Ford Explorer consists of various warning lights. However, the flashing lights can confuse you. If that is the case, you can refer to my guide below to diagnose the problem and understand how to fix it.
Why are my ford explorer lights flashing?
Your Ford Explorer lights are flashing because of
- Junction box problems
- Loose cables
- Battery issues
- Ignition switch issues
- Bulb issues
Different Ford Explorer Lights Flashing & Troubleshooting Tips
Ford Explorer engine light flashing – why?
When the Ford Explorer engine light flashes, it means that there are chances of an engine misfire, and the fuel is not being burned properly.
In that case, the fuel will enter the exhaust system. It can increase the temperature and lead to fire and damage to various parts of your Ford Explorer. Thus, it requires your immediate attention.
How to fix it?
Firstly you have to turn off your vehicle. After that, contact Ford customer care quickly. You might have to call a towing truck to tow your vehicle to the dealership. Unfortunately, in this case, doing anything yourself is too risky. That is why; you have to rely on professionals.
Ford Explorer wrench light flashing -why?
The wrench light flashing means that there might be a throttle problem. Apart from that, it can also indicate a transmission fault. In both these cases, you shouldn’t drive your vehicle further.
How to fix it?
To solve the problem, you have to find out the fault code using the onboard computer. The code can either be P2111 or P2112. You might need a throttle body replacement if you notice any of these. Only a professional mechanic can do that.
Ford Explorer theft light flashing – why?
Whenever there is an attempt to break into your vehicle or vandalize your vehicle, the light might start flashing.
The theft light is to secure your Ford Explorer.
However, what should you do if nothing of that sort is happening and the light still flashes?
In that case, there is a problem with the antitheft system. The only solution is to reset the same.
How to fix it?
1. Put the key into the driver’s side lock.
2. Move the key but do not move it far enough to unlock the door. Hold the key for sixty seconds in this position.
3. After that, bring the key to the original position, move it in the opposite direction, and repeat the same process.
4. After that, you have to remove the key from the door, normally unlock your car, and start the engine.
This will reset the antitheft system and make it easy for you to gain access to your Ford Explorer.
Ford Explorer flashing theft light and won’t start – why?
In case the theft light is flashing, and your vehicle won’t start, it indicates that the programming of your car key fob isn’t functioning appropriately.
How to fix it?
The solution is to reprogram your car key fob. However, instead of contacting a locksmith for the same, it is a much better idea to contact the Ford dealership. Only when you reprogram the key through official sources will you be able to access your Ford Explorer easily and also start the engine.
Ford Explorer ABS light flashing – why?
ABS light is directly connected to the speed signal from the wheels. That is why, when it detects abnormal wheel speed, it will illuminate this light. Also, when this light comes on, there will be a fault code recorded in the onboard computer system.
How to fix it?
Once you get the fault code, you will realize that problem is usually with the ABS module. However, a proper diagnostic check will be required, which a mechanic can do. Replacing the ABS module is the solution.
If you have the Ford Explorer manual, you can run this diagnostic check yourself. However, the replacement of the ABS module will require professional intervention.
Ford Explorer airbag light flashing- why?
• Faulty seat sensors
• Problematic airbag
• Airbag not being reset after deployment.
How to fix it?
Firstly, check for any codes in the onboard computer. It will help you identify the problem between these three. After that, you will know the exact issue and follow the solutions below.
- To fix a faulty seat sensor, you have to check the wiring below the seat. If the wires are dislodged or disconnected, you have to connect them. For the same, you can refer to the manual.
- If the problem is with the airbag itself, you might have to reset the entire system to get a proper response from the airbag, and the light won’t flash.
- In case the airbag was deployed and replaced and after that the light flashes, it might be because the airbag system hasn’t been reset. Unfortunately, you might have to contact the same mechanic or replace the airbag to reset the system.
Ford explorer flashing airbag light 3 times – why?
If the Ford explorer airbag light is flashing three times it means that the airbag module isn’t connected to the ground.
How to fix it?
To connect the airbag module to the ground, you have to check the model behind the passenger kick panel. You have to find out if any wire is disconnected from the relay. Most likely, you will be able to view the black ground wire, which might be disconnected. You have to connect it back to the ground port.
In case you aren’t able to access the module or figure out whether it is connected to the ground or not, a mechanic can help you out.
Ford Explorer battery light flashing – why?
The battery light flashing indicates that there might be a problem with the battery. The problem can be with the entire battery or just the cells.
How to fix it?
The first thing you need to figure out is whether the problem is with the single cell of the battery or the entire battery.
