Trouble codes › By vehicle › Ford Explorer
Common check-engine codes on the Ford Explorer
2006-2022
Explorers from 2011 on use 3.5L V6, 3.5L EcoBoost and 2.3L EcoBoost engines. Common codes are misfires, EVAP and electronic throttle problems; the 3.5L V6 also has an internal water pump that can leak coolant into the oil.
Most common: P0300, P2111, P0299, P0171, P0455, P0420.
Known problems on the Ford Explorer
- Ford electronic throttle body problems (2009-2013) (P2111, P2135, P2101, P0121)
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 means the engine is misfiring in more than one cylinder, often from worn plugs or coils, a vacuum leak or low fuel pressure.
On the Ford Explorer: Misfires: plugs and coils; on EcoBoost engines, intercooler condensation in humid weather is a known cause.
P0300: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P2111 Throttle Actuator "A" Control System - Stuck Open
P2111 means the electronic throttle is stuck more open than commanded.
On the Ford Explorer: Electronic throttle body problems (P2111, P2112, P2135) were common on several Ford engines around 2010-2013, and Ford issued bulletins and an extended-coverage program for some vehicles; ask a dealer with your VIN.
P2111: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0299 Turbocharger/Supercharger "A" Underboost Condition
P0299 means the turbo or supercharger isn't making the boost the engine asked for, most often from a boost leak.
On the Ford Explorer: Underboost on EcoBoost models: intercooler hose leaks or wastegate problems.
P0299: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0171 means bank 1 is running lean (too much air or too little fuel), most often from a vacuum leak or a dirty MAF sensor.
On the Ford Explorer: Lean codes, often with P0174: vacuum leaks or a dirty MAF sensor.
P0171: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0455 Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Large Leak)
P0455 means the EVAP system has a large leak, most often a loose, missing or bad gas cap.
On the Ford Explorer: EVAP large leak: the capless filler neck, purge valve or canister.
P0455: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0420 means the catalytic converter on bank 1 isn't cleaning the exhaust well enough, usually a worn converter, an exhaust leak or a lazy oxygen sensor.
On the Ford Explorer: Catalyst efficiency at higher mileage, often with P0430.
P0420: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
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Common codes and known problems as widely reported for these model years; your vehicle may differ. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer about service bulletins for your VIN, and confirm in your service information.