just a dumb question

i have 2000 xls 4.0l ohv i was replacing some bulbs in my instrument cluster today when i removed the trim panel around the cluster the one with the head light switch in it there was a connector plugged in on the opposite side of the head light between the radio trim panel and the cluster its self but there was nothing there for it to be plugged into it was just a holder for this connector anybody know what this connector is for

It is probably for a option that you do not have on your explorer. Ford uses the same harness for a lot of vehicles and just plugs in the options that are used. If you can get a Ford EVTM it will show you what the connector is for.