How To Change A Battery In A 2020 Ford Explorer
Replacing the battery in a 2020 Ford Explorer is a straightforward DIY task that requires basic hand tools and about 30 minutes of your time. This guide covers everything from terminal removal to the essential Battery Management System (BMS) reset to keep your SUV running smoothly.
Modern SUVs like the 2020 Ford Explorer are packed with complex electronics, which means a dead battery can leave you stranded at the worst possible time. Whether you are prepping for a cross-country road trip or heading out for a weekend of off-roading, a reliable power source is your vehicle’s heartbeat.
Learning how to change a battery in a 2020 ford explorer is a vital skill that saves you money on shop labor and ensures your vehicle remains dependable. You do not need to be a master technician to handle this job, but you do need to follow the correct sequence to protect your car’s sensitive computer systems.
In this guide, I will walk you through the necessary tools, safety precautions, and the step-by-step process to swap your battery. We will also cover the critical reset procedure that many owners overlook, which is essential for maximizing the life of your new power cell.
Signs Your 2020 Ford Explorer Needs a New Battery
Before you dive into the engine bay, you should confirm that the battery is actually the culprit. Most automotive batteries last between three and five years, making the 2020 model year a prime candidate for replacement right now.
One of the most common signs is a slow engine crank. If the engine takes longer than usual to turn over or sounds sluggish when you press the start button, the voltage is likely dropping too low during the starting cycle.
You might also notice flickering interior lights or “system off to save power” messages on your Sync infotainment screen. These are clear indicators that the alternator cannot keep up with the electrical demand because the battery can no longer hold a full charge.
Check for physical signs of damage or aging on the battery casing. Look for a white, ashy powder around the terminals, which indicates corrosion, or a bulging case caused by extreme heat or overcharging during summer months.
Essential Tools and Safety Gear for the Job
You do not need a massive rolling toolbox for this project. A few basic hand tools found in any standard DIY kit will get the job done quickly and safely.
Grab a 10mm socket and a ratchet, or a 10mm combination wrench. This is the primary size used for the terminal nuts and the battery hold-down bracket on most Ford vehicles from this era.
You may also need a long extension for your ratchet. The battery hold-down bolt is located deep near the base of the battery, and reaching it with just a wrench can be difficult and lead to scraped knuckles.
Safety is paramount when working with lead-acid or AGM batteries. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential acid spray or sparks, and use work gloves to keep your hands clean and protected from sharp metal edges.
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- 6-inch or 10-inch ratchet extension
- Battery terminal cleaning tool or wire brush
- Safety glasses and nitrile gloves
- Battery memory saver (optional but recommended)
Finding the Right Replacement Battery
The 2020 Ford Explorer typically uses an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery. These are more durable than traditional flooded batteries and are designed to handle the frequent cycling required by the Auto Start-Stop system.
Check your owner’s manual or the label on your current battery for the Group Size. Most 2020 Explorers require a Group 48 (H6) or a Group 94R (H7) battery, depending on whether you have the 2.3L EcoBoost or the 3.0L V6 engine.
Pay attention to the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating. If you live in a cold climate or take your Explorer on winter camping trips, choosing a battery with a higher CCA rating ensures reliable starts in freezing temperatures.
Avoid buying the cheapest “value” battery you can find. Investing in a high-quality brand like Motorcraft, Odyssey, or Interstate ensures better vibration resistance, which is crucial if you frequently drive on washboard gravel roads or light trails.
how to change a battery in a 2020 ford explorer
Now that you have your tools and your new battery ready, it is time to perform the swap. Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and ensure the ignition is completely off.
Step 1: Access the Battery
Open the hood and locate the battery on the passenger side of the engine compartment. In the 2020 model, it is often tucked under a plastic cowl cover near the base of the windshield to protect it from engine heat.
Carefully remove the plastic clips or fasteners securing the cowl cover. Be gentle with these clips, as they can become brittle over time; if they resist, use a trim removal tool to pop them up without snapping the heads off.
Step 2: Disconnect the Negative Terminal
Always disconnect the negative (black) terminal first. This breaks the ground circuit and prevents accidental short circuits if your wrench touches a metal part of the frame while loosening the positive side.
Use your 10mm wrench to loosen the nut until the terminal can wiggle freely. Pull the cable off and tuck it to the side so it cannot spring back and touch the post while you are working.
Step 3: Disconnect the Positive Terminal
Once the ground is disconnected, move to the positive (red) terminal. Flip back the red plastic protective cover and loosen the 10mm nut.
If the terminal is stuck, do not pry it with a screwdriver, as this can damage the battery post. Instead, gently twist it back and forth until it slides upward and off the battery.
Step 4: Remove the Hold-Down Bracket
Locate the battery hold-down bolt at the base of the battery tray. This is where your long extension and 10mm socket will be most useful to reach the bolt comfortably.
