OEM Paddle Shifter Retrofit Guide for the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer / Police Interceptor Utility

One of the most requested factory-style upgrades for the 2020–2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility is the addition of OEM paddle shifters. While the Police Interceptor shares much of its drivetrain and electrical architecture with civilian Ford Explorer models, it was never offered with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters from the factory. As a result, drivers are limited to the standard automatic shift strategy despite the transmission's built-in capability to support manual gear selection.

The good news is that this feature can be retrofitted using genuine Ford components. With the correct steering wheel, a small amount of wiring, and the necessary vehicle programming, compatible Police Interceptor models can gain fully functional paddle shifters that operate just like a factory-equipped Explorer.

Although this upgrade is compatible with a variety of 2020–2025 Police Interceptor Utility configurations, it is especially popular among owners of the 3.0L EcoBoost models. The combination of the high-output EcoBoost engine and Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission makes manual gear selection noticeably more engaging, giving drivers greater control during spirited driving, highway acceleration, passing maneuvers, and engine braking.

In this guide, we'll walk through the complete retrofit process from start to finish. You'll learn how to identify the required OEM components, replace the steering wheel, add the necessary wiring to the factory harness, and enable the feature through vehicle programming. While specific connector IDs, pin locations, and programming values may vary depending on model year and vehicle configuration, we've structured this guide so those details can be easily referenced as you complete the installation.

Whether you're restoring OEM functionality, upgrading your driving experience, or simply exploring the hidden capabilities already built into your Police Interceptor, this guide will provide everything you need to complete the retrofit with factory-level results.

What You'll Need

Before getting started, gather all of the required tools and materials listed below. Having everything prepared before disassembly will make the installation process significantly smoother and help avoid unnecessary interruptions.

Required Tools

• Complete metric socket set (various socket sizes)
• Ratchet and socket extensions
• Trim removal tools
• Small flat-blade screwdriver or pick tool
• Terminal release / depinning tool
• Wire stripper and crimping tool
• Heat-Shrink tubr with soldering iron (recommended)
• Heat gun
• Electrical tape or OEM cloth harness tape
• FORScan-compatible OBD adapter
• Laptop with FORScan installed

Required Materials

• Ford OEM steering wheel assembly with paddle shifters
• 22 AWG automotive-grade wire (at least 20-30m)
• Ford connector repair pigtail(s) (Part Number: WPT-1148 or 3U2Z-14S411-HKB)
• Ford connector repair pigtail(s) (Part Number: [INSERT CONTENT])

Optional: If sourcing the required OEM connectors and terminals proves difficult, Police-Lab also offers a vehicle-specific wiring kit designed for this retrofit. Our kit includes the correct connector pigtails, OEM-style terminal pins, and all of the wiring components required for the installation, eliminating the need to search for discontinued, backordered, or hard-to-find Ford service parts. While many OEM repair connectors can be expensive or difficult to obtain, our wiring kit provides a convenient alternative with everything needed to complete the retrofit using factory-style components. You may purchase this  kit here: https://shop.police-lab.com/products/pl-20fpiu-kit1.

These repair pigtails include the correct factory terminals and pre-installed wiring, eliminating the need to source individual terminal pins separately.

Hardware Installation

Step 1 – Disconnect Vehicle Power

Before performing any electrical work, disconnect the vehicle's battery negative terminal and ensure the electrical system is completely powered down. This not only protects sensitive electronic modules during the installation but also safely depowers the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before removing the steering wheel and airbag assembly.

After disconnecting the battery, wait several minutes to allow all vehicle modules to shut down completely before proceeding.

Step 2 – Remove the Factory Steering Wheel

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Step 3 – Access the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) Connectors

To provide easier access to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and simplify routing the new wiring harness, you may choose to remove the front bumper assembly. While this step is optional, it provides significantly more working space and makes routing the wiring from the engine compartment into the passenger cabin much easier. If you decide not to remove the front bumper, the retrofit can still be completed, although routing the wiring through the engine bay and firewall will require additional time and patience.

Locate the PCM and disconnect the appropriate engine harness connector for your vehicle.

• 3.3L Duratec / Hybrid models: Connector C175B
• 3.0L EcoBoost models: Connector C1551B

Although these connectors use different Ford identification numbers depending on the engine family, they are physically identical, and the following installation procedure is the same for both.

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Release the connector locking latch and rotate the locking lever until the connector is fully disengaged from the PCM. Carefully remove the connector from the module and place it in a clean work area before continuing with the wiring modifications.

Next, locate the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) connector beneath the steering column. Disconnect the connector using the same care, ensuring the locking mechanism is fully released before removing it.

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Both connectors will be modified in the following steps to add the necessary paddle shifter wiring.

Step 4 – Prepare the Wiring Harness

Begin by cutting three lengths of 22 AWG automotive-grade wire, each approximately 5 m (16 ft) long. This length is sufficient to route the wiring from the PCM to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) while allowing extra length for proper routing and serviceability. Any remaining wire can be kept as spare material.

