Rear cargo light and power point dead 2022 XLT | Ford Explorer Forums

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Rear cargo light and power point dead 2022 XLT

Chevyguy

Member
Joined
February 19, 2022
Messages
18
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11
City, State
LOWER SACKVILLE, NS
Year, Model & Trim Level
2022 Ford Explorer XLT
Bought this 5 months ago, but just tried to use the 12v power point in the rear cargo area for the first time and discovered that it does not work (the others work fine). Then I noticed that the light next to the power point is not working either. Fuse good, 12v at the fuse. Is this something that needs to be enabled in the settings or something? Before I drag it back to the dealer and/or try to open that rear panel, I just want to be sure that I'm not missing something simple.
 



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**UPDATE**
On a whim, I used a bright flashlight to peer into the panel vent just below the light and power point and I could clearly see a dangling connector. After removing the cargo net clips, I could pry the side panel open just enough to see and get my hand in. Yes, both the power point and the light were disconnected. After some mechanic-yoga moves and a little light cursing, I was able to reconnect both units and they work perfectly now. I'm left with three questions:
1. How did this get missed at the factory (assembler and QC)?
2. How did this get missed by the dealer (and me) at delivery?
3. What else is disconnected/unplugged that I haven't discovered yet?
Anyway, it's working now, I'll take the win. Have a great weekend.
 






Nice problem solving. There could be any number of defects still waiting for you. Quality is definitely not what Chicago does.
 






Good job! Sometimes ya just gotta dig in and find it.
 






After some mechanic-yoga moves and a little light cursing, I was able to reconnect both units and they work perfectly now.
I admire your restraint - I start with the light cursing and it goes downhill from there.
 






**UPDATE**
On a whim, I used a bright flashlight to peer into the panel vent just below the light and power point and I could clearly see a dangling connector. After removing the cargo net clips, I could pry the side panel open just enough to see and get my hand in. Yes, both the power point and the light were disconnected. After some mechanic-yoga moves and a little light cursing, I was able to reconnect both units and they work perfectly now. I'm left with three questions:
1. How did this get missed at the factory (assembler and QC)?
2. How did this get missed by the dealer (and me) at delivery?
3. What else is disconnected/unplugged that I haven't discovered yet?
Anyway, it's working now, I'll take the win. Have a great weekend.
I'm having the same problem on my new Explorer and it was probably built around the same time. Must have been someone's last shift on the assembly line!

Can you share more about how you got your hand in there to reconnect? Maybe some pictures would be super helpful!
 






I'm having the same problem on my new Explorer and it was probably built around the same time. Must have been someone's last shift on the assembly line!

Can you share more about how you got your hand in there to reconnect? Maybe some pictures would be super helpful!
No worries, I'll do my best.
Pop the cover off the cargo ring (1) and remove the screw.
With a pair of pliers, GENTLY (they're plastic) unscew the cargo net hooks (2).
Work your fingers between the weather stripping and the panel (start at the bottom) and gently pull it out.
When you have enough room to get your hand behind the panel, find the disconnected plugs and reconnect.
Put everything back the way you found it - make sure things line up before pushing the panel back in place. Don't force anything, plastic is not very forgiving. Patience and care will see you through.
Good luck.

tailgate.jpg
 






No worries, I'll do my best.
Pop the cover off the cargo ring (1) and remove the screw.
With a pair of pliers, GENTLY (they're plastic) unscrew the cargo net hooks (2).
Work your fingers between the weather stripping and the panel (start at the bottom) and gently pull it out.
When you have enough room to get your hand behind the panel, find the disconnected plugs and reconnect.
Put everything back the way you found it - make sure things line up before pushing the panel back in place. Don't force anything, plastic is not very forgiving. Patience and care will see you through.
Good luck.

You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar! The instructions and picture were invaluable, thank you! My "reinstallation" of the plugs went down with out any issues and my now WORKING power point and light are as they should be.

Aside from dropping the retaining clip for the lower cargo-net hook (retrieved with difficulty) and some light scratches on my right forearm, I'd call this a success.
 






You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar! The instructions and picture were invaluable, thank you! My "reinstallation" of the plugs went down with out any issues and my now WORKING power point and light are as they should be.

Aside from dropping the retaining clip for the lower cargo-net hook (retrieved with difficulty) and some light scratches on my right forearm, I'd call this a success.
My pleasure. I'm glad it worked out you.
Cheers.
 






I have a 2025 ST Line and the area looks the same on mine. I tested the 12v power point and it works, but the light never has. Could just the light on a new car be burned out? If so, how do I replace it? Do I need to take the whole panel off to get at it?
 






Why not take it to the dealership to be checked out?

Peter
 






I have a 2025 ST Line and the area looks the same on mine. I tested the 12v power point and it works, but the light never has. Could just the light on a new car be burned out? If so, how do I replace it? Do I need to take the whole panel off to get at it?
Hi. If the light never worked, I'd suspect that it is not connected. Yes, the power point and the light are two separate and different connectors, so the light could be disconnected and the power point still working. To reconnect, you don't need to remove the whole panel, but you will need to remove part of it - enough to worm your arm behind it to reconnect the light. Cheers.
 






Why not take it to the dealership to be checked out?

Peter
I will when I take it in for it's first oil change. It's not really that big of a deal, but still bugs me. I wasn't sure if it was burnt out or just not plugged in. I thought maybe there was a better way to check it. I can't see any disconnected cables when I looked and there is nothing in any of the service manuals about how to replace a bad light.
 






Does the light have its own fuse?

Peter
 






not that I'm able to identify from diagrams
 






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