Last gasp for my Ford mobile charger ?

[Maxx]

I have been using my Ford mobile charger as home charger for the past year. I always knew that is not what it is designed for but I have a better mobile charger and wanted to get as much use out of this as possible. It has been working fairly well and has been reliable. But lately, it does not hold power consistently (fluctuates between 3 kW and 6 kW). The blue light on the charger has an orange at the end of it now. Unplugging it will temporarily fix the issue but it will quickly go back to the problem state.

On the truck Charger coupler temp is at 84F. Charging at 60 Hz, 236V. High Voltage module SOC variation is highest I have seen 0.45% but voltage variation is at 0V.

It is still charging this way but much slower. I am not sure the sign wave may have changed and may damage the inverter in the truck. Is the charger dying and time to replace? or there are other things I have to worry about. Any insight is appreciated.

I think orange is suppose to be Voltage and Temp problems. Voltage is noted and nothing feels hot to the touch.

This is first when everything is fine and before HVB power drops.

 

[Henry Ford]

MachE owner's manual. The link explains what the lights mean. If it's in a constant error state I'd suggest calling your dealer so they can test and replace it under warranty.

 

[Maxx]

MachE owner's manual. The link explains what the lights mean. If it's in a constant error state I'd suggest calling your dealer so they can test and replace it under warranty.

Thanks. It seems like it is this case:

However it is 42F outside so I am guessing a component is going bad inside the charger that is causing overheating (not noticeable by touching the charger).

If the warranty is a year, I am out of luck. Besides, I think I was not suppose to get the charger with my 23 to begin with.

 

[frautumn]

I've never used the included Ford mobile charger.

I'd be curious to see the results of a poll asking:
* I've never used my FMC
* I sometimes use my FMC
* I exclusively charge with my FMC at 120V
* I exclusively charge with my FMC at 240V

 

[Maxx]

MachE owner's manual. The link explains what the lights mean. If it's in a constant error state I'd suggest calling your dealer so they can test and replace it under warranty.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I think I found the solution. I have setup a permanent spot for the charger with the included attachment. That leaves no breathing room behind the charger. Loosening the charger from it's spot gave it enough air flow behind it to cool down and maintain the 6 kW I expect. This works with 42F ambient temp but I doubt it will be enough in summer. I hope this helps others. Just make sure the charger is in the coolest place possible with enough air flow or you may wake up with less charge than you expected.

 

[RickLightning]

Thanks. It seems like it is this case:

However it is 42F outside so I am guessing a component is going bad inside the charger that is causing overheating (not noticeable by touching the charger).

If the warranty is a year, I am out of luck. Besides, I think I was not suppose to get the charger with my 23 to begin with.

The warranty for the charger, when it comes with your vehicle, is 36 months / 36,000 miles. The charger is supposed to be mounted in the bracket. That would mean no airflow behind it. If it doesn't operate that way, then it's defective and should be replaced.

 

[Hammick]

I dropped mine and the lock tab broke. My dealer replaced it under warranty. Shameless plug but I have a new Ioniq 5 charger for sale that will do 120v charging and 240v. It is also current adjustable so can be used on 30a circuits.

 

[TomB985]

I'm surprised how common these problems are. These units are manufactured by Webasto, which is a reputable name. Level 2 chargers aren't exactly new technology. I've never used mine because I have more faith in my Tesla home and mobile chargers from my last car.

https://info.evsolutions.com/webasto-go

 

[MM in SouthTX]

My mobile has been my only charger for 15 months. I started have the 3/6 kW issue about a month ago. I get the 3-light error, for which the manual says "take to dealer." Someone also suggested that it may be my 240 outlet going to 250-260 because of my solar panels. More info in that thread may be useful.

I will try to mount the bracket with spacers and see if that helps. Thanks.

 

[Maxx]

I will try to mount the bracket with spacers and see if that helps. Thanks.

I am planning to do the same. May be cut an aluminum panel and use some thermal goo to help it get rid of heat.

 

[Heliian]

included Ford mobile charger.

It became an option for 2023 models.

The reduced power problem can be caused by a few things. Some even found it to be a bad 240v dongle, not the unit itself. Could be the unit though, I haven't had any problems with mine so I haven't done a teardown yet.

 

[Maxx]

It became an option for 2023 models.

The reduced power problem can be caused by a few things. Some even found it to be a bad 240v dongle, not the unit itself. Could be the unit though, I haven't had any problems with mine so I haven't done a teardown yet.

I started Googling it and it looks like there are tons of folks with the same problem. I think the charger is junk and I probably am better off just getting something that is made for daily use. Mine started doing it again even after getting extra cooling. I am fairly sure it is the charger not the truck, connection or voltage. I swapped it with a good quality portable charger at higher amp and it holds rock solid. Now I have to start shopping for one for home. Let me know if you are happy with yours.

 

[rdr854]

I started Googling it and it looks like there are tons of folks with the same problem. I think the charger is junk and I probably am better off just getting something that is made for daily use. Mine started doing it again even after getting extra cooling. I am fairly sure it is the charger not the truck, connection or voltage. I swapped it with a good quality portable charger at higher amp and it holds rock solid. Now I have to start shopping for one for home. Let me know if you are happy with yours.

If your truck is under warranty, my understanding is that Ford will replace it for free.

For a home charger, I am using the Ford Charge Station Pro. Does fine except when super hot outside - like around 100 degrees outside.

 

[Warren]

It became an option for 2023 models.

The reduced power problem can be caused by a few things. Some even found it to be a bad 240v dongle, not the unit itself. Could be the unit though, I haven't had any problems with mine so I haven't done a teardown yet.

I think this is what happened to mine. Within one month of ownership, it started acting up. When I switched the dongle to 110v, it worked fine. Took it to the dealer last week, so we will see what happens. Bought a new Juicebox charger and have been using it since.

 

[TNVolFan]

I've never used the included Ford mobile charger.

I'd be curious to see the results of a poll asking:
* I've never used my FMC
* I sometimes use my FMC
* I exclusively charge with my FMC at 120V
* I exclusively charge with my FMC at 240V

Exclusively use the FMC at 240

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