2020 Explorer Platinum

[jshenry1963]

Maybe you got a special vehicle from the dealer! I think all Platinums should come with the 400HP 3.0 from the ST and the Limited should get the 365HP 3.0 that the Platinum has. And save the 4 cylinder for the XLT.

Agree,
Actually, my wife got the special car, hers is an 1988 Ford Thunderbird with the 3.8V6, it gets 33 miles per gallon, and hugs the curves with the best of them (of course, accel isn't as great as my friends Mustang GT, but she keeps up with him on the curves....) And still gets 33mpg on trips.
ps. it's only rated for 21 combined city/highway 18 city 25 highway, yet we calculate after fill ups and mileages, simple compute up to 33 at times.

 

[blwnsmoke]

I don't know what else to say, it was on my window decal that came from Lance Cunningham Ford in Knoxville TN.
But then Lance has carried a lot of other performance mustangs that I never saw anywhere else, maybe they do the same in some of their Platinums or other "performance" vehicles as well. I have no clue. But this one caught my eye and decided I had to give it a try. Glad I did.

Even the mechanic was aware of other platinums with the ST tuning, so, I'm not sure what else to say.

Have a good day

Post your VIN and I'll be able to look up your window sticker and tell you exactly what you have since you no longer have it.

 

[blwnsmoke]

Given that we have seen random parts left off, or miss-installed on the 2020's it seems possible that he got a rare upgrade. if the business logic was not in place to prevent someone from checking an ST option on a platinum order, then it is very possible that he got an ST tune. I work for a major manufacturing company, and with the process automation and work orchestration that it used in MFG today, and if the rules are not there to prevent a configuration, it is possible to have it built.

Incorrect,

The VIN will not allow the system to download files that do not belong to it. Ford's system will not download a Platinum tune to a ST etc. Only way to do it is to go 3rd party like many of us have done.

Also looked up the brakes for a Platinum and there is only 1 pad and 1 rotor.

 

[jshenry1963]

I don't think the VIN will show the whole story.
Lance Cunningham Ford sells a lot of factory spec'd Fords, and then they also sell a lot of Mustangs and F150s and Explorers and Fusions (use to) and Fiestas (use to) and others that are modified with other add-ons, tuned, etc for luxury and/or performance by third party vendors. So maybe they had the third party add it, and then of course loaded the price off to the purchaser, me.
They have a couple of $100k plus F150s for sale, that aren't standard Ford products, and some mustangs the same.

I keep saying I don't care if it has the Ford Factory installed ST tuning or not, all I know is that it is measured at 411, ST ?Street? or ?Performance? or ????something? was listed on one of the window stickers, don't remember if it was the actual factory sticker or one of the add on stickers, but I don't care and I'm happy with that and it's performance.

I had hoped to be able to post and ask questions about things I don't understand on the Explorer, e.g. how to turn on/off that dang cargo light mounted on the passenger side wall in the cargo bay behind the third row seating. Ford in Sevierville had no clue. etc. Things like that, but I'm leary now.

Anyway, y'all have a good day, I had only wanted to post up how happy I was with the 2020....
John

 

[peterk9]

Any such modifications made after the vehicle leaves the factory would likely have warranty implications even if done by a Ford dealer. The Warranty Guide seems quite clear on that. In any case, I'm glad you are happy with the vehicle John. That is what really counts.

As per the cargo light, I don't have the Explorer but I believe the setup is the same. Since there is no individual switch for it, I believe the only way to turn it OFF is to disable the 'Courtesy' lights altogether with the main switch. That will still allow you to turn ON the individual 'Demand' lights by using their own switches but will inhibit the interior lights coming ON when doors are opened. Not exactly ideal but still better than the 5th gens.

Peter

 

[jshenry1963]

Any such modifications made after the vehicle leaves the factory would likely have warranty implications even if done by a Ford dealer. The Warranty Guide seems quite clear on that. In any case, I'm glad you are happy with the vehicle John. That is what really counts.

As per the cargo light, I don't have the Explorer but I believe the setup is the same. Since there is no individual switch for it, I believe the only way to turn it OFF is to disable the 'Courtesy' lights altogether with the main switch. That will still allow you to turn ON the individual 'Demand' lights by using their own switches but will inhibit the interior lights coming ON when doors are opened. Not exactly ideal but still better than the 5th gens.

