Where are the sensors on a Ford Explorer?
In a modern Ford Explorer, sensors are spread around the vehicle to support safety and convenience features, with the most visible placements in the front and around the body, plus interior sensors for occupants and systems. Exact locations can vary by model year and trim, so always consult your owner’s manual for year-specific details.
Exterior sensor system placements
The Explorer relies on a mix of radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors positioned around the outside of the vehicle to enable driver-assist features, parking aids, and awareness of the surrounding environment.
Radar and camera-based driver-assist systems
These sensors work together to monitor traffic, lane markings, and potential collisions. Here are the typical exterior locations you’ll encounter on recent Explorers.
- Front radar sensors located behind the front grille or in the lower bumper area for adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
- Forward-facing camera mounted near the top center of the windshield (behind the rearview mirror) for lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and other ADAS features.
- 360-degree camera system using multiple cameras around the vehicle (front grille area, near the side mirrors or lower corners, and rear bumper) to create a bird’s-eye view for parking and maneuvering.
Note that exact camera and radar placements can differ by year and trim, but the general arrangement relies on a combination of front, side, and rear viewpoints.
Parking and proximity sensors
Ultrasonic or capacitive sensors embedded in the bumpers detect distance to nearby objects and help with parking assist and collision avoidance at close range.
- Front bumper sensors spaced along the width of the bumper.
- Rear bumper sensors arranged to cover the typical rear approach zones when reversing or parking.
These sensors pair with audible alerts and on-screen guidance to help you avoid obstacles in tight spaces.
Wheel, tire, and surface sensing
Self-checks and tire management rely on sensors associated with the wheels and tires, plus ancillary exterior measurements that inform traction and safety systems.
- Wheel-speed sensors at each wheel for ABS/ESC and traction control.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors inside each tire valve to monitor pressure and temperature and warn of underinflation.
These measurements help maintain grip, braking performance, and overall vehicle stability during dynamic driving.
Interior sensors and safety systems
Inside the cabin, sensors monitor occupants, climate, and safety-system readiness to ensure appropriate airbag deployment and comfort features.
Occupant detection and airbags
Safety sensors inside the vehicle determine whether airbags should deploy and how aggressively, based on occupant presence and seating position.
- Seat occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat cushion to detect a passenger and influence airbag deployment.
- Airbag crash sensors located in the front structure and side pillars to detect impact direction and severity for timely deployment.
These interior sensors are critical to the effectiveness of Ford’s restraint system and passenger protection features.
Cabin climate and comfort sensors
Some Explorers include sensors that help regulate climate control and comfort settings by monitoring the interior environment.
- Cabin temperature sensors to inform automatic climate control adjustments.
- Humidity or air-quality indicators used by climate and filtration systems in select trims.
These sensors contribute to comfort and passenger well-being, especially on longer trips or in extreme weather.
Technology, maintenance, and user notes
Because sensor layouts vary by model year, trim level, and regional configuration, owners should reference the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a dealership for precise locations and service instructions. If a sensor warning appears on the dashboard, a qualified technician can diagnose which unit is affected and perform calibration or replacement as needed.
Summary
The Ford Explorer uses a broad sensor network spread across exterior and interior locations to support driver assistance, safety, and comfort features. Front radar and cameras enable adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, ultrasonic bumper sensors assist parking, wheel-speed and TPMS sensors monitor grip and tire health, and interior sensors manage occupant safety and cabin comfort. Year and trim differences mean exact placements can vary, so consult your manual or dealer for specifics.
