Ford Explorer Battery Location
Find exactly where the battery is in your Ford Explorer. Includes 5th and 6th gen placement changes.
Last updated: 2026-05-07 • Reading time: 8 min • By AllOEMManuals Editorial Team
Quick Answer
The 2020+ Ford Explorer battery is behind the passenger side of the dashboard (or in the cargo area). The 2011-2019 Explorer battery is under the hood.
| Generation | Years | Top spec |
|---|---|---|
| 6th Gen (2020-2024) | 2020-2024 | Behind passenger-side cowl panel or cargo area |
| 5th Gen (2011-2019) | 2011-2019 | Under hood, passenger side |
Know the exact battery location job for your Ford Explorer
The 2020+ Ford Explorer battery is behind the passenger side of the dashboard (or in the cargo area). The 2011-2019 Explorer battery is under the hood.
Battery access can move between the engine bay, cargo floor, cowl, or under-seat trays depending on hybrid hardware and trim. Once the spec is confirmed, use the supplies and purchase links below to build the full one-trip shopping list before you start the repair.
Exact Vehicle Check
Use the archive navigator when you need the exact engine, trim, or production-branch manual instead of a broad year-range summary. That keeps the buying list and repair steps aligned with the real vehicle.
6th Gen (2020-2024)
2020-2024- →Difficult access — behind cowl panel near firewall
- →Some trims have battery in cargo area
- →AGM battery mandatory
5th Gen (2011-2019)
2011-2019One-Trip Shopping List
Recommended supplies and tools for this job, grouped so you can buy everything before the repair starts.
Replacement Battery
Match your Group Size (e.g. H6, 35) and CCA rating.
Terminal Cleaner
Removes corrosion for a reliable electrical connection.
Memory Saver
Keeps your car settings while the battery is disconnected.
Battery Carrier
Makes lifting heavy batteries much safer and easier.
Battery Charger
Helpful for revive-and-test jobs before you replace a weak battery.
Terminal Spray
Protects battery posts from future corrosion.
Project Essentials
Basic tool sets, gloves, and cleaning supplies for your Ford Explorer so the job is ready when the parts arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Ford hide the Explorer battery?
- Ford moved the 2020+ Explorer battery behind the cowl panel to save engine bay space for the new RWD platform. It's controversial among owners due to difficult access. Some models have it in the cargo area instead.
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Not sure you want to DIY? Compare local shop pricing first.
Author & Review
Written by AllOEMManuals Editorial Team. Reviewed by ASE-certified technicians and updated with factory-reference checks for fitment-sensitive steps.
This guide was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by a human editor.
Last updated: 2026-05-07