Where Is The Battery On A 2020 Ford Explorer – Quick Access
The battery on a 2020 Ford Explorer is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side, positioned near the base of the windshield. It is tucked beneath a plastic cowl cover that must be removed for direct access to the terminals. For jump-starting, Ford provides more accessible remote metal posts located elsewhere under the hood.
You open the hood of your SUV, expecting to see the battery sitting front and center, but all you see is plastic. Many owners find themselves asking where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer when they are stranded in a parking lot or preparing for a weekend camping trip. This hidden placement is common in modern vehicle design to protect sensitive electronics from heat and moisture.
I have spent years under the hoods of various Ford models, and I can tell you that the 2020 Explorer layout is a bit of a departure from older generations. While the battery is tucked away, accessing it is a straightforward process once you know which clips to pop and which panels to lift. This guide will walk you through finding, accessing, and maintaining your power source safely.
Whether you are a DIY mechanic or an off-road enthusiast prepping for a long trail run, understanding your electrical system is vital. We will cover everything from basic location to the technical “Battery Management System” reset required after a replacement. Let’s get your Explorer back on the road with confidence.
where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer
If you are standing at the front bumper of your vehicle looking into the engine bay, look toward the back left (the passenger side). You will notice a large black plastic panel near the firewall, which is the metal wall separating the engine from the cabin. This is exactly where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer, hidden beneath that protective shroud.
Ford designers placed the battery here to improve weight distribution and shield the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery from the extreme heat generated by the engine. Heat is the primary enemy of battery longevity, so this “hidden” spot actually helps your battery last longer. However, it does make a simple visual inspection a bit more difficult for the average owner.
To see the actual terminals, you must remove the plastic access cover. This panel is held in place by a few plastic clips and a rubber weatherstrip. Once you pull these back, the battery will be clearly visible, sitting in a dedicated tray with its positive and negative cables attached.
The Difference Between the Battery and Jump Points
It is important to distinguish between the battery location and the jump-start points. You do not actually need to find where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer just to give or receive a jump. Ford provides “remote” terminals that are much easier to reach in an emergency.
The positive jump point is usually marked with a red plastic flip-cap. The negative point is a dedicated metal stud bolted to the vehicle’s frame or engine block nearby. Always use these remote points first to avoid sparking near the battery itself, which can be a safety hazard.
Tools You Need for Battery Access and Removal
Before you start digging under the hood, gather a few basic tools. Having the right gear prevents you from snapping the plastic clips that Ford uses to secure the engine bay covers. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your DIY project professional and stress-free.
- 10mm Socket or Wrench: This is the most important tool, as it fits the battery terminal nuts and the hold-down bracket.
- Trim Removal Tool: A plastic pry tool helps you pop up the cowl clips without scratching the paint or breaking the plastic.
- Work Gloves: Batteries can be dirty and contain acidic residue; protect your hands.
- Safety Glasses: Always wear eye protection when working near lead-acid or AGM batteries to guard against sparks or leaks.
- Battery Terminal Cleaner: A small wire brush helps remove oxidation from the cable ends.
If you are planning to replace the battery entirely, you might also want a memory saver. This small device plugs into your OBD-II port and holds a tiny charge so your radio presets and seat positions aren’t lost while the main battery is disconnected. It is a “pro-tip” that saves a lot of annoyance later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing the Hidden Battery
Now that you know where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer, let’s get to it. Follow these steps carefully to ensure you don’t damage the plastic trim or the sensitive sensors nearby. Work slowly and never force a piece of plastic if it feels stuck.
- Open the Hood: Pull the release lever inside the cabin and then engage the secondary latch under the hood. Secure the hood with the prop rod or ensure the struts are holding it firmly.
- Locate the Passenger Side Cowl: Look at the plastic panel just below the windshield on the passenger side. You will see a few circular plastic fasteners holding it down.
- Remove the Clips: Use your trim tool to gently pry up the center pin of the plastic clips. Once the center pin is up, the entire clip should slide out easily.
- Peel Back the Weatherstripping: There is a long rubber seal that runs across the engine bay. You only need to pull back the section covering the battery panel.
- Lift the Cover: Gently tilt the plastic cover upward and slide it out of the way. You should now see the battery sitting in its tray near the firewall.
Once the cover is off, take a moment to inspect the area. Look for any signs of corrosion (white or blue powdery buildup) around the terminals. If you see fluid leaking or the battery casing looks “bloated,” it is time for an immediate replacement. A healthy battery should be clean, dry, and firmly secured.
How to Jump-Start Your 2020 Explorer Safely
If your Explorer won’t start, your first instinct is probably to look for where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer to hook up cables. Stop right there. Using the remote jump points is significantly safer and faster than stripping off the plastic covers in the rain or dark.
Locate the red plastic cover on the passenger side of the engine bay. Flip it up to reveal the positive (+) terminal. This is where you connect your red jumper cable. For the negative (-) connection, look for a bare metal bolt or “grounding stud” on the vehicle frame. Never connect the negative cable directly to a dead battery if a remote ground is available.
Connect the cables in the proper order: Red to the dead car, Red to the donor car, Black to the donor car, and finally, Black to the grounding stud on the dead car. Start the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes before attempting to start your Explorer. This allows the alternator of the donor car to provide a “surface charge” to your battery.
Safety Warnings for Jump-Starting
Modern Fords are packed with computers and sensitive modules. A sudden surge in voltage can cause expensive damage. Always ensure both vehicles are turned off before making the final cable connection. If you see excessive sparking, double-check your polarity immediately.
