Ford Explorer electrical issue with exterior keypad and continuous flashing turn signal indicators while vehicle is off on Ford Explorer

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Ford Explorer owners report experiencing electrical issues such as a blinking exterior keypad and continuous flashing turn signal indicators while the vehicle is off. This blinking keypad is often a sign of an underlying problem, commonly linked to a low battery, as the keypad relies on battery power to function properly. In some cases, the blinking keypad may lead to battery drain, potentially caused by moisture entering the panel from a trim piece at the top of the driver's door. To address these issues, some owners consider unplugging the mechanism by removing the inside door panel to access and disconnect the problematic component. Additionally, a malfunctioning door switch may cause the vehicle to incorrectly signal that a door is open, triggering the flashing keypad as a warning. Owners are also advised to check fuse 21, which powers the keypad microprocessor, and fuse 18, which feeds illumination and other essential circuits, as pulling these fuses may help in troubleshooting the issue. It is recommended to inspect the battery status, moisture-related problems, and the functionality of door switches and fuses to effectively resolve these electrical concerns.

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