2015–2019 Ford Explorer
By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
Save $237 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $425
Quick answer: Battery Replacement Tutorial on a 2015–2019 Ford Explorer is rated Moderate and takes about 30-45 minutes. You'll need 7 tools for this job, and parts cost about $188. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Battery (Group 65) | 65-1 | $150.00 | |
| Battery Terminal Cleaner | — | $10.00 | |
| Battery Hold-Down Clamp | — | $20.00 | |
| Battery Terminal Protector Spray | — | $8.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
Group 65 (OE Motorcraft BXT-65-650, 650 CCA), engine compartment. Need: Group 65 battery, 8mm socket + LONG extension (deep retainer bolt), 8mm wrench, wire brush. BMS RESET is mandatory — sleep, FORScan, or the manual trick. Negative-first-off, positive-first-on.
Disconnect NEGATIVE first, then positive (8mm). Remove the hold-down retainer — the 8mm bolt is deep and needs a LONG extension. Lift the heavy Group 65 out and note the OE BXT-65-650 to match the group. Clean the terminals and tray.
Place the new Group 65 battery in the tray. Secure the hold-down retainer (8mm + long extension — snug). Ensure the battery is seated. The Group 65 is the Explorer's spec — not the F-150's H6.
Reconnect POSITIVE first, then negative (8mm). Ensure tight, clean connections and double-check both — loose terminals cause electrical gremlins.
RESET THE BMS — mandatory. Options: (1) 8-hour undisturbed sleep — lock it and leave it alone. (2) FORScan or scan tool (definitive). (3) Manual: accessory ON, high-beams 5x, brake 3x within 10 seconds. Don't skip it; you'll get charging warnings.
I never skip the BMS reset thinking the car will figure it out — it won't. The charging profile stays calibrated to your old dying battery and you'll cook the new one. FORScan is the sure bet on the Explorer.
Start the engine and verify no charging warnings. The Explorer's recipe: Group 65 (not H6), deep 8mm retainer bolt (long extension), mandatory BMS reset (FORScan fallback), engine-compartment location. Match or exceed the OE BXT-65-650 (650 CCA).
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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