Coolant leak only when charging?

[Iroc34a]

So as usual I charge my truck almost every morning when I get home. Went to sleep got up in the afternoon. Backed the truck up out of the garage and noticed a small puddle. Checked and sure as shit, coolant. So, I check the coolant tank. Very low. Awe hell no. I don't have any coolant. Unusual. I went straight over to the auto parts and picked up the required Motorcraft coolant and topped it off. Now I am checking this tank at every stop. Looking under neath for leaks. Nothing, not a drop missing either. Is it possible that when I am charging, like this morning, I hear the cooling fan come on, so I assume the coolant pump is running. Can It be leaking from the Pump, divertor valve or at least some where besides the batteries? And only while charging?

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[TaxmanHog]

Yes, that is highly possible, any of those devices or a damaged hose.

 

[Iroc34a]

Yes, that is highly possible, any of those devices or a damaged hose.

As usual dealer can't even get to the truck for 10 days. Still under warranty. Is it worth even looking to see if it's something simple that I can tighten or replace on my own? Easier removing the frunk components or plates underneath?

 

[Monkey]

As usual dealer can't even get to the truck for 10 days. Still under warranty. Is it worth even looking to see if it's something simple that I can tighten or replace on my own? Easier removing the frunk components or plates underneath?

I would definitely have the dealership address it under warranty. Some of those fittings are not super easy to get to anyway. But the best reason to have an issue like this fixed and documented under warranty is so if it becomes an recurring problem, you still have a chance of getting it addressed again or maybe even fixed, if the problem is documented and not completely addressed before a warranty runs out. Yeah, it's a pessimistic view of such a situation, just been to that rodeo before...

 

[TaxmanHog]

As usual dealer can't even get to the truck for 10 days. Still under warranty. Is it worth even looking to see if it's something simple that I can tighten or replace on my own? Easier removing the frunk components or plates underneath?

There is a rats nest of hoses in the system, if you can localize the drop point, you might get lucky.

 

[Iroc34a]

I would definitely have the dealership address it under warranty. Some of those fittings are not super easy to get to anyway. But the best reason to have an issue like this fixed and documented under warranty is so if it becomes an recurring problem, you still have a chance of getting it addressed again or maybe even fixed, if the problem is documented and not completely addressed before a warranty runs out. Yeah, it's a pessimistic view of such a situation, just been to that rodeo before...

I agree. I just hate waiting. Never liked bringing any of my cars to the stealership for anything. Been a mechanic my whole life. Ill poke around and see what's what. If it requires more effort than I am willing to expend. I'll take it in on the appointment date. Thanks.

 

[Iroc34a]

I just got done looking at Munros break down of the cooling system. That is definitely a rat's nest... Think I'll start at the top, take look under the frunk panel. Hopefully the leak is obvious.

 

[WilliamRobert]

Take a sample with a paper towel, put it in a sandwich bag. Just so they don’t try to give you a BS answer. And if you are going to top it off, make sure it is the exact coolant that belongs in the system!

 

[Iroc34a]

Take a sample with a paper towel, put it in a sandwich bag. Just