For starters, you have to check the voltage of the battery. It will, of course, be low. Once you confirm the same, the problem lies with the battery. In that case, there is no need to run any other diagnostic check.
Unfortunately, whether the problem is with the single cell or the entire battery, the solution is to replace the battery. In case you want to replace the battery yourself, you will have to order a new one with the same specifications and use the manual to replace it. You might need to take your Ford Explorer to the mechanic for the same.
Ford Explorer third brake light flashing- why?
The third brake light flashing is usually due to the connection of the normal brake lights with the third one. There are some rumors that the third brake light might not be legal.
The question is, what should you do in case the third brake light is flashing?
How to fix it?
You can easily disconnect it yourself if you know your way around the wires. If not, you can contact the nearest mechanic to get it disconnected.
If the light is blinking consistently, it might be a relay problem. In that case, changing the relay will sort it out.
Ford Explorer seat belt light flashing – why?
If the Ford Explorer seat belt light is flashing even when no one is in the seat, it indicates the problem with the presence sensor. The sensor will mean that the seat is occupied, and when the seat belt is not worn, it will start flashing the seat belt sign.
On the other hand, if the seat belt is worn and still the light is flashing, it can be due to a problem with the seat belt module.
How to fix it?
In the first case, you will have to replace the presence sensor. That should fix the problem.
In the second case, most likely, the wire or two might have come loose, due to which the seat belt is not getting detected. This problem, unfortunately, can be solved only by a mechanic.
Ford Explorer traction control light flashing – why?
- In case of bad wheel speed sensors, this light can flash.
- Bad road conditions can also trigger this light.
- Programming issues can also lead to the illumination of this light.
- In case your vehicle has entered limp mode, this light can also start flashing.
How to fix it?
The solution to each of these problems is different.
• If you have bad wheel speed sensors, there is no other alternative but to replace them.
• In case of bad road conditions, you can start driving slow.
• Programming issues will be resolved by resetting the onboard computer. Even after resetting, you might have to opt for a software upgrade if the light is flashing. In that case, contact the car dealership.
• In case your vehicle has entered limp mode, you will have to find the cause of the same. If you have deliberately switched on the limp mode, you will have to remove the vehicle from it for the light to stop flashing.
Ford Explorer o/d light flashing – why?
When the o/d light starts flashing, it indicates a problem with the transmission system.
The first thing you need to do is obtain the fault code from the onboard computer system. Only once you get the same you can understand how to fix the problem.
How to fix it?
If your vehicle is new and hasn’t been driven around for a long time, it can simply be a problem with the speed sensor. From the fault code in the onboard computer system, you can know about the same. Replacing the speed sensor is easy and not that expensive.
In case the problem is something else, you might need to find out the exact cause using the code and then take the corrective steps.
Ford Explorer 4×4 light flashing meaning:
It simply indicates that the 4×4 system is working appropriately. In case you didn’t activate this mode, it might indicate that the terrain is such that the vehicle had to activate this mode on its own.
The number of times this light flashes will determine what it is trying to indicate. If the light is flashing consistently, it simply means that the mode is in use.
4×4 light flashing 3 times meaning:
Usually, when the light is flashing just three times, it indicates that there might be an electrical connection problem and nothing else.
4×4 light flashing 6 times meaning:
If the light flashes for 6 times more than 30 seconds, it indicates that a problem is with the drivetrain system. It also means that the four-wheel-drive hasn’t been appropriately engaged.
In that case, if you are driving on rough terrain, it is not advisable to continue driving. You have to focus on fixing the problem and then continue your drive.
How to fix it?
The problem can be different depending on how many times the light flashes.
• In case the light is flashing consistently, it might just indicate that the four-wheel-drive system is in use. In that case, you need not take any corrective steps.
• In case it is blinking three times, it might be due to an electrical problem. You have to first get the exact fault code from the onboard computer for the same. After that, you can start checking the wires and try to detect if any wires come loose. If you can’t find such a problem, you will have to take your Ford Explorer to the mechanic.
• If the light blinks six times for more than thirty seconds, then the system hasn’t been engaged properly. Only a trained mechanic will be able to figure out the exact drivetrain problem and fix it. At the most, you can try to disengage it and engage it once again. Still, if the light is blinking six times or for more than thirty seconds, you will have to take your vehicle to the mechanic
Ford Explorer 4×4 high light flashing meaning:
It can be due to the transmission fluid, or it can be a faulty computer module.
High light flashing 8, 10 times meaning:
In case the high light is flashing eight or ten times, the problem is with the shifter motor.
How to fix it?
