NHTSA ID Number: 10238283
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 23-2181
Summary
Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path.
This bulletin supersedes 22-2262. Reason for update: Concern Carryover to New Model
Model:
Summary
This article supersedes TSB 22-2262 to update the service procedure, and vehicle model years affected.
Issue: Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria:
- 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator
- Lack of audio after a car wash or rainfall
- Water in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area
Parts
Parts To Inspect And Replace Only If Necessary
| Service Part Number | Quantity | Description | Unit of Issue | Piece Quantity |
| LC5Z-14B350-B | If Needed | Aviator Power Liftgate Strut – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application | 1 | 1 |
| LB5Z-14B351-A | If Needed | Power Liftgate Strut – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application | 1 | 1 |
| 18K810 | If Needed | Audio Control Module – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application | 1 | 1 |
| W710014-S300 | If Needed | Rubber Plug | 4 | 2 |
Quantity refers to the amount of the service part number required to repair the vehicle.
Unit of Issue refers to the number of individual pieces included in a service part number package.
Piece Quantity refers to the total number of individual pieces required to repair the vehicle.
As Needed indicates the amount of the part may vary and/or is not a whole number. Parts can be billed out as non-whole numbers, including less than 1.
If Needed indicates the part is not mandatory.
Service Procedure
1. Is this an Explorer or Aviator?
(1). Explorer – proceed to the Explorer Vehicle Inspection procedure.
(2). Aviator – proceed to the Aviator Vehicle Inspection procedure.
Explorer Vehicle Inspection
1. Open the rear liftgate.
2. Inspect and make sure the following components are correctly seated by pushing:
(1). Power liftgate grommet (if equipped). If not properly seated, replace the affected power liftgate strut. (Figure 1 Callout 1, Figure 2)
(2). Margin seal and margin seal pushpins. (Figure 1 Callout 2, Figure 3 Callout 2)
(3). Electrical wiring grommet. (Figure 1 Callout 3, Figure 3 Callout 3)
(4). Rear washer hose. (Figure 1 Callout 4, Figure 3 Callout 4)
Figure 1
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power liftgate grommet (if equipped) |
| 2 | Margin seal and margin seal pushpins |
| 3 | Electrical wiring grommet |
| 4 | Rear washer hose |
Figure 2
Figure 3
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power liftgate grommet |
| 2 | Margin seal and margin seal pushpins |
| 3 | Electrical wiring grommet |
| 4 | Rear washer hose |
3. If a water leak is present on the right side of the vehicle, replace the audio control module (ACM).
(1). Reinstall the rain shield (if equipped) on the new ACM. The rain shield, if present, is attached to the ACM chassis using a pushpin which can be reused.
4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
5. Inspect the right side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected, or missing items:
(1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 4-6 Callout 1)
(2). Press down on the blind spot information system (BLIS) module to make sure the BLIS module is fully seated into the body. (Figures 4-6 Callout 2)
(3). Visually inspect the BLIS module harness wire grommet is seated. (Figures 4-6 Callout 3)
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
6. Inspect the left side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected, or missing items:
(1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 7-9 Callout 1)
(2). Press down on the BLIS module to make sure the BLIS module is fully seated into the body. (Figures 7-9 Callout 2)
(3). Visually inspect the BLIS module wire harness grommet is seated. (Figures 7-9 Callout 3)
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
1. Open the rear liftgate.
2. Inspect and make sure the following components are correctly seated by pushing:
(1). Power liftgate grommet. If not properly seated, replace the affected power liftgate strut. (Figure 10 Callout 1, Figure 11)
(2). Margin seal and margin seal pushpins. (Figure 10 Callout 2)
(3). Electrical wiring grommet. (Figure 10 Callout 3)
(4). Rear washer hose. (Figure 10 Callout 4)