Peter

Thanks Peter,
Warranty, factory warranty already covered a failure, so I'm good there.

Cargo Light, will check it out later, when I'm back home. I know that the bulb works and it will light up. It was lit once when I was playing around with different settings and the console and overhead lights and mood lighting, but I wasn't watching the cargo light as I was "pushing buttons" so I can't repeat what turned them on. The Sevierville Ford dealer thought they came on automatically when the lift gate was raised and it was dark, uh, no, tried that. They thought the bulb needed replaced, but you don't replace just a bulb, it is an entire circuit board. The bulb is soldered onto the board. Fords infinite wisdom...
I'll look at your hints later. I'll figure it out someday.
Thanks
John

 

[jhu8]

Had no idea they finally included adaptive headlights into the explorer. I know the headlights are led but didn’t think they were projection style. Thought they were still reflector style and didn’t know you could have adaptive headlights with reflection style.

 

[jshenry1963]

Had no idea they finally included adaptive headlights into the explorer. I know the headlights are led but didn’t think they were projection style. Thought they were still reflector style and didn’t know you could have adaptive headlights with reflection style.

The headlights are sort of like the old Tucker headlights of eons ago. Except in the Tucker case the entire light assembly/bulb moved. On the Explorer, the outer clear plastic housing is non movable. The light itself on the inside though is motorized and turns left/right.
As you turn to the right, the right headlight rotates to the right. Likewise, as you turn left, the left headlight rotates to the left.
It freaks some people out when you start the engine. Rhe lights do a self test, both rotate outwards, then inwards, then straight. Kinda cylonish/ wonky outwards then cross eyed then normal.
ALL LEDs.

 

[hbalek]

The headlights are sort of like the old Tucker headlights of eons ago. Except in the Tucker case the entire light assembly/bulb moved. On the Explorer, the outer clear plastic housing is non movable. The light itself on the inside though is motorized and turns left/right.
As you turn to the right, the right headlight rotates to the right. Likewise, as you turn left, the left headlight rotates to the left.
It freaks some people out when you start the engine. Rhe lights do a self test, both rotate outwards, then inwards, then straight. Kinda cylonish/ wonky outwards then cross eyed then normal.
ALL LEDs.

My 2010 & 2013 MKZ did this and I honestly don't really miss the feature on my 2020 ST. After 9 years of having that feature, I always felt it was gimmicky.

 

[jshenry1963]

My 2010 & 2013 MKZ did this and I honestly don't really miss the feature on my 2020 ST. After 9 years of having that feature, I always felt it was gimmicky.

I do think the startup is kinda gimmicky also, but on the hills and curves here in East TN, I really like that extra visibility I never had with anything before hitting curves at night. I can see farther to the direction of the curve, better able to see whats ahead, uh, er, in the turning direction.
Just my opinion, others may not like it as much,

 

[jhu8]

The headlights are sort of like the old Tucker headlights of eons ago. Except in the Tucker case the entire light assembly/bulb moved. On the Explorer, the outer clear plastic housing is non movable. The light itself on the inside though is motorized and turns left/right.

As you turn to the right, the right headlight rotates to the right. Likewise, as you turn left, the left headlight rotates to the left.
It freaks some people out when you start the engine. Rhe lights do a self test, both rotate outwards, then inwards, then straight. Kinda cylonish/ wonky outwards then cross eyed then normal.
ALL LEDs.

yeah my 16 Mazda CX-5 has it. It’s the one feature I miss.

My 2010 & 2013 MKZ did this and I honestly don't really miss the feature on my 2020 ST. After 9 years of having that feature, I always felt it was gimmicky.

Wait so the ST doesn’t have it? Only the platinum? Kinda surprised by that. I thought they all had the same headlight structure.

 

[peterk9]

yeah my 16 Mazda CX-5 has it. It’s the one feature I miss.

Wait so the ST doesn’t have it? Only the platinum? Kinda surprised by that. I thought they all had the same headlight structure.

