Help build this pageWant to be famous?Share a wire color, a photo or a tip for this truck, and your name goes on this page.
Add yoursClose▾
Which wires give constant, ignition and ground on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
On a 2017 Ford Explorer, take constant power from the Gray/Red wire at the gateway module plug C2431 (black 24-pin), pin 24, driver side dash, and ground to the Black/Blue wire at the gateway module plug C2431, pin 14. Meter every wire first.
Written by API Signal, fleet GPS and camera installers for 35+ years across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, installing every major telematics and camera brand. Every wire on this page lists its source.
Test every wire with a meter before you tap it
No wiring information is ever guaranteed. Colors and locations change with trim, options and build date, and the manufacturer can change them in the middle of a model year. We share this as a starting point for installers, and you are responsible for confirming every connection on the truck in front of you.
This page covers the 2017 Ford Explorer, the civilian SUV. The police version has its own pages.
This Explorer came with a key or push-button start. iDatalink gives the gateway plug and park light wires; most other body signals are on the data bus, and Ford's own diagrams are paywalled, so this page is thin. Our own team has not yet metered these on a 2017 truck, and each row says so.
OBD-II portUnder the driver dash
Best power spotGateway module plug
System voltage12V
Ignition typeKey or push-button
Need More Installs?
We send fleet installation work to independent installers. One job goes to one installer. Now adding network partners in North Carolina.
Where do I get constant, ignition and ground on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
Take constant, ignition and ground from the same area.
Option 1 Constant and ground
Gateway module plug
Driver side dash, behind the OBD port. Key and push-start trucks.
Constant
Gray/Red
Gateway module plug C2431 (black 24-pin), pin 24, driver side dashAlways hot. From the iDatalink install guide for 2016 to 2024 Explorers.
Ignition
Fuse tap
Not found as a wireiDatalink reads ignition over the data bus and lists no wire. Use a fuse tap (Option 2).
Ground
Black/Blue
Gateway module plug C2431, pin 14Ground at the same plug.
The CAN bus is on the same plug. Never cut or splice it.
Option 2 Fuse taps
Dash fuse box
Under the driver dash, left of the brake pedal.
Constant
Fuse tap
Dash fuse box, fuse 32One 2017 installer reports fuse 32 is always live, not switched. Meter it.
Ignition
Fuse tap
Dash fuse box, fuse 23 (10A)Ford's fuse chart lists it as delayed accessory power. Use a fuse tap and meter it.
Ground
Body ground
Body metal under the dashClean, bare metal only. Never the battery negative post.
The run/start relay fuse is 34 (30A). Do not tap a relay feed.
Gateway colors from the iDatalink install guide for 2016 to 2024 Explorers. Fuse numbers from a transcription of Ford's owner's manual and one installer post.
What are the turn signal, reverse and light wires on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
Circuit
Wire color
Location and what it does
Left turnNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Right turnNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Park lightNegative -Not yet checked
Gray
Black/White
Headlight switch plug C205 (black 16-pin), pins 11 and 4Park light switch inputs. From iDatalink.
HeadlightNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
ReverseNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Dome lightNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Each chip shows the main insulation color with its stripe. Source: the iDatalink install guide for 2016 to 2024 Explorers.
Where are the brake, door, speed and CAN wires on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
Circuit
Wire color
Location and what it does
BrakeNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundiDatalink reads the brake over the data bus; no wire listed.
DoorsNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundData bus only in iDatalink.
Parking brakeNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
HazardNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Vehicle speedNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
CAN busDataNot yet checked
White/Blue (HS high)
White (HS low)
Gray/Orange (MS high)
Purple/Orange (MS low)
Gateway module plug C2431, pins 20 and 19 (high speed), 23 and 22 (medium speed)From iDatalink. Never cut or splice them.
Sources: the iDatalink install guide for 2016 to 2024 Explorers and Ford's 2016 remote start install sheet. Ford's wiring diagrams are paywalled; most body wires were not found.
Which years share wiring with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
This page2017iDatalink 2016 to 2019 guide.
Same wiring2016, 2018 and 2019iDatalink covers 2016 to 2019 Explorers, key and push start, as one install.
Where are the fuse boxes and ground points on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
InteriorDash fuse box with the BCMFuse 23 (10A) delayed accessory; fuse 34 (30A) run/start or starter relay; fuse 32 reported always live.
Under the hoodPower distribution boxIn the engine compartment.
Ground pointsClean body metalUse clean, bare body metal, never the battery negative post.
Fuse numbers from a transcription of Ford's owner's manual and owner posts. Our team has not yet checked them on a truck.
Where is the OBD-II port on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
OBD II
Diagnostic portOBD-II port: under the driver dashPlug-in GPS trackers and OBD harnesses connect here. Check the port before you plan the install.
Common questions about 2017 Ford Explorer wiring
What wire is constant power on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
Gray/Red at the gateway module plug C2431 (black 24-pin), pin 24, driver side dash. Always hot. Meter it before you tap it.
Where is the CAN bus on a 2017 Ford Explorer?
White/Blue (HS high) and White (HS low) and Gray/Orange (MS high) and Purple/Orange (MS low) at the gateway module plug C2431, pins 20 and 19 (high speed), 23 and 22 (medium speed). From iDatalink.
Which years share wiring with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
2016, 2018 and 2019. iDatalink covers 2016 to 2019 Explorers, key and push start, as one install.
Help build this page
Had the panels off on one of these? Show the next installer what you found.
No one has sent photos for the 2017 Ford Explorer yet, so yours could be the first. Every photo, wire color and tip we use goes on this page with your name on it, and it saves the next installer time under the dash.
1. Snap it
The plugs, tap points, fuse boxes and ground points. Phone photos are fine.
2. Send it
Tap "Add yours" at the top of this page. Your tip and your photos go in the same box.
3. See your name on it
We check every tip, then post it here "Compliments of" you, by name.
Compliments of
The installers who helped build this page.
★
Founding contributor spot: openThe first installer to confirm a wire or send photos for the 2017 Ford Explorer gets their name here, and it stays here.
★
Every tip we use gets a creditThe wire you checked is marked "Checked on a truck, compliments of" you.
Want to be famous?
Your name, right on this page, for everyone who uses it to see. Add your tip and your photos in one box.