Figure 10
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power liftgate grommet |
| 2 | Margin seal and margin seal pushpins |
| 3 | Electrical wiring grommet |
| 4 | Rear washer hose |
Figure 11
3. If a water leak is present on the right side of the vehicle, replace the ACM.
4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
5. Inspect the right side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected or missing items:
(1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 12-14 Callout 1)
(2). Press down on the BLIS module to make sure the BLIS module is fully seated into the body. (Figures 12-14 Callout 2)
(3). Visually inspect the BLIS module wire harness grommet is seated. (Figures 12-14 Callout 3)
(4). Make sure the wire harness grommet for the phone as a key feature is seated or the delete tape is completely covering the body hole. (Figures 12-14 Callout 4)
(5). BLIS grommet to module wire. (Figures 12-14 Callout 5)
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
6. Inspect the left side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected or missing items:
(1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 15-17 Callout 1)
(2). Press down on the BLIS module to make sure the BLIS module is fully seated into the body. (Figures 15-17 Callout 2)
(3). Visually inspect the BLIS module wire harness grommet is seated. (Figures 15-17 Callout 3)
(4). Make sure the wire harness grommet for the phone as a key feature is seated or the delete tape is completely covering the body hole. (Figures 15-17 Callout 4)
(5). Rear fascia wire. (Figures 15-17 Callout 5)
Figure 15
Figure 16
Figure 17
8 Affected Products
Vehicles
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
23-2181
21 June 2023
MC-10238283-0001.pdf 1991.149KB
NHTSA ID Number: 10215589
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 22-2262
Summary
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
22-2262
30 June 2022
MC-10215589-0001.pdf 731.527KB
NHTSA ID Number: 10184645
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 20-2425
Summary
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicle may exhibit a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or exhibit water in the spare tire area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
20-2425
14 December 2020
MC-10184645-0001.pdf 1955.361KB
![[Black] 2 Pack Professional Automotive Seam Sealer, Paintable Quick-Set Polyurethane Auto Body Seam Sealer for Metal Surfaces of Cars, Trucks, Etc, Includes Gloves & Tip - Black RV Roof Sealant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510+sWnUbnL.jpg "Water Leak In Rear Of Vehicle And/Or Spare Tire Area - 2020-2022 Ford Explorer & Lincoln Aviator 19")
- Bonds to All Surfaces: Our seam sealer automotive formula bonds strongly with primed, painted, or bare metal surfaces, offering a fast curing solution. Ready for paint in just 30 minutes, it serves as an effective RV roof sealant and polyurethane auto body filler without the need for sanding.
- All-Weather Performance: Designed to deliver a long-lasting seal, our automotive seam sealer withstands extreme weather without shrinking or cracking. Seam seal technology ensures it remains flexible and durable for both indoor and outdoor applications, making it a versatile automotive sealant.
- Easy Application & No Prep Needed: Seamlessly compatible with any standard urethane caulk gun, this auto glass sealant offers excellent adhesion without the need for surface prep. Our car seam sealer ensures quick and professional-grade gap filling.
- Versatile Application Across Vehicles: Perfect as car body filler for boats, trucks, and RVs, this automotive paintable seam sealer ensures a seamless fit on body panel and seams. Acting as an RV seam sealer, it meets diverse automotive repair needs effectively.
- Professional Results Guaranteed: Trusted by auto repair experts across the USA, our auto body seam sealer ensures high-quality, professional repairs with every use. Satisfaction guaranteed—see the difference in your repairs!
- Seal up to 60 ft of seams on tents, tarps and awnings with this water-based seam sealant; cures in 2 hours at room temperature
- Use it on various outdoor fabrics including nylon, polyester, and canvas; previously known as Seam Sure
- Apply this long-lasting seal that is nearly invisible and flexes with fabric; available in 2 fl oz bottle
- Treat gear using the included applicator brush to make application quick and easy
- Packaging may vary
- SINGLE COMPONENT FORMULA: Adheres well to bare metal, primed metal and painted surfaces
- MOISTURE CURING PROPERTY: Provides excellent performance in high heat and humidity environments
- NON-SHRINKING, NON-CRACKING: Remains flexible and offers superior results to solvent-based sealers
- QUICK PAINTABILITY: Allows painting after 30-45 minutes
- THICK CONSISTENCY: Fills large voids and can be smoothed to a featheredge or brushed
![[2 Pack] Polyurethane Seam Sealer Automotive Compound — Paintable Auto Body Seam Sealer White, Won't Shrink or Crack, Flexible Joint Filler for Bare & Painted Metal, RV Roof Sealant with Gloves, 10oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413vOkWzIrL.jpg "Water Leak In Rear Of Vehicle And/Or Spare Tire Area - 2020-2022 Ford Explorer & Lincoln Aviator 24")
- PROFESSIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SEAM SEALER — WON'T SHRINK OR CRACK — Polyurethane formula seals body panel seams, weld joints, and gaps with a durable, flexible compound that stays put. Unlike generic fillers, this seam sealer maintains flexibility through temperature extremes and road vibration without cracking or pulling away.