If the vehicle does not start after two or three attempts, do not keep cranking the engine. This can overheat the starter motor. At this point, the battery may have a dead cell, or there may be a deeper issue with the fuel system or ignition. It is better to call a tow truck than to burn out your starter.
Choosing the Right Replacement Battery
The 2020 Ford Explorer typically requires an H6 (Group 48) AGM battery. AGM stands for Absorbent Glass Mat, a technology that is more vibration-resistant and handles the “Auto Start-Stop” feature of modern SUVs much better than traditional flooded batteries. If you go off-roading, the vibration resistance of an AGM is a huge benefit.
When shopping, look at the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating. This number tells you how much power the battery can deliver in freezing temperatures. For an Explorer, you generally want a battery rated for at least 760 to 800 CCA. Choosing a battery with a lower rating might leave you stranded during a cold winter morning.
I recommend sticking with high-quality brands like Motorcraft (the OEM brand), Odyssey, or Optima. While they cost more upfront, their reliability in extreme conditions is worth the investment. Cheap batteries often fail just after their warranty expires, usually at the most inconvenient time possible.
The Critical Battery Management System (BMS) Reset
This is the step most DIYers miss. After you install a new unit and confirm where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer is properly secured, you must reset the Battery Management System (BMS). The Explorer uses a sensor to track the age and health of the battery to adjust how the alternator charges it.
As a battery gets older, the alternator charges it more aggressively. If you put a brand-new battery in but don’t reset the system, the alternator will treat the new battery like an old one. This “overcharging” can significantly shorten the lifespan of your expensive new AGM battery, sometimes killing it in less than a year.
How to Reset the BMS Without a Scan Tool
You don’t necessarily need a professional mechanic’s computer to do this. There is a “manual” sequence you can perform from the driver’s seat. It sounds like a cheat code for a video game, but it works on most Ford vehicles from this era.
- Get in the car and close all doors.
- Turn the ignition to the “On” position (engine off).
- Flash your high beams 5 times.
- Press and release the brake pedal 3 times.
- Wait about 10 seconds. The battery icon on the dashboard should flash, indicating the reset is successful.
If this manual method doesn’t work for your specific trim level, you can use a tool like FORScan and an OBD-II adapter. This allows you to tell the car’s computer that a new battery has been installed. If you aren’t comfortable with this, any local shop can perform the reset for a small fee.
Troubleshooting Common Power Issues
Sometimes the problem isn’t the battery itself. If you’ve checked where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer and everything looks tight, but you still have power issues, consider these common culprits. Modern SUVs are complex, and a single loose wire can cause a cascade of dashboard warning lights.
Check the BMS sensor located on the negative battery cable. This small plastic module can sometimes get bumped or the wire can fray. If this sensor fails, your car might disable features like the radio or heated seats to “save” power, even if the battery is perfectly fine. It is a common point of confusion for many owners.
Another issue is “parasitic draw.” If you have installed aftermarket off-road lights, a dashcam, or a winch, ensure they are wired to a circuit that turns off with the ignition. Even a tiny light left on overnight can drain an AGM battery to the point where the vehicle won’t start. Always use a relay for high-draw accessories.
When to Call a Professional
If you see smoke, smell “rotten eggs” (sulfur), or notice that your battery terminals are melting, stop immediately. These are signs of a severe electrical short or a failing alternator that is dangerously overcharging the system. In these cases, DIY troubleshooting can be dangerous.
Additionally, if you replace the battery and the vehicle still won’t start, the issue might lie with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the starter solenoid. These components require specialized diagnostic equipment to test properly. Don’t be afraid to call a certified technician if the “quick fixes” don’t solve the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Ford Explorer Battery
What size battery does a 2020 Ford Explorer take?
The 2020 Ford Explorer typically uses an H6 (also known as Group 48) AGM battery. You should always verify the specific Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) requirement in your owner’s manual, but 800 CCA is a common standard for this model year.
How long does the factory battery last?
On average, the factory Motorcraft battery lasts between 3 to 5 years. Factors like extreme weather, short driving trips, and the use of high-draw accessories can shorten this lifespan. If you live in a very hot or very cold climate, expect to replace it closer to the 3-year mark.
Can I use a standard lead-acid battery instead of AGM?
It is highly discouraged. The 2020 Explorer is designed for AGM technology, especially if it has the Auto Start-Stop feature. A standard lead-acid battery cannot handle the frequent discharge and recharge cycles as effectively and will likely fail prematurely.
Why does my car say “System Off to Save Battery”?
This message appears when the Battery Management System detects that the battery’s state of charge is low. It shuts down non-essential electronics (like the infotainment screen) to ensure there is enough power left to crank the engine. It is a sign that you should test your battery soon.
Conclusion: Stay Powered and Prepared
Finding where is the battery on a 2020 ford explorer is the first step in taking control of your vehicle’s maintenance. While the hidden location near the passenger-side firewall might seem intimidating at first, it is easily accessible with just a few minutes and a 10mm wrench. Remember to always prioritize safety by using the remote jump points for emergencies.
Properly maintaining your electrical system ensures that your Explorer is ready for whatever the road—or the trail—throws at it. From choosing a high-quality AGM replacement to performing the mandatory BMS reset, these small steps prevent costly repairs and frustrating breakdowns. Keep your terminals clean, your connections tight, and your software updated.
Now that you have the “pro” knowledge, you can handle your next battery swap with ease. Don’t let a hidden battery slow you down. Get out there, explore with confidence, and stay safe on your adventures!
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