Center Stowage Compartment Downgrade

[zeecarr]

I put in the tray today on my 2023. It does make that space a lot more useful for sure, so it is worth it. It was pretty much a waste before. I was going to make a video, but I found one on youtube that is not too bad. This might be a bit tough if you have never taken apart an interior to do a stereo swap or similar, but given the video and the instructions below most should be able to do it.

The video shows which trim pieces to remove to get things started. Once they are removed, the hardware is exposed to do the rest of the removal. You will need a trim tool pry bar or just a flat screwdriver (used carefully) and also a 7 mm nut driver, 7mm socket and a torx 715 screwdriver (star shaped). The two screws furthest under the screen only have a few inches above, hence the 7mm socket wrench.

Removing the four 7mm screws loosens the assembly with the shifter knob. Tilt it up and disconnect just the one small cable underneath on the right side. Once that is done you can carefully turn that assembly and push it out of the way enough to get to the stowage compartment. Now you can disconnect the connector for the light that is embedded in the stowage compartment. The connector disconnects from the left side with little latch that can be pried to release it. I was able to pop the Dual USB block out using a screwdriver without breaking it. I also used a screwdriver to pop out the wireless charging pad and assembly and disconnect the harness from it. Now remove the four 7mm screws and the stowage compartment will come right out. At your workbench, loosen the two star screws that hold the sliding lid to the compartment and transfer the lid to the new compartment. Pop the light out of the old compartment and pop it into the new compartment. Pop the light cable connector onto the tongue like it was on the old compartment.

That's it. Put it back in using the reverse order. The trim pieces just line up and tap them with the ball of your fist, the should snap back in with very little effort. Take pictures along the way removing if you are uneasy about getting it back together!

How To Remove 2022-24 Ford Expedition Gear Selector/Gear Shifter/Cup Holder.

Here is a simple video of how to remove the gear selector or gear shifter, depends on who you talk to, of the 2022 to 2024 Ford Expedition. I put 22-24 becau...

youtu.be

 

[cgvg1210]

I might follow your lead and execute this mod.

 

[IH2Expedition]

The part had been sitting on my bench for a month. Finally got busy yesterday and did the installation. Took me 2 to 3 hours total. The hardest part was disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring. As noted, the inductive charger was useless. The additional storage will be handy. Well worth the time and money.

 

[Shotgun76]

This looks like a fantastic idea!!

 

[texsn95]

Great info, may do this as well.

 

[Shotgun76]

Just ordered the parts!

 

[dr2024]

Great thread, thanks!

Turns out the prefix for the tray part number is KL (rather than LK), KL3Z1513594AA (2018-2024 Expedition)
Mat JL1Z78045G34CA (2018-2021 Expedition)

I mention the date ranges, because FordParts and FordPartsGiant.com “gatekeep” the search function by requiring make, model & year, and then refusing to show parts that (they don’t believe) fit that vehicle even when the part number is correctly entered in the search bar.

 

[HILLY]

Great thread, thanks!

Turns out the prefix for the tray part number is KL (rather than LK), KL3Z1513594AA (2018-2024 Expedition)
Mat JL1Z78045G34CA (2018-2021 Expedition)

I mention the date ranges, because FordParts and FordPartsGiant.com “gatekeep” the search function by requiring make, model & year, and then refusing to show parts that (they don’t believe) fit that vehicle even when the part number is correctly entered in the search bar.

Thanks for calling that out. Unfortunately I guess too much time has elapsed since posting that I cannot go back to edit that. Not sure what the timeframe is for that.

 

[HILLY]

I was working on something else last night in FORScan and noticed that I was throwing a soft code (no CEL) for the WACS. I found settings in BCM and APIM for this module and switched them both from the default setting of 'Enabled' --> 'Disabled'. Cleared DTC's, reran the test, and it's cleared. Wasn't a biggie, but keeps a Ford dealer tech from guessing and messing around for an answer if I ever have it in a shop.

 

[texsn95]

Just did this mod to gain real estate back from the front stowage compartment in the center console. My previous XLT did not have the wireless charging option and I used to throw a lot of smaller odds 'n ends in there vs the armrest storage bin. I thought I would like my new setup with the wireless charging pad, but I found that it was useless to me as I found several issues:

1. The charger cannot keep up with today's phones in energy requirements. If anything with my experience (iPhone 15 Pro), it will only slow down the rate of battery discharge, but won't maintain or charge at all.
2. It's awkward to lay the phone on the charging pad as well as reaching in there to remove (big phone).
3. It's a lot of real estate lost for the angled phone area. Part of this reason is the charging module is on the backside and is somewhat large for what it is.

It wasn't much to order a new non-charging bin and rubber mat for the insert. I removed the top panel that holds the shifter and cupholders. Once that was out of the way, I was able to access the Torx screws at the front of the compartment and two 7mm screws on each side in the middle and back. Slide out and unplug the courtesy light, USB receptacle, and wireless charger plug. Remove the lid assembly (slides off via tongue and grooves) and transfer over to new bin. Transfer over the courtesy light and USB receptacle. Reinstall in reverse. Also tape or zip tie the unused charger harness to another bundle to keep from rattling.