- PAINTABLE IN 30 MINUTES — Apply, wait 30 minutes, and paint right over it. Fast cure time means you can prime and topcoat the same day — no overnight wait between seam sealing and painting. Accepts all automotive primers and topcoats.
- BONDS TO BARE, PRIMED & PAINTED METAL — Adheres equally well to bare steel, primed surfaces, and already-painted panels. No special surface preparation beyond basic cleaning. Also bonds to fiberglass and composite panels for complete auto body restoration work.
- 2-PACK WITH GLOVES — STANDARD CAULKING GUN COMPATIBLE — Two 10 oz cartridges provide enough seam sealer for full panel or floor pan restoration. Loads into any standard caulking gun for controlled bead application. Includes nitrile gloves for clean handling.
- AUTO BODY, RV & MARINE APPLICATIONS — Use as an automotive seam sealer, RV roof sealant, or marine joint compound. Seals truck bed seams, rocker panels, door jambs, wheel wells, floor pans, and undercarriage joints. Waterproof and weather resistant once cured.
- Rapid Paint & Superior Bond: Our seam sealer automotive Securely bonds bare, primed, or painted metal with zero shrinkage. Ready for paint in just 30 minutes—no sanding or extra prep. Saves hours of shop time. Perfect as a RV roof sealant and polyurethane auto body filler.
- All-Weather Tough: Withstands extreme temperatures from -60°F to 300°F without shrinking or cracking. Remains permanently flexible to block moisture, prevent rust, and endure harsh outdoor environments.
- Easy & No Prep: Compatible with any standard caulk gun for a no-sag, precision flow. Achieve professional-grade gap filling without complex surface prep—smooths easily into tight seams and complex curves.
- Versatile & Shock-Absorb: Beyond cars—perfect for RVs, trucks, and boats. This auto paintable seam sealer absorbs road vibrations and door-slam impacts, ensuring chassis and body seams stay intact under heavy-duty stress.
- Pro-Trust Without Concern: The heavy-duty choice for mechanics and DIYers. We stand behind our urethane auto seam sealer with a hassle-free substitute or reimbursement of your order value if needed.
Last update on 2026-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SEOCONTENT-START
6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 1/17 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Lack Of Audio And/Or Water Leak In Rear Of Vehicle And/Or Spare Tire Area 23-2181 21 June 2023 This bulletin supersedes 22-2262. Reason for update: Concern Carryover to New Model Model: Ford
2020-2023 Explorer Lincoln 2020-2023 Aviator Summary This article supersedes TSB 22-2262 to update the service procedure, and vehicle model years affected. Issue: Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path. Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria: • 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator • Lack of audio after a car wash or rainfall • Water in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area Parts Parts To Inspect And Replace Only If Necessary Service Part Number LC5Z-14B350-B LB5Z-14B351-A 18K810 W710014-S300 Quantity If Needed If Needed If Needed If Needed Description Aviator Power Liftgate Strut – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application Power Liftgate Strut – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application Audio Control Module – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application Rubber Plug Unit of Issue 1 1 1 4 Piece Quantity 1 1 1 2 Quantity refers to the amount of the service part number required to repair the vehicle. Unit of Issue refers to the number of individual pieces included in a service part number package. Piece Quantity refers to the total number of individual pieces required to repair the vehicle. As Needed indicates the amount of the part may vary and/or is not a whole number. Parts can be billed out as non- whole numbers, including less than 1. If Needed indicates the part is not mandatory. Warranty Status: Eligible under provisions of New Vehicle Limited Warranty (NVLW)/Service Part Warranty (SPW)/Special Service Part (SSP)/Extended Service Plan (ESP) coverage. Limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. NVLW/SPW/SSP/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool. Labor Times 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Description Operation Time 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator: Repair The Audio System And Any Water Leaks Following The Service Procedure (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations) MT232181 Actual Time Repair/Claim Coding Causal Part: 5827840 Condition Code: 12 Service Procedure 1. Is this an Explorer or Aviator? (1). Explorer – proceed to the Explorer Vehicle Inspection procedure. (2). Aviator – proceed to the Aviator Vehicle Inspection procedure. Explorer Vehicle Inspection 1. Open the rear liftgate. 2. Inspect and make sure the following components are correctly seated by pushing: (1). Power liftgate grommet (if equipped). If not properly seated, replace the affected power liftgate strut. (Figure 1 Callout 1, Figure 2) (2). Margin seal and margin seal pushpins. (Figure 1 Callout 2, Figure 3 Callout 2) (3). Electrical wiring grommet. (Figure 1 Callout 3, Figure 3 Callout 3) (4). Rear washer hose. (Figure 1 Callout 4, Figure 3 Callout 4) Figure 1 Item 1 2 3 4 Description Power liftgate grommet (if equipped) Margin seal and margin seal pushpins Electrical wiring grommet Rear washer hose Figure 2 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 2/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Item 1 2 3 Description Power liftgate grommet Margin seal and margin seal pushpins Electrical wiring grommet https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 3/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer 4 Rear washer hose 3. If a water leak is present on the right side of the vehicle, replace the audio control module (ACM). (1). Reinstall the rain shield (if equipped) on the new ACM. The rain shield, if present, is attached to the ACM chassis using a pushpin which can be reused. 