2023 ER Lariat Heater Went Out Just as Winter Hit

[Adventureboy]

I've had to add coolant to both my Lightning and my wife's MME. Both were right at the bottom and I expect there is a safety switch that won't allow the heater to kick on if the coolant is low, so I agree with checking that first.

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[Karlos]

You'd think there would be a low coolant warning/message display ??

 

[cal]

Just had a thought...purchase an electric space heater...maybe it will be more efficient than the native heater...

Great recommendation we used space heaters in Alaska to prevent plastic interior cracking in the winter. They work great didn't really heat anything at 40 below but it did prevent cracking

 

[Adventureboy]

You'd think there would be a low coolant warning/message display ??

You would think. No warnings on either of mine and the Lightning tank was pretty much empty. Given @Buio and @chrisvitek1 's experience, it doesn't appear to have a low coolant warning system, unless you consider a non-functioning heater as the warning.

I have it on my weekly watch list along with topping up the washer fluid. It's easy to glance at it in the Lightning when the Frunk is open. Not so easy on the MME as I need to remove a trim panel. I haven't had to add to either since the first time.

 

[Grumpy2]

It seems unlikely a high voltage electric heater would last long if it was dry.

 

[YellowstoneLightning]

Update for those who have been following along: I checked the coolant and you were all right, it was very low; below the min mark. I refilled it to a little below the max line and tried the heat--that didn't work. Next, I disconnected the 12v for 10 minutes then tried again--still no heat. Looks like I'll have to take it in to the dealer after all. Thanks to everyone for your input.

 

[Maquis]

Update for those who have been following along: I checked the coolant and you were all right, it was very low; below the min mark. I refilled it to a little below the max line and tried the heat--that didn't work. Next, I disconnected the 12v for 10 minutes then tried again--still no heat. Looks like I'll have to take it in to the dealer after all. Thanks to everyone for your input.

If it was very low, there could be airlocks in the system. If so, driving should eventually work them out, but you’ll need to keep adding coolant as they do.

ETA - Have you had battery modules replaced? Several on here have reported improper coolant refill after such a service.

 

[YellowstoneLightning]

If it was very low, there could be airlocks in the system. If so, driving should eventually work them out, but you’ll need to keep adding coolant as they do.

ETA - Have you had battery modules replaced? Several on here have reported improper coolant refill after such a service.

No battery modules replaced. This is the first real problem I've had with the truck.

 

[Scorpio3d]

No battery modules replaced. This is the first real problem I've had with the truck.

I have the same model year and vehicle as you.
I had to add coolant after a couple months of ownership. Probably need to check mine again.
Hope you get it figured out and/or fixed.

 

[Firn]

Update for those who have been following along: I checked the coolant and you were all right, it was very low; below the min mark. I refilled it to a little below the max line and tried the heat--that didn't work. Next, I disconnected the 12v for 10 minutes then tried again--still no heat. Looks like I'll have to take it in to the dealer after all. Thanks to everyone for your input.

I second the comment that suspects an air bubble inside the system.

I believe that those who have experienced it have had the bubble work itself out. I would recomend running the truck for a long period, driving it if you can, and maybe finding a bumpy road. I don't expect it will be an instant fix with just putting coolant in the tank.

Fwiw on the space heater. My truck pulls about 3000w to heat the cabin at 70mph in 20f temps, a space heater will help but I don't think it will be powerful enough

 

[TaxmanHog]

I believe that those who have experienced it have had the bubble work itself out. I would recomend running the truck for a long period, driving it if you can, and maybe finding a bumpy road. I don't expect it will be an instant fix with just putting coolant in the tank.

And a steep hill ride would help

 

[tearitupsports]

I am sure I could research to find it, but does anyone have a quick response to what is the proper brand/type of coolant to use? I am pretty sure I have this same issue. I can hear the coolant sloshing around most days. I did have a battery replaced about 2 months before I really started to notice it. Also my heat works sometimes and fails completely on other drives.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I am sure I could research to find it, but does anyone have a quick response to what is the proper brand/type of coolant to use? I am pretty sure I have this same issue. I can hear the coolant sloshing around most days. I did have a battery replaced about 2 months before I really started to notice it. Also my heat works sometimes and fails completely on other drives.

Look at the maintenance section PINNED threads

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/forums/mechanical-maintenance-service.118/

 

[tearitupsports]

Look at the maintenance section PINNED threads

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/forums/mechanical-maintenance-service.118/

Thank you!

So this appears to definitely be my issue. Coolant reserve is completely empty. Hope filling it up doesn't break my home integration system.

Ordered the correct one off Amazon for same day delivery.