Why You Can’t Tune the 2025 Explorer ST

Edit 7/24/2025: Tuning has been unlocked!

Hello everyone! Today we will be going over why you can’t tune the 2025 Explorer STs. Enjoy!

The 2025 Explorers PCM’s are ran by a new generation of software encryption, a generation newer then the S650 Mustang’s and F150’s use. The S650 Mustangs and F150s have not yet been cracked, and they are the top priorities for tuning companies.

“The ECU uses AES 256 encryption. It’s impossible to crack with todays computers. Past processors embedded the bootloader in firmware and it could be manipulated to exclude it. Not as easy now, they have written the encryption on the hardware level. Info would need to be hacked or leaked from the developers.”

-Eric Eldreth from the High Performance Explorer ST group

It may take years for the encryption to be cracked, if the PCM is ever cracked. The hackers who have the skill and software to crack the encryption don’t prioritize vehicles, choosing more…um higher paying jobs that may or may not be legal. Also, tuning device companies aren’t prioritizing the Explorer versus the S650 Mustangs and new F150s.

The only hope for tuning in the near future may lie with Ford Performance in two ways. First, since Ford is the only one with access to tuning, a Ford Performance tune may be the only option in the future. One member of the 2025+ Explorer ST Forum reported that Ford Performance is in the process of developing their tune and getting it CARB-approved for the 2025 ExST.

The second way tuning could happen would be an agreement with Ford and an aftermarket company. Although it is very unlikely, a coalition between Ford and an aftermarket tuning company such as when Ford partnered with Whipple and Roush for their supercharger, could maybe happen. It is very unlikely, but maybe if an aftermarket company steps up they may catch some favor with Ford.

Unfortunately, what it comes down to, is PCM tuning is not currently available for the 2025+ ExST, and will take a long time to become available, if it ever becomes available.

Hope you found this article informative! Thanks for reading and be sure to subscribe to keep up with all our latest content!