Only the Platinum has the Adaptive headlamps.
The Aviator has an interesting feature called Adaptive Pixel LED Lighting. They will turn with the steering and also if the camera detects lane markings indicating a curve. The headlamp beam also changes to a wider pattern at lower speeds and narrows at higher speeds


Peter

 

[1sicbronconut]

I don't know what else to say, it was on my window decal that came from Lance Cunningham Ford in Knoxville TN.
But then Lance has carried a lot of other performance mustangs that I never saw anywhere else, maybe they do the same in some of their Platinums or other "performance" vehicles as well. I have no clue. But this one caught my eye and decided I had to give it a try. Glad I did.

Even the mechanic was aware of other platinums with the ST tuning, so, I'm not sure what else to say.

Have a good day

I'm a Ford tech if you PM me your vin # I can pull up your window sticker and post it here.

 

[jhu8]

Only the Platinum has the Adaptive headlamps.
The Aviator has an interesting feature called Adaptive Pixel LED Lighting. They will turn with the steering and also if the camera detects lane markings indicating a curve. The headlamp beam also changes to a wider pattern at lower speeds and narrows at higher speeds


Peter

Soo cool! Although I’ll still be going for a ST this year. But about time Ford included those adaptive lights.

 

[lane408]

It's not about being persistent. Ford nor any other manufacturer doesn't randomly give parts that don't belong on a vehicle. All vehicles are built the same way if it has the same trim and option packages.

The Platinum does not have the upgraded brakes either. If it did, you would have paid for that additional fee and it would be listed on your window sticker. You would also have the red calipers (which Platinums do not have) as all upgraded brake packages come with the red calipers.

Your dealership has no clue what they are talking about.

However, as you stated, what's important is that you love the vehicle you have.

I wouldn't say that 100% lol
Bought the wife a 2020 Base last year. The rear hatch was badged wrong with the Ecoboost4WD badge. Get home and look up under the front, no CV's lol It was badged wrong from the plant and also stickered wrong at the dealership. Also had some bad weather stripping on the hatch. The dealership offered us a Platinum trim at a good price for the mix up but we ended up keeping her base.
So I'd be on the lookout for more assembly line issues from them. Just our experience. Wouldn't surprise me at all of more of them are badged or advertised wrong.

 

[Clayton66]

I would tr

Hello Everyone, newbie post.

Bought the 2020 Explorer Platinum about 6 months ago.

So far, very happy with most of it, the twin turbo really gets up and runs when in sport mode. Gas mileage is so so ok. The "turn into direction" headlights are great, they help see "ahead to the left" when running at night and turning left (same for right)... Great look ahead. Wish they were angled just a tad higher, in the hills in East TN sometimes I can only see the hill starting to go up just 50 ft in front of me, then pitch black because the hill is ramping, and the headlights are not. hmmm, something to look into. This model has the twin turbo ecoboost with 400hp, so it is a real monster when set to sport mode. Wow, and hang on. Left a 360hp hemi charger looking at my tail lights, he he he, and yes, he was romping it hard. Was a friend, and we wanted to see on a straight country stretch of road, I normally don't drive that way. He was ticked though.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable, and help my wife tremendously with her back issues when we go on long trips. The combo massage and heat are exceptional.
I did forget to lower the lift gate when I pulled out of the garage once, ouch, won't do that again, 4 weeks and a new rear window later, got it back, and good as new. The problem was the rear window wiper is the highest point when the lift gate is up, it grabbed the garage door, and the garage door won, shattered the rear glass, argh.

So far no real issues.
Just a few though, nagging things to learn....
The computers in it are a bit over taxed, have to wait for them to boot up and show a good solid display before trying to turn on or off the camera, etc. Been locked up a few times and had to turn off the engine, and restart and wait. And sometimes when you press a button on the touch screen, it sits there, looks at you, and about 10-15 seconds later it might turn blue, and then 10-15 seconds after that it goes to what you selected. Doesn't happen all of the time, and not always the same button, just learning to be patient with the slow processing speed, argh.

