the “Hex ID” and battery status of each individual sensor to pinpoint the failure.

If you find that one sensor is dead, I strongly suggest replacing all four. Since they were all installed at the factory at the same time, the other three batteries are likely close to failing as well. Replacing them as a set saves you multiple trips to the tire shop.

Safety Precautions During DIY Resets

Safety should always be your priority. When performing a manual reset that involves deflating tires, never do this on the side of a busy highway. Find a flat, level surface away from traffic.

Always re-inflate your tires to the Placard Pressure (usually 33-35 PSI for the Explorer) before driving. Operating a heavy SUV on under-inflated tires can lead to sidewall overheating and catastrophic tire failure.

If you are unsure about the condition of your tires, look for signs of “cupping” or “feathering” on the tread. Sometimes a sensor fault is the car’s way of telling you that the tires are vibrating excessively due to poor wheel balance or alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset

Can I reset the TPMS through the touchscreen menu?

While some newer Ford models allow for a “soft reset” through the Sync 3 or Sync 4 infotainment screen, the 2020 Explorer usually requires the Hazard Light sequence or a TPMS tool to actually “re-learn” sensor positions. Checking the menu can show you the pressures, but it rarely clears a hard “Fault” code.

How long does a TPMS sensor battery last?

Most sensors in a 2020 Ford Explorer will last between 6 and 10 years. Factors like extreme heat, frequent long-distance driving (which keeps the sensor active), and cold climates can shorten this lifespan. If your Explorer has high mileage, battery failure is the most likely cause of a persistent fault.

Will disconnecting the battery reset the tire pressure light?

No, disconnecting the car battery will not perform a 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset. The sensor IDs are stored in non-volatile memory within the Body Control Module (BCM). The light will simply reappear once the system performs its self-check after reconnection.

Do I need to reset the system after a simple air top-off?

Usually, no. If the light was on for “Low Pressure,” simply adding air and driving for a few miles at speeds above 20 mph should cause the light to turn off automatically. You only need the formal reset if the message specifically says “Sensor Fault” or if you have rotated your tires.

Final Thoughts on Maintaining Your Ford’s TPMS

Mastering the 2020 ford explorer tire pressure sensor fault reset is a rite of passage for any proactive owner. It saves you a costly trip to the mechanic and ensures that your vehicle’s safety systems are functioning exactly as intended.

Remember that your tires are the only part of your Ford Explorer that actually touches the road. Keeping them at the right pressure isn’t just about turning off a light; it’s about fuel economy, handling, and protecting your family on every journey.

Invest in a small TPMS tool, keep your tires aired up, and don’t let a simple dashboard warning ruin your drive. With the steps provided here, you have the expert knowledge to handle any tire pressure glitch that comes your way. Stay safe, keep those pressures checked, and enjoy the open road!