Ford Explorer Battery Location
Find exactly where the battery is in your Ford Explorer. Includes 5th and 6th gen placement changes.
Last updated: 2026-10-29 • 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 |
This vehicle's factory manual
The spec is above. This opens the 2020 Ford Explorer factory book. Use another year if yours is older.
Ford Explorer maintenance schedule
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
The button opens the factory book for this vehicle. Use the engine picker only when your trim is not the one this page already matched.
6th Gen (2020-2024)
- →Difficult access — behind cowl panel near firewall
- →Some trims have battery in cargo area
- →AGM battery mandatory
5th Gen (2011-2019)
Manual already checked Amazon for you
You came here for the exact spec. Now here is the exact part — plus the two things people always forget and have to run back to the store for.
Ford Explorer Replacement Battery
Get the correct battery size and type for your Ford Explorer.
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links — at zero extra cost to you. We only suggest items that match the factory specs on this page.
Battery — Manual's Parts List
The right battery, the right tools, no lost settings.
- 1Replacement BatteryShop →
Behind passenger-side cowl pan — AGM strongly recommended for modern cars
- 2OBD2 Memory SaverShop →
Keeps radio presets, seat memory, idle learn data
- 3Terminal Cleaner BrushShop →
Corrosion under the clamp causes voltage drop
- 4Battery Terminal Protector SprayShop →
Prevents the green crust from coming back
Get everything at once
One search shows all of the above on a single page.
Links go to Amazon via our affiliate store (aiautorepair-20). We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it keeps the site running and the data free.
One-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.
- What battery location does a Ford Explorer use?
- 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.
- What battery size for a 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.
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Author & Review
Published by AllOEMManuals, founded by Lyndon Bedford, an automotive technician with 20 years of experience. He owned and operated a mechanic shop in Hurst, Texas from 2014 to 2022 and continues hands-on repair work.
Content may combine manual references, general repair templates, and AI-assisted drafting. Confirm the source, vehicle configuration, and applicability before working. Report corrections through our contact page.
Last updated: 2026-10-29