Mobile power cord downrating [resolved, replaced FMC]

[eRockBoon]

So for the past month, my Ford mobile power cord that came with my 2022 F150 lightning has been supplying my truck with substantially less than the 6 to 6.5 kW I am accustomed to getting, occasionally as low as 2.5 kW. Is there a way that I can confirm this is an issue with the mobile power cord? If it is indeed an issue with the mobile power cord, would that issue be covered by my warranty?

for a little more context, I’ve been using the Ford mobile power cord to charge my truck at home for the past 20 months. I’ve heard reports that these chargers are not very robust and can degrade after repeated use particularly at high temperatures.

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[RickLightning]

Look at the lights on it when you plug it in, before connecting to the truck. Should be solid blue. If not, you have a faulty charger. Colors explained in manual. 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty.

 

[hturnerfamily]

now, are these 'lower' kw speeds when it is past a certain SOC, such as 90-95%, or similar?

 

[Heliian]

Check with your dealer on warranty for it.

Just make sure your house side wiring and plug is in good shape.

 

[Zprime29]

I'll second the suggestion to try another plug ( perhaps one at a friends house even ).
Assuming since you used to get 6+kW out of it, you aren't charging at high SOC but never hurts to do a sanity check and eliminate possible variables. Only other thing I can think of is to try it on another EV and see what they get. If all ends point to it not performing as expected, then definitely put a warranty claim on it.

 

[mrau]

If this charger has a removal pigtail, then you may want to pull it out and reinsert it firmly in place.

 

[eRockBoon]

Look at the lights on it when you plug it in, before connecting to the truck. Should be solid blue. If not, you have a faulty charger. Colors explained in manual. 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty.

It is blue like it always is and it is charging the truck. Just at half speed.

 

[eRockBoon]

now, are these 'lower' kw speeds when it is past a certain SOC, such as 90-95%, or similar?

All ranges of SOC from 20% to 80%. Normally,I wouldn’t care but I just recently switched over to a time of use energy plan where for three cents a kilowatt I can charge from midnight to 6 AM. Unfortunately, because of how slow the charging is, I really can’t more than 20% over those six hours.

 

[MM in SouthTX]

A number of Lightning and Mach-E users have been through what you are describing. See this thread. Apparently, for those affected, the mobile cord does not last through more than 100 cycles or so.

Like RickLightning says, check the lights when it quits delivering expected output. I think you will find blue/orange. Take it to the dealer. Get it replaced under warranty. Then only use it when you travel. Buy an Emporia plug-in model for $400 for home use. That's what I ended up doing.

 

[eRockBoon]

Going to the dealership today

 

[Zprime29]

Also, is the receptacle warm when charging? Is the receptacle a robust industrial grade type or a cheap big-box store consumer grade $12 unit? It could be the MPC sensing a true overheat condition at the receptacle. Might want to pop off the cover and inspect it for any signs of overheating inside the wall.

Always a good idea to inspect the outlet for signs of wear. But I don't see how the EVSE would know what's going on in the outlet. There aren't any sensors in the plug, are there? Is there another way it would be able to determine that?

 

[carys98]

Always a good idea to inspect the outlet for signs of wear. But I don't see how the EVSE would know what's going on in the outlet. There aren't any sensors in the plug, are there? Is there another way it would be able to determine that?

It doesn’t “know” but a bad connection will cause the voltage to drop. The power delivered to the truck is voltage times current so a lower voltage means a lower charge rate. The OP stated that they saw as low as 2.5 kW which would mean the voltage would have to drop below 90V and that would be pretty serious. That is probably near the limit to power the electronics in the FMC. If that‘s what is happening then over 4 kW are being turned to heat somewhere in the house wiring and that could be a serious fire hazard.

 

[Maquis]

Always a good idea to inspect the outlet for signs of wear. But I don't see how the EVSE would know what's going on in the outlet. There aren't any sensors in the plug, are there? Is there another way it would be able to determine that?

Yes, the FMC has a temp sensor in the plug. There is an error light combination shown in the manual for plug overheating that is different that the unit itself overheating. This is why the OP was asked to confirm the light combination shown after it starts throttling.

 

[Zprime29]

Yes, the FMC has a temp sensor in the plug. There is an error light combination shown in the manual for plug overheating that is different that the unit itself overheating. This is why the OP was asked to confirm the light combination shown after it starts throttling.

Only use mine 2-3 times a year but didn't realize that. I'll reread the manual when I get a chance. Nice to know that's a feature. Thanks.

 

[Peddyr]

There is enough evidence out there to point to the fact it doesn't operate well in the heat. I bought an Emporia and haven't had an issue with charge rate since.

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