Unscrew the bolt completely and remove the small metal or plastic wedge that keeps the battery from sliding. Set these parts aside in a magnetic tray or a safe spot where they won’t fall into the bottomless pits of the engine bay.
Step 5: Swap the Batteries
Modern batteries are heavy, often weighing between 40 and 50 pounds. Use the built-in handle to lift the old battery straight up and out of the tray, keeping it level to avoid any acid leaks.
Take a moment to clean the battery tray with a mixture of baking soda and water if you see any corrosion. Place the new battery into the tray, ensuring the positive and negative posts are oriented in the same direction as the old one.
Step 6: Reconnect in Reverse Order
Reinstall the hold-down bracket and tighten the bolt until the battery is snug and does not move. Connect the positive terminal first and tighten the 10mm nut until the terminal is firm and cannot be rotated by hand.
Finally, connect the negative terminal. You may see a small spark when the terminal touches the post; this is normal as the vehicle’s modules power back up. Tighten the nut and replace the plastic cowl cover.
The Critical Battery Management System (BMS) Reset
Understanding how to change a battery in a 2020 ford explorer involves more than just the physical swap. Ford uses a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that tracks the age and health of the battery.
As a battery gets older, the BMS tells the alternator to charge it differently to compensate for wear. If you do not reset this system, the computer will treat your brand-new battery like an old, dying one, which can lead to shortened battery life.
While a professional scan tool is the standard way to do this, there is a manual “handshake” method you can perform. With the engine off, turn the ignition to the “ON” position (do not start the engine).
Flash your high beams five times, then immediately press and release the brake pedal three times. Wait about 10 seconds, and you should see the battery icon on the dashboard flash three times, confirming the reset was successful.
Pro Tips for Off-Roaders and Overlanders
If you use your Explorer for off-road adventures, your battery faces more stress than a typical highway commuter. Constant vibrations from dirt roads can cause internal plates in a standard battery to shift or break.
Consider upgrading to a high-cycle AGM battery that is specifically rated for high-vibration environments. These batteries use tightly packed cells that are much more resistant to the physical shocks of trail driving.
Always carry a portable lithium-ion jump starter in your gear bag. Even with a brand-new battery, leaving your fridge or camp lights running overnight can drain your power, and a compact jump pack is a lifesaver in the backcountry.
Check your terminal tightness after every major off-road trip. The vibrations can occasionally loosen the 10mm nuts, leading to intermittent starting issues or charging problems that are hard to diagnose on the fly.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting Tips
One common mistake is forgetting to remove the small plastic shipping caps from the new battery posts. If you try to force the terminals over these caps, you will likely stretch or damage the terminal connectors.
If your Explorer won’t start after the swap, double-check the tightness of the terminals. A connection that feels “tight enough” might still be loose enough to prevent the high current flow needed to engage the starter motor.
Ensure you haven’t accidentally pinched any wiring harnesses under the battery or the hold-down bracket. The 2020 Explorer has several thin sensor wires near the battery tray that can be easily crushed if you aren’t careful during installation.
If you encounter heavy corrosion on the cable ends, use a terminal cleaning brush to scrub the inside of the connectors until they show shiny metal. Poor contact caused by oxidation is a leading cause of premature battery failure.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to change a battery in a 2020 ford explorer
How long does the battery last in a 2020 Ford Explorer?
On average, the original equipment battery lasts 3 to 5 years. Factors like extreme temperatures, short driving trips, and the use of the Auto Start-Stop feature can influence this lifespan.
Do I really need to reset the BMS after changing the battery?
Yes, resetting the Battery Management System is crucial. It tells the vehicle’s computer that a new battery is installed so it can adjust the charging profile, preventing overcharging and extending the life of your new investment.
What happens if I lose my radio presets or seat memory?
Using a memory saver (a small device that plugs into your OBD-II port) can prevent the loss of settings. If you don’t use one, you may need to reset your clock and radio stations, but the vehicle’s main driveability will not be affected.
Can I use a standard lead-acid battery instead of an AGM?
It is strongly discouraged. The 2020 Ford Explorer is designed for AGM batteries, which handle the high electrical loads of modern safety features and start-stop technology much better than standard batteries.
Summary of Key Takeaways
Changing your own battery is one of the most empowering maintenance tasks you can perform. It builds mechanical confidence and ensures you aren’t at the mercy of a tow truck driver when your vehicle fails to start in your driveway.
Always remember the “Negative First, Negative Last” rule for safety. By disconnecting the ground cable first and reconnecting it last, you eliminate the risk of electrical shorts that could damage your SUV’s expensive control modules.
Take the time to perform the BMS reset procedure. It only takes a minute and is the difference between getting three years or five years out of your new battery. This small step is what separates a “parts changer” from a true DIY mechanic.
Now that you know how to change a battery in a 2020 ford explorer, you can tackle this project with total peace of mind. Keep your tools handy, stay safe, and enjoy the reliability of a fresh start every time you turn the key!
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