Ford Explorer 2003 Fuse Replacement
Having an electrical issue? It could be a blown fuse — an easy fix you can do yourself.
Follow the steps below to find and replace the fuse:
Step 1: Find the Fuse Box
In your Ford Explorer 2003, the interior fuse box is typically located under the dashboard on the driver's side. Some vehicles also have an additional fuse box in the engine compartment. Check your owner's manual or the fuse box cover for the exact location.
Step 2: Identify the Corresponding Fuse
Below is the complete fuse list for your vehicle. Find the circuit that isn't working and note the fuse number and amperage.
Passenger compartment Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memory seat module, Driver power seat | 30 |
| 2 | Heated seats, Moonroof | 20 |
| 3 | Radio, Amplifier, DVD | 20 |
| 4 | Front wiper module | 5 |
| 5 | Flasher relay (Turn, hazards) | 15 |
| 6 | Right horn | 10 |
| 7 | Heated mirrors | 15 |
| 8 | Not used (spare) | |
| 9 | Not used (spare) | |
| 10 | Heated backlight relay coil, Heated seat module, A/C clutch contact | 10 |
| 11 | Not used (spare) | |
| 12 | 4x4 module | 5 |
| 13 | Overdrive cancel switch, Flex fuel sender | 5 |
| 14 | PATS module | 5 |
| 15 | Rear wiper module, Cluster, TPMS | 5 |
| 16 | Power mirror, Manual climate control, TPMS | 5 |
| 17 | Delayed acc. coil, Battery saver, Glove compartment lamp, 2nd row courtesy lamps | 15 |
| 18 | Left horn | 10 |
| 19 | RCM | 10 |
| 20 | Driver seat switch, Memory switch, Driver seat module, BSM, Sunload sensor | 5 |
| 21 | Instrument cluster, Compass, Flasher coil | 5 |
| 22 | ABS, IVD Controller | 10 |
| 23 | Brake pedal position switch, Driver brake applied relay, Redundant cruise deactivate switch | 15 |
| 24 | Cigar lighter, OBD II | 15 |
| 25 | Mode-Temperature actuator for auxiliary climate control, Trailer tow battery charge coil | 5 |
| 26 | Park aid, Brake shift interlock, Approach lamp relay coil, IVD switch | 7.5 |
| 27 | Electrochromatic mirror, Digital transmission range sensor - backup lamps | 7.5 |
| 28 | Radio (Start)/DVD (Start) | 5 |
| 29 | Digital transmission range sensor, PWR feed to fuse #28 (Start feed) | 10 |
| 30 | Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), Remote solenoid, DEATC climate controller, Manual climate control, Manual climate control temp blend actuator | 5 |
Power distribution box Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PJB | 60 |
| 2 | BSM | 30 |
| 3 | Not used | |
| 4 | Rear defrost | 30 |
| 5 | Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) pump | 40 |
| 6 | Delayed accessory | 60 |
| 7 | Power point #2 | 20 |
| 8 | Not used | |
| 9 | Power point #1 | 20 |
| 10 | ABS module (valves) | 30 |
| 11 | PTEC | 40 |
| 12 | Ignition relay, Starter relay | 50 |
| 13 | Trailer tow battery, Trailer tow turn signals | 40 |
| 14 | Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) (Canada) | 10 |
| 15 | Memory (PCM/DEATC/Cluster) | 15 |
| 16 | Headlamp switch, Foglamp switch | 15 |
| 17 | 4x4 (v-batt 2) | 20 |
| 18 | 4x4 (v-batt 1) | 20 |
| 19 | High beam relay | 20 |
| 20 | Electric brake | 30 |
| 21 | Front wiper motor | 30 |
| 22 | Low beam | 20 |
| 23 | Ignition switch | 30 |
| 24 | Not used | |
| 25 | Not used | |
| 26 | Fuel pump | 15 |
| 27 | Trailer tow lamps | 20 |
| 28 | Horn relay | 20 |
| 29 | PJB | 60 |
| 30 | Rear wiper motor | 20 |
| 31 | Not used | |
| 32 | Not used | |
| 33 | Auxiliary blower motor | 30 |
| 34 | Passenger power seat, Adjustable pedals | 30 |
