These instructions apply to the Ford Explorer Mk5 (U502) 2011-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
A flat 12 V battery will stop a 2011–2019 Ford Explorer cranking. Its battery is under the hood, so you connect at the battery and ground the last clamp to bare engine metal. This is the US-market procedure.
- Park a 12 V donor close but not touching; parking brakes on, both heater fans on, other accessories off, both ignitions off. Don’t disconnect the dead battery.
- Red (+) to the Explorer’s positive (+), then to the donor’s positive (+).
- Black (−) to the donor’s negative (−), then to bare unpainted engine metal on the Explorer, away from the battery and fuel system.
- Start the donor, then the Explorer; run both about 3 minutes, then remove the cables in reverse order (ground first).
FAQ
Where does the ground clamp go?
Bare engine metal away from the battery — not the dead battery’s negative post or fuel lines.
Anything to do afterward?
Idle a few minutes so the idle relearns; reset the clock and presets if the battery went flat.
Can I push-start it?
No — the automatic can’t be push-started. Use cables or a jump pack.
If your Explorer stores a fault code with the warning light, look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Ford. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.