2002 Ford Explorer Message Center

PADDLEON

MEMBER
2002 FORD EXPLORER

Computer problem
2002 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive

I recently installed a new battery in my Explorer and the message center just flashes the odometer reading. No other information is displayed. I think I did what the manual suggested (for the computer to "relearn"), but nothing else is being indicated. Can you help?

Also, the radio works fine, but I cannot get it to eject (or play) CDs. It is a 6 disc changer. Any ideas?

Thank you,
D. Thomas

1 Reply

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Well, you are correct there. According to the installation procedures they state:

INSTALLATION
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure. NOTE: When the battery is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the strategy

So depending on how long ago you changed it... Give it a little time..... If it doesn't correct itself then get back with us on that.

Before you do though... Please go to Auto Zone (AZ) or O'Reilly's (OR) and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

Also if you need to get back with us please let us know if your vehicle engine is a 4.0L VIN E or a 4.0L VIN K flex fuel. I also would like to know the 8th digit of your VIN. Also is your model a Explorer only or a Sport or a Sport Trac?

For the radio... Try running this test and see if it gives you any trouble codes.

Displaying & Reading Trouble Codes
Notes

NOTE: The audio unit must be turned on and in radio tuner mode (AM/FM) to enter the speaker walk-around test or the self-diagnostic mode.

The self-diagnostic mode can only be entered while in the speaker walk-around test.
1. To enter the speaker walk-around test, press preset buttons 3 and 6 simultaneously, hold approximately three seconds and release.
2. The speaker walk-around test stops at each speaker and applies sound to each speaker for about one to two seconds. Each speaker is tested and shown on the display in the following sequence: RF, LF, LR, RR.
3. To exit the speaker walk-around test, turn the ignition switch off, turn the audio unit off, or press preset button 1 for "DIA".
4. The self-diagnostic mode has six manual tests available:
"� Preset button 1 = ENTER DIAGNOSTICS. This test enters diagnostics from the speaker walk-around test. Metrics are available with SEL and ON buttons indicating time played in AM/FM, media, number of buttons pressed, etc.
"� Preset button 2 = EEPROM BLOCK STATUS. This test shows validity of memory to calibrate clock and seek sensitivity.
"� Preset button 3 = EXIT DIAGNOSTICS.
"� Preset button 4 = Software configuration level. This test queries each radio system controller for its software configuration level.
"� Preset button 5 = DISPLAY TEST. This test lights all the display segments for five seconds and then turns all segments off.
"� Preset button 6 = RAM CONTENTS READOUT. To enter these tests, press preset button 1 while in the speaker walk-around test, then the desired preset button.
NOTE: Always document, clear, and carry out the self-test again.
5. To exit the self-diagnostic mode, turn the ignition switch off or the audio unit off.
6. If the concern remains and the fault is not detected, proceed to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics. See: Diagnosis By Symptom