Next, attach the appropriate PCM terminal pigtails to one end of each wire. For the most reliable connection, we recommend soldering each wire and protecting the joint with solder-seal heat shrink tubing. When heated with a heat gun, the tubing simultaneously shrinks around the wire, melts the internal solder, and seals the connection against moisture, providing a durable, OEM-quality splice suitable for the automotive environment.

Once all three wires have been prepared, bundle them together and install them inside the protective wiring loom prepared earlier. The wiring loom should be rated for automotive engine compartment use, providing protection against abrasion, moisture, and the elevated temperatures commonly found inside the engine bay.

Step 5 – Route the Harness Through the Firewall

Following the factory wiring path shown below, route the new harness from the PCM toward the firewall. Whenever possible, secure the harness alongside the existing factory wiring using cable ties or OEM-style harness tape to prevent movement and maintain a factory appearance.

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Locate the unused rubber firewall grommet positioned above the brake pedal on the passenger compartment side of the firewall. Using a suitable punch or awl, carefully create a small opening in the center of the grommet. Feed the three wires from the engine compartment through the opening until they are fully routed into the vehicle cabin.

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The protective wiring loom only needs to cover the portion of the harness exposed inside the engine compartment. Once the harness has passed through the firewall, trim the wiring loom so that it ends just before entering the passenger cabin.

After confirming the routing is correct, seal the opening in the firewall grommet using an automotive-grade waterproof sealant. Properly sealing the grommet helps prevent moisture, dust, engine fumes, and road noise from entering the passenger compartment.

Step 6 – Route the Harness Inside the Cabin

Continue routing the three wires inside the vehicle following the factory harness path shown in the illustration below. Secure the wiring at regular intervals to prevent interference with the brake pedal assembly, steering column, or any moving components beneath the dashboard.

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Once the harness reaches the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM), terminate the opposite ends of the three wires using the appropriate SCCM terminal pigtails, following the same soldering and heat-shrink procedure described previously.

Step 7 – Pinning the PCM and SCCM Connectors

Once the wiring harness has been fully routed and both ends are prepared, the next step is to disassemble the factory connectors and install the newly added terminals into the OEM connector housings.

Begin by carefully disconnecting both the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector and the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) connector. Release the primary locking lever and open the rear housing cover of each connector to expose the internal terminal carrier (connector insert). This will allow access to the pin cavities where the new circuits will be installed.

With the connector fully opened, locate the terminal carrier and gently release it according to factory-style locking procedures. Once released, the internal structure of the connector will allow rear insertion of the newly prepared terminals.

Step 8 – PCM Connector Pin Assignment

Regardless of whether the vehicle is equipped with the 3.3L Duratec, 3.3L Hybrid, or 3.0L EcoBoost engine, the PCM connector will contain clearly numbered pin cavities along the connector housing. Always verify the numbering directly on the connector body before proceeding.

The following pin assignments are required:

• Pin 53 – Paddle Shift Up Signal (+)
• Pin 65 – Paddle Shift Down Signal (–)
• Pin 73 – Signal Return (Ground Reference)

Before insertion, clearly label each wire as UP, DOWN, and RETURN to avoid misrouting during installation.

Insert the corresponding terminals into the PCM connector from the rear until an audible click is felt or heard, confirming that the terminal has fully seated and locked into place:

• UP → Pin 53
• DOWN → Pin 65
• RETURN → Pin 73

After installation, gently pull each wire to confirm it is fully locked and properly retained inside the connector housing.

Step 9 – SCCM Connector Pin Assignment

Next, move to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) connector. Open the connector housing in the same manner and expose the internal pin cavities.

Locate the numbered pin positions on the SCCM connector body and install the corresponding terminals as follows:

• Pin 5 – Paddle Shift Up Signal (+)
• Pin 6 – Paddle Shift Down Signal (–)
• Pin 7 – Signal Return (Ground Reference)

Insert each terminal carefully into its designated cavity until it locks securely in place. Ensure correct orientation and full seating of each terminal before closing the connector housing.

Once all connections are installed, reassemble both connectors and fully engage the locking mechanisms to secure them back onto the PCM and SCCM modules.

At this stage, the physical wiring portion of the paddle shifter retrofit is complete, and the system is ready for steering wheel reinstallation and vehicle programming.

Step 11 – Enable Paddle Shift Function via FORScan (PCM Configuration)

At this stage of the installation, the physical hardware has been fully completed. However, it is important to note that the downshift function may not yet be active until the vehicle configuration has been properly updated through software.

To enable full paddle shifter functionality, a final configuration change must be performed using FORScan.

Connect your FORScan-compatible OBD adapter and launch the software. Once connected to the vehicle, navigate to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Instead of entering the As-Built format, open the non–As-Built configuration menu. Within the available configuration options, locate the setting labeled:

“Select Shift Transmission”

Change this parameter from its default value to:

“Equipped”

Once selected, proceed to click Write to apply the new configuration to the PCM.

After the write process is completed, fully cycle the ignition and restart the vehicle to allow the PCM to reinitialize with the updated configuration.

Once the vehicle has restarted, test paddle shifter operation in a safe environment. The system should now support full manual shift control, including both upshift and downshift functionality.

At this point, the installation and programming process is complete, and the paddle shifter retrofit is fully operational.