Author:
Mark Sanchez
Date Of Creation:
7 January 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
If you bought a used Explorer or Mountainer, the seller may not know the 5-digit lock code, or will not say it because he uses it for other security purposes. If you changed it yourself and forgot, then you can still use it as the default. This article will show you how to find the code yourself on many of these models made in the early 2000s.
Steps
1 Open the rear passenger door.
2 Lower the seat, then lift it up until it comes out completely.
3 If the seat arm prevents it from being lifted off the floor, there is a second arm on the back of the seat, under the left rear corner of the seat.
4 Remove the seat belt anchor bolt using the socket wrench (50 mm) shown here with 3/8 in. (9.525 mm) handle. See tips for using a penetrating oil and / or pipe cleaner for rusted bolts. 
5 Peel off the rubber around the edge of the panel, from top to bottom.
6 There are several clamps to hold the panel in place as well. You can use a plastic card to remove them. 
7 The panel can now be removed by opening the black box where the code is hidden. You may need to use tools such as a jack handle to get in and pull the panel out enough to see the code. 
8 Use a small mirror to see the 5-digit code below the top barcode in this photo. In this photo it looks like 55555, but because it is a mirror image, it is in fact the code 22222. (Hold the mirror until you get the full size view; it is important to know for sure.) 
9 Reverse everything by writing down the code. It may be necessary to use a flashlight to position the plastic parts inside the panel so that they stick together.
Tips
- Penetrating oil such as WD-40 or Liquid Wrench can also be helpful. Apply it around the front of the bolt and where it goes through the body inside the wheel.
- If the seat belt bolt does not come out easily, you can try getting the code without removing it. Just follow the steps, knowing that pulling out the panel will be even more difficult.
- You can use a "cleaner", a piece of pipe (large enough to fit over the end of your wrench handle), and something under the bolt to hold the wrench in the correct position.
Warnings
- You can void your socket wrench warranty by using a cleaner.
- Be careful not to damage the magnetic stripe, if any, on the card you are using to remove the panel clips.
- You could lose your vehicle warranty by doing this job yourself.
- For the safety of passengers, be sure to tighten the seat belt bolt in the same way as it was previously.