When the Ford Explorer highlight starts flashing, you have to first and foremost check the transmission fluid. If it is leaking, you now know the problem, and after that, you can take it to a mechanic to fix it.
In case that is not the problem, you have to try and reset the onboard computer. If the light stops blinking after that, the issue is with the onboard computer.
Unfortunately, if the highlight is flashing eight or ten times, then you might have to replace the shifter motor. For the same, you will have to contact Ford customer care.
Ford Explorer 4×4 low light flashing meaning:
In case the 4×4 low light is flashing, it might indicate that you aren’t shifting appropriately when pressing the button.
How to fix it?
The easiest way to fix it is to put your truck in neutral and hold the brakes. Only then, when you press the low button, will the transfer be done properly.
Ford explorer interior light flashing – why?
Interior lights are flashing because of a problem with the ground. You have to look at the different circuits to ensure that every one of them is connected to the ground. It is a cumbersome process, but this problem arises when one of the circuits is not connected to the ground.
How to fix it?
To fix this, you have to 1st check the charging system, alternator, battery, etc. Most likely, the problem is with one of these three systems.
I understand that it is not that easy to check every circuit for the ground connection. In case you aren’t able to find an issue with these systems, it is good to take your Ford Explorer to the mechanic. They can go through the onboard computer system to manually check all the ground connections and fix the issue.
Ford explorer keypad lighting up – why?
The problem is usually with the fuse box with the keypad lights up. However, since it consists of numerous fuses, it is important to understand which one is faulty.
How to fix it?
In most cases, the number ten fuse in the fuse box is faulty. You have to remove it and reinstall it. If the fuse is still working, the vehicle will be working fine, and there will be no keypad flashing. In case, even after reinstalling it, if the keypad flashes, you will have to change the fuse number ten altogether.
In case you do not know how to access the fuse box, you can refer to the manual. If you still aren’t able to do it, taking your Ford Explorer to the mechanic is the only solution.
Red light flashing on dashboard Ford Explorer – why?
The red light flashing on the dashboard is usually an antitheft indicator. Even when you remove the key from your vehicle, it will keep on blinking. That is to alert anyone trying to mess with your car that the antitheft system is activated. In case someone still tries to mess with your car, there will be an alarm, and they will get caught.
It is more of a deterrent rather than anything else.
The owner of the Ford Explorer can also verify that it is working once the light starts flashing after you lock the vehicle from outside.
This problem does not require any fixing. The light is available in the modern variants of the Ford Explorer. In case you do not view the red light flashing after locking your vehicle from outside, you should be concerned. That is because, in that case, the antitheft mechanism hasn’t been activated. Your vehicle can be stolen without you even getting an alert.
If you notice the red light flashing on the dashboard, there is nothing to worry about.
Ford Explorer 4-wheel drive light flashing – why?
Usually, when the four-wheel-drive light starts flashing, it is because of a faulty computer module and electric solenoid.
Both these problems usually occur when the vehicle is being driven for 50,000 miles or more. Also, even if the four-wheel-drive light starts flashing due to one of these causes, it is likely that a few months down the line, the other codes also erupt unless you have fixed it in the first place.
How to fix it?
If it is the computer module, you have to first find out whether you’re running an older software version. In that case, you might have to upgrade the software.
Other than that, you have to also reset the on-board computer system. Many times, the light flashes due to a software glitch rather than a hardware glitch. Once you reset the computer module, this problem will go away.
On the other hand, if the problem is with the electric solenoid, you cannot do much about it. The only option which you have is to take your car to the mechanic can let him/her handle the issue.
Is it safe to drive with flashing lights?
It is safe to drive your Ford Explorer while lights are flashing in most cases. However, there are a few lights which you shouldn’t ignore. In case of these flashes, you have to stop driving and call for help right away.
These include:
- Whenever the engine light is flashing, you should stop driving your vehicle right away.
- In case the ABS light starts flashing, you should get it fixed as soon as possible.
- The airbag light flashing also means that you have to stop driving and fix the problem instantly. That is because the next time around, they might not deploy appropriately.
- The battery light flashing means that your vehicle can go red if you ignore it. That is why; you have to get it fixed right away.
- The O/T light flashing also means that it is dangerous to drive, and you need to fix it immediately.
- The 4×4 light flashing 6 times also requires immediate intervention. If the interior lights of your Ford Explorer are flashing, it indicates a problem with the ground connection, and you should not drive any further.
- Similarly, if the keypad keeps lighting up, you shouldn’t drive any further before fixing it.
These are the cases when you should get the problem fixed possible and only after that resume your trip.