View attachment 83945

Part #: LK3Z1513594AA - Stowage Compartment Assembly ($33.83)
JL1Z78045G34CA - Mat ($15.35)

Did you order from anyone that has free shipping or pick up from your local dealer? The prices I'm finding online now are more than that and anywhere from 10-30 in shipping for each item.

 

[HILLY]

Did you order from anyone that has free shipping or pick up from your local dealer? The prices I'm finding online now are more than that and anywhere from 10-30 in shipping for each item.

Shipping's a bear. I ordered both through https://ford.oempartsonline.com/ and the order was filled through Ford Hacienda. S&H was over half the cost of the compartment.

If I went to the dealer, I would have paid the same at the retail price. I think it came down to convenience - have it delivered to my house for the same money, but less time, than it would have been to hike it up to the dealer twice to order and pickup.

 

[texsn95]

Gotcha thanks. The explorer is at the dealer now for about 8 things, so I'll be back by there soon to pick it up. Or, hopefully in September...haha

 

[Mr Big]

"1. The charger cannot keep up with today's phones in energy requirements. If anything with my experience (iPhone 15 Pro), it will only slow down the rate of battery discharge, but won't maintain or charge at all. "

Very true. The wireless charger doesn't work for iPhone 16 pro max at all. It will try to charge the phone for the first several seconds and then will stop charging automatically.

Not true.
I have a Samsung Zfold 4 and 7, as well as an s25 Ultra. They are all in rugged cases. The charger in mine keeps them fully charged on trips while I use my wireless android GPS. The phone will occasionally stop charging, if it detects the phone is getting hot. But it comes right back on and continues charging. Maybe it's the Apple phone?

 

[HILLY]

Not true.
I have a Samsung Zfold 4 and 7, as well as an s25 Ultra. They are all in rugged cases. The charger in mine keeps them fully charged on trips while I use my wireless android GPS. The phone will occasionally stop charging, if it detects the phone is getting hot. But it comes right back on and continues charging. Maybe it's the Apple phone?

That may be a possibility as MagSafe can charge just about as fast as a plug in, so a lot of draw. Also, state of charge when placing on the pad can also be a factor. Most Qi’s were originally intended to maintain a charge while in use.

They also could have updated the WACS as the MY’s went on, who knows?

I know that none of the devices in our household never really worked, plus it was cumbersome getting in and out. So far in the half year or so that I’ve done this I absolutely do not miss it, especially since I lost the center console to my fridge (which I use more than I thought I would).

 

[Shotgun76]

I ordered parts using fordpass points; picking up at my local dealer this week. And yep, the "gatekeeping" function is a pain but finally got to the following:

console compartment stowage - center​

Generic. Flowthrough Console Lid. Hi Line Cubby Box. Base Console - Leather, Black, Vinyl
Part #: KL3Z1513594AA

 

[Shotgun76]

Question - anyone consider not reinstalling the sliding cover? Not sure how it would look (large gap?) but for me, the sliding cover just seems useless and makes getting my paws in there just that more of a pain.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

indeed, that wireless charger barely works with my Pixel 9 Pro (non XL), and getting the phone in/out of it is a real pain. I almost always plug the phone in for Android Auto, and whiel that doesn't fast charge, it keeps things going with maps and spotify playing. My cordless charger stand at home takes the phone from 30% to 100% in like 90 minutes.

 

[twernst]

I try not to get the huge phones anymore, it's just too much. My Pixel 8 Pro fits fine with a cord, even better with a 90 degree connector on the cord. I went to a wireless adapter too which has fixed all my dropout issues with the wired connectors in the car. I'm now plugged into a cigarette adapter that properly charges the phone while I drive. I still hate all the cords running all over the place, we'll see if my annoyance wins over my laziness.

What was your preferred wireless adapter, I tried one from Amazon and it was spotty at best?

 

[twernst]

Great thread, thanks!


Mat JL1Z78045G34CA (2018-2021 Expedition)

I mention the date ranges, because FordParts and FordPartsGiant.com “gatekeep” the search function by requiring make, model & year, and then refusing to show parts that (they don’t believe) fit that vehicle even when the part number is correctly entered in the search bar.

Just a quick FYI, not sure the part number above is current for the non wireless compartment mat. I ordered that one and got a tiny little rubber mat. I had to re-order using this part number:
JL3Z-15045G34-AA.



Hopefully, it’s the right one.

 

[GixxerJasen]

I've been using this for the last year and it's been rock solid. After having my dropout issues all the time while wired, I saw a youtube video on this and didn't have a lot of faith in it. It was expensive for what it is, there's certainly cheaper options, but I figured I'd try the one the guy had in the video. Wish I'd bought it sooner, it's so much better for some reason.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLNHL7WS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1

Only annoyance is I wish that Ford would shut off those USB ports with the ignition. If i'm doing something with my phone in proxmimity to the device after getting out, like logging my fuel up, it keeps trying to connect. The Bluetooth device is still powered up but it can't connect to the car, so my phone pops a notification like every 30 seconds or so. Not the devices fault of course.