I thought it was a problem on my 1998 Town & Country, but I just needed to turn the key on (don't start the car, just turn the key for power to reach the outlet.) If that is not the problem, check the fuse box under steering wheel.
Your power outlet in your 2002 Ford Explorer may have a damaged fuse. You can try replacing the fuse to see if it will start working.
The question should be why the power outlets don't work - the entertainment system (DVD just plugs into the power outlet/cig lighter. The fuses have checked.
The 2002 Toyota Corolla is 5 ft. 6.7 in. (66.7 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Volvo S60 is 5 ft. 11 in. (71 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is 5 ft. 9.4 in. (69.4 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Jeep Wrangler is 5 ft. 6.7 in. (66.7 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Porsche 911 is 5 ft. 9.7 in. (69.7 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Kia Sportage is 5 ft. 8.1 in. (68.1 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is 6 ft. 1.6 in. (73.6 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Nissan Sentra is 5 ft. 7.3 in. (67.3 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 GMC Savana is 6 ft. 7.4 in. (79.4 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.
The 2002 Chevrolet Express is 6 ft. 7.4 in. (79.4 in.)12V front power outlet(s) wide.