I do have two questions, will figure out where to post them
1 - How the heck do you turnon/off the rear cargo area light on the right side panel? Tried it in a pitch black garage (opening the lift gate, and having interior lights on), etc. etc.
2 - How does one turn off the blasted hands free lift gate open/close action? I want the button on the liftgate to still work, but not the bumper kick hands free option. I can't count on my two hands how many times it has been open, I'm leaning in to get groceries out, or other stuff where I have to reach in and have to have my legs up against the bumper, and the stupid thing starts to close. Seen a lot of references to a "hands free" option in the settings menu, but been through all of the paths, and can't find it, only the feature to enable/disable the auto liftgate (meaning the raising/lowering). argh.
I'm tempted to disconnect the unit (that is if I can find it, just need to figure out where it is, what wires, etc)

I'm in East TN, so, Y'all take care,
John

I would try the Ford dealership and talk to a salesman or the shop to see if it can be disabled. Have you looked in the Owners Manual?

 

[Stephen Cannon]

Remember either with the COVID-19/pandemic 2020 was not a standard year as we have all seen. Pretty much every industry was affected and vehicles were no exception in fact probably more weird equipment/color options.

Some vehicles were either re optioned for equipment/packages and or certain color combinations were affected.

Perfect example was my 2020 JGC. I purchased end of July and had a build date of mid June. The color combinations listed in the sales brochure were reduced and some equipment/packages were limited. My first color choice was not available even though earlier build models had the color. Some went to pairing the colors based on previous sales to try to keep the more popular colors available.

For a 2020 MY I would not see it as all that uncommon to have different color/equipment options changed mid year especially later build dates of same vehicle. 2020 My is probably the best example of following the window sticker as the controlling document instead of what sales brochure amd sales reps say....especially sales reps.

 

[gfx42]

Hello Everyone, newbie post.

Bought the 2020 Explorer Platinum about 6 months ago.

So far, very happy with most of it, the twin turbo really gets up and runs when in sport mode. Gas mileage is so so ok. The "turn into direction" headlights are great, they help see "ahead to the left" when running at night and turning left (same for right)... Great look ahead. Wish they were angled just a tad higher, in the hills in East TN sometimes I can only see the hill starting to go up just 50 ft in front of me, then pitch black because the hill is ramping, and the headlights are not. hmmm, something to look into. This model has the twin turbo ecoboost with 400hp, so it is a real monster when set to sport mode. Wow, and hang on. Left a 360hp hemi charger looking at my tail lights, he he he, and yes, he was romping it hard. Was a friend, and we wanted to see on a straight country stretch of road, I normally don't drive that way. He was ticked though.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable, and help my wife tremendously with her back issues when we go on long trips. The combo massage and heat are exceptional.
I did forget to lower the lift gate when I pulled out of the garage once, ouch, won't do that again, 4 weeks and a new rear window later, got it back, and good as new. The problem was the rear window wiper is the highest point when the lift gate is up, it grabbed the garage door, and the garage door won, shattered the rear glass, argh.

So far no real issues.
Just a few though, nagging things to learn....
The computers in it are a bit over taxed, have to wait for them to boot up and show a good solid display before trying to turn on or off the camera, etc. Been locked up a few times and had to turn off the engine, and restart and wait. And sometimes when you press a button on the touch screen, it sits there, looks at you, and about 10-15 seconds later it might turn blue, and then 10-15 seconds after that it goes to what you selected. Doesn't happen all of the time, and not always the same button, just learning to be patient with the slow processing speed, argh.

I do have two questions, will figure out where to post them
1 - How the heck do you turnon/off the rear cargo area light on the right side panel? Tried it in a pitch black garage (opening the lift gate, and having interior lights on), etc. etc.
2 - How does one turn off the blasted hands free lift gate open/close action? I want the button on the liftgate to still work, but not the bumper kick hands free option. I can't count on my two hands how many times it has been open, I'm leaning in to get groceries out, or other stuff where I have to reach in and have to have my legs up against the bumper, and the stupid thing starts to close. Seen a lot of references to a "hands free" option in the settings menu, but been through all of the paths, and can't find it, only the feature to enable/disable the auto liftgate (meaning the raising/lowering). argh.
I'm tempted to disconnect the unit (that is if I can find it, just need to figure out where it is, what wires, etc)

I'm in East TN, so, Y'all take care,
John

I have a 2020 Explorer ST. Apparently they installed an underpowered cpu chip so the dashboard and entertainment system displays are very laggy. I can’t stand that.