| 35 | Not used | |
| 36 | Blower motor | 40 |
| 37 | A/C clutch relay, Transmission | 15 |
| 38 | Coil on plug | 15 |
| 39 | Injectors, Fuel pump relay | 15 |
| 40 | PTEC power | 15 |
| 41 | HEGO, VMV, CMS, PTEC | 15 |
| 42 | Right low' beam | 10 |
| 43 | Left low' beam | 10 |
| 44 | Front foglamps | 15 |
| 45 | Brake pressure switch (ABS) | 2 |
| 46 | High beams | 20 |
| 47 | Horn relay | |
| 48 | Fuel pump relay | |
| 49 | High beam relay | |
| 50 | Fog lamp relay | |
| 51 | DRL relay (Canada/AdvanceTrac relay (U.S.) | |
| 52 | A/C clutch relay | |
| 53 | Trailer tow right turn relay | |
| 54 | Trailer tow left turn relay | |
| 55 | Blower motor relay | |
| 56 | Starter relay | |
| 57 | PTEC relay | |
| 58 | Ignition relay | |
| 59 | Driver brake applied relay (vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac only) | |
| 60 | PCM diode | |
| 61 | A/C clutch diode | |
| 62 | Power windows circuit breaker | 30 |
Assignment of the relay in the Rear Relay Box Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| Relay14 | Not used | |
| Relay15 | Trailer tow back- up lamps | |
| Relay16 | Not used | |
| Relay17 | Not used | |
| Relay18 | Not used | |
| Relay19 | Trailer tow park lamps | |
| Relay20 | Trailer tow battery charge | |
| Relay21 | Not used | |
| Relay22 | Approach lamps | |
| Relay23 | Not used | |
| Diode3 | Not used | |
| Diode4 | Not used |
Step 3: Check the Fuse
Use the plastic fuse puller, typically found in the fuse box, to remove the fuse. Hold it up to a light source. If the metal filament inside is broken or charred, the fuse is bad and needs to be replaced.
Step 4: How to Get a Replacement
You can buy a replacement fuse at any auto parts store. Make sure you match the **amperage (A)** and **physical size** of the fuse exactly. For example, if you need a 20A fuse, get a 20A fuse.
Step 5: Replace the Fuse
Gently press the new fuse into the empty slot. You should feel a slight click when it's securely in place. Test the affected circuit to confirm it's working again.
What Now?
Fuse Was Blown — What to Buy
Ask at any auto parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto) for a blade fuse with the same amperage printed on the old one (e.g., 10A, 15A, 20A). Also match the physical size — mini (most modern cars), standard, or maxi. Replacement fuses cost under $5 and most stores sell assorted packs.
Fuse Looks Fine — Other Causes
If the fuse is intact, the problem isn't a blown fuse. Common alternatives include a bad relay (a click-sized electrical switch), a faulty wiring connection, or a failed component (motor, switch, module). At this point, a mechanic's diagnostic is the most reliable next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I put in the wrong amperage fuse?
Higher amperage fuses won't protect the circuit and can cause wiring damage or fire. Lower amperage fuses will blow again immediately. Always match the exact amperage.
Why does my fuse keep blowing?
A repeatedly blown fuse indicates an underlying short circuit or overload. Replacing it again won't fix the root cause — consult a mechanic.
Do I need any tools?
Most cars come with a plastic fuse puller in the fuse box lid. If not, fine-tip needle-nose pliers work. A small flashlight helps.
How do I know what size fuse to buy?
Match the amperage printed on the old fuse (e.g., 10A, 15A, 20A) and the physical blade size (mini, standard, maxi). Auto parts stores carry assorted packs.