4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. 5. Inspect the right side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected, or missing items: (1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 4-6 Callout 1) If the tape is damaged or leaking, replace with a rubber plug. (2). Press down on the blind spot information system (BLIS) module to make sure it is fully seated into the body. (Figures 4-6 Callout 2) (3). Visually inspect the BLIS module wire harness grommet is seated. (Figures 4-6 Callout 3) Figure 4 Figure 5 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 4/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Figure 6 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 5/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer 6. Inspect the left side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected, or missing items: (1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 7-9 Callout 1) If the tape is damaged or leaking, replace with a rubber plug. (2). Press down on the BLIS module to make sure it is fully seated into the body. (Figures 7-9 Callout 2) (3). Visually inspect the BLIS module wire harness grommet is seated. (Figures 7-9 Callout 3) Figure 7 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 6/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Figure 8 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 7/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Figure 9 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 8/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Aviator Vehicle Inspection 1. Open the rear liftgate. 2. Inspect and make sure the following components are correctly seated by pushing: (1). Power liftgate grommet. If not properly seated, replace the affected power liftgate strut. (Figure 10 Callout 1, Figure 11) (2). Margin seal and margin seal pushpins. (Figure 10 Callout 2) (3). Electrical wiring grommet. (Figure 10 Callout 3) (4). Rear washer hose. (Figure 10 Callout 4) Figure 10 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 9/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Item 1 2 3 4 Description Power liftgate grommet Margin seal and margin seal pushpins Electrical wiring grommet Rear washer hose Figure 11 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 10/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer 3. If a water leak is present on the right side of the vehicle, replace the ACM. (1). Reinstall the rain shield (if equipped) on the new ACM. The rain shield, if present, is attached to the ACM chassis using a pushpin which can be reused. 4. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. 5. Inspect the right side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected or missing items: (1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 12-14 Callout 1) If the tape is damaged or leaking, replace with a rubber plug. (2). Press down on the BLIS module to make sure it is fully seated into the body. (Figures 12-14 Callout 2) (3). Visually inspect the BLIS module wire harness grommet is seated. (Figures 12-14 Callout 3) (4). Make sure the wire harness grommet for the phone as a key feature is seated or the delete tape is completely covering the body hole. (Figures 12-14 Callout 4) If the tape is damaged or leaking, replace with a rubber plug. (5). BLIS grommet to module wire. (Figures 12-14 Callout 5) Figure 12 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 11/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Figure 13 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 12/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Figure 14 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 13/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer 6. Inspect the left side rear corner area under the rear bumper cover for the following loose, disconnected or missing items: (1). Visually inspect for delete tape completely covering the body hole. (Figures 15-17 Callout 1) If the tape is damaged or leaking, replace with a rubber plug. (2). Press down on the BLIS module to make it is fully seated into the body. (Figures 15-17 Callout 2) (3). Visually inspect the BLIS module wire harness grommet is seated. (Figures 15-17 Callout 3) (4). Make sure the wire harness grommet for the phone as a key feature is seated or the delete tape is completely covering the body hole. (Figures 15-17 Callout 4) If the tape is damaged or leaking, replace with a rubber plug. (5). Rear fascia wire. (Figures 15-17 Callout 5) Figure 15 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 14/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Figure 16 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 15/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer Figure 17 https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 16/17 6/26/23, 2:46 PM 2023 Explorer https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com 17/17 © 2023 Ford Motor Company All rights reserved. NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers”. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right de this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company’s on-line technical resources.
**************************************************************************************************************
SEOCONTENT-END
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.