The rear hatch routinely closes on me while unloading and I do not believe you can turn off that motion detector. Sucks.

Hello Everyone, newbie post.

Bought the 2020 Explorer Platinum about 6 months ago.

So far, very happy with most of it, the twin turbo really gets up and runs when in sport mode. Gas mileage is so so ok. The "turn into direction" headlights are great, they help see "ahead to the left" when running at night and turning left (same for right)... Great look ahead. Wish they were angled just a tad higher, in the hills in East TN sometimes I can only see the hill starting to go up just 50 ft in front of me, then pitch black because the hill is ramping, and the headlights are not. hmmm, something to look into. This model has the twin turbo ecoboost with 400hp, so it is a real monster when set to sport mode. Wow, and hang on. Left a 360hp hemi charger looking at my tail lights, he he he, and yes, he was romping it hard. Was a friend, and we wanted to see on a straight country stretch of road, I normally don't drive that way. He was ticked though.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable, and help my wife tremendously with her back issues when we go on long trips. The combo massage and heat are exceptional.
I did forget to lower the lift gate when I pulled out of the garage once, ouch, won't do that again, 4 weeks and a new rear window later, got it back, and good as new. The problem was the rear window wiper is the highest point when the lift gate is up, it grabbed the garage door, and the garage door won, shattered the rear glass, argh.

So far no real issues.
Just a few though, nagging things to learn....
The computers in it are a bit over taxed, have to wait for them to boot up and show a good solid display before trying to turn on or off the camera, etc. Been locked up a few times and had to turn off the engine, and restart and wait. And sometimes when you press a button on the touch screen, it sits there, looks at you, and about 10-15 seconds later it might turn blue, and then 10-15 seconds after that it goes to what you selected. Doesn't happen all of the time, and not always the same button, just learning to be patient with the slow processing speed, argh.

I do have two questions, will figure out where to post them
1 - How the heck do you turnon/off the rear cargo area light on the right side panel? Tried it in a pitch black garage (opening the lift gate, and having interior lights on), etc. etc.
2 - How does one turn off the blasted hands free lift gate open/close action? I want the button on the liftgate to still work, but not the bumper kick hands free option. I can't count on my two hands how many times it has been open, I'm leaning in to get groceries out, or other stuff where I have to reach in and have to have my legs up against the bumper, and the stupid thing starts to close. Seen a lot of references to a "hands free" option in the settings menu, but been through all of the paths, and can't find it, only the feature to enable/disable the auto liftgate (meaning the raising/lowering). argh.
I'm tempted to disconnect the unit (that is if I can find it, just need to figure out where it is, what wires, etc)

I'm in East TN, so, Y'all take care,
John

I have a 2020 Explorer ST so I think there would be similarities. My rear cargo light does not have a switch, it’s on when the hatch is open, off when it is closed.
All interior lights can be turned on and off from the small console by the reading lights near the rear view mirror. There is a dome light icon on the left side.

Sadly I don’t think that lift gate sensor can be turned off. Oh how I have tried. It seems programmed to be the opposite of useful.

 

[Mark Spain]

No, I don't have it anymore. I have dyno'd it and it did test at 411hp, and we did run a 5.2 0-60 that day. (friends at a closed track just up the road). I didn't know if it was the real ST or not, and if it isn't the real tuned ST motor, then it doesn't really matter. It's numbers are just as good.

And before anyone complains that a dyno doesn't give horsepower, yes, I know that, it gives torque, torque x RPM / 5,252 gives horsepower.

Some performance dealers add accessories. I added this to my Sport and it added about 60hp:

| LPP631160 | Livernois Motorsports

2020-2021 FORD EXPLORER ST TUNER

www.livernoismotorsports.com

 

[peterk9]

Sadly I don’t think that lift gate sensor can be turned off. Oh how I have tried. It seems programmed to be the opposite of useful.

The only way it can be disabled in the settings is by disabling the power liftgate itself. Other than that you would have to disconnect the sensors or not have the fob on you when working in the back. I don't know if FORScan can disable it.

Peter