On a 2020 Ford Explorer, there isn’t a consumer-accessible brake maintenance mode you can activate with the dash controls. Any attempt to disable safety features or to force the electronic parking brake without proper tools can damage the system or void warranties. In practice, brake service is performed with dealer-grade software in a maintenance mode that retracts the parking brake calipers and allows rotor/pad work.
Understanding brake maintenance mode and how Ford uses it
Most modern Ford models, including the Explorer, use an electronic parking brake (EPB) that is controlled by an electronic control module. When maintenance or rotor/pad replacement is required, technicians use a service mode available through Ford's dealer diagnostic tool to retract the calipers and release the brake pads. This is not listed as a consumer feature because it interacts with the ABS, Traction Control, and anti-lock brake systems.
Is there a public method for a 2020 Explorer?
No official consumer steps are published by Ford for placing the 2020 Explorer into a brake maintenance mode. Access to the correct procedure requires dealer tools (Ford IDS or an equivalent OEM diagnostic system) and, in some cases, a service code or software activation. Attempting to improvise a method could lead to improper braking function, warning lights, or a failed inspection.
What professionals do to service brakes on a 2020 Explorer
When a technician services the brakes on a 2020 Explorer, the process typically follows a standard pattern using the vehicle’s electronics and service software. The exact sequence can vary by software version and dealership protocol, but the general workflow is performed under controlled, tool-assisted conditions:
- Connect the vehicle to a dealer-grade diagnostic tool capable of controlling the electronic parking brake (EPB).
- Access the EPB maintenance/service mode to retract the calipers and release the brake pads.
- Perform pad replacement, rotor servicing, or caliper inspection as needed, ensuring all fasteners are torqued to Ford specifications.
- Exit maintenance mode and perform any required system calibrations or brake pedal resequencing after reassembly.
Technician-provided service is the safest and most reliable approach for brake maintenance on this model. The process ensures the ABS, stability control, and EPB remain synchronized after the work is complete.
DIY considerations and limitations
For DIY enthusiasts, the 2020 Explorer’s EPB complicates pad or rotor changes without the proper equipment. Without the maintenance mode, attempting to force the calipers back by hand can damage the pistons, cables, or electronic controls. If you’re determined to perform brake work yourself, you should consult the official workshop manual and consider renting or borrowing the required tooling or seeking assistance from a professional shop that can provide the proper EPB service mode procedure.
Regardless of the route, always use proper safety procedures: chock wheels, secure the vehicle on a flat surface, use jack stands, wear eye and hand protection, and dispose of old pads properly.
Tools and notes for service providers
Below is a general list of tools and considerations used by technicians who service the EPB in Ford SUVs. This is not a DIY instruction set, but it reflects the typical equipment used in a dealership setting.
- Ford IDS or OEM diagnostic software with appropriate license
- Vehicle interface cable compatible with the Explorer’s EPB module
- Caliper piston retraction or service harness as required by the EPB system
- Torque specs for rotors, calipers, and rotor screws
- Brake pad wear sensors and reinitialization information
Dealership or certified shop access is recommended for EPB-related maintenance to ensure ABS and stability systems stay authenticated.
Summary
There is no consumer-accessible brake maintenance mode on the 2020 Ford Explorer. Brake work typically requires dealer-grade diagnostic tools to place the electronic parking brake in service mode, retract the calipers, and allow rotor/pad replacement. For DIY work, be aware of the limitations and seek proper guidance and tools to avoid compromising braking performance.
In all cases, professional service remains the safest route for brake maintenance on this vehicle. If you need more precise, model-specific steps, consult the official Ford service manual or contact a Ford dealership for guidance.