Ford · Lincoln · FordPass Connect
Explorer & Aviator TCU location
Updated September 2026
Ford's crossovers hide the FordPass modem in the back rather than under the dash. Here's where it is on the Explorer and Aviator, the sibling models, and the fuse that makes the whole thing a five-minute job.
Short answer
On a 2020+ Explorer or Aviator, the modem is behind the left cargo-area trim panel. The easier route is the fuse labeled Telematics in the passenger compartment fuse panel: pull it and the vehicle shows offline in FordPass or Lincoln Way within minutes.
Location by model
| Vehicle | TCU location | Fuse |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2020+ / Aviator | Behind the left cargo trim panel (rear); clips; 3 connectors | Telematics, passenger compartment panel, check the lid diagram |
| Escape 2019+ / Corsair | Under the trunk load floor panel | F10 or F11, 5A, passenger compartment panel |
| Edge 2019+ / Nautilus | Behind the passenger seat or glovebox | Telematics, passenger compartment panel, check the lid diagram |
| Expedition 2018+ / Navigator | Under the dash or rear cargo area, varies by build | Telematics, junction box, driver or passenger side |
The fuse
- Open the passenger compartment fuse panel and remove its cover.
- Read the diagram inside the cover and find the fuse labeled Telematics, TCU, or Modem.
- Pull it with the fuse puller or needle-nose pliers.
- Replace the cover. Open FordPass or Lincoln Way and wait for the vehicle to show offline.
Careful: confirm the label before pulling. The wrong fuse can take out the radio, airbag system, or body control module.
Unplugging the module on an Explorer or Aviator
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal (10 mm) and wait five minutes.
- Pop the left cargo-area trim panel. It’s held by clips; photograph them first.
- Photograph the three connectors, then unscrew the two coax cables and press the tab on the main harness plug.
- Leave the module in place, reinstall the trim, and reconnect the battery.
What you lose, and what keeps working
- Lost: FordPass and Lincoln Way remote start, lock, and locate, 911 Assist, the Wi-Fi hotspot, vehicle health alerts, over-the-air updates, and driving-data uploads
- Still works: GPS navigation, SiriusXM, SYNC screens, Bluetooth, CarPlay and Android Auto, cameras, and every safety system
Want every Ford and Lincoln in one place?
The Ford / Lincoln guide has confirmed fuse positions and module locations for F-150, Super Duty, Bronco, Ranger, Maverick, Mustang, Expedition, Navigator, and more, plus how to unplug the TCU directly. $39, emailed as a PDF.
Common questions
+Where is the TCU on a 2020+ Explorer?
Behind the left cargo-area trim panel in the rear. The panel is held by clips, and the module has three connectors: one harness plug and two antenna coax cables. The Lincoln Aviator is the same.
+Which fuse is the Explorer's telematics modem?
A fuse labeled Telematics in the passenger compartment fuse panel. The position varies by build, so read the diagram inside your fuse cover.
+What about the Escape, Corsair, Edge, and Nautilus?
Escape and Corsair (2019+): the TCU is under the trunk load floor, and the fuse is F10 or F11 (5A) in the passenger compartment panel. Edge and Nautilus (2019+): behind the passenger seat or glovebox, with a Telematics fuse in the passenger compartment panel.
+Will Lincoln Way or navigation stop working?
Lincoln Way and FordPass remote features stop, which is the point. Navigation, SiriusXM, SYNC, Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto keep working because Ford's modem is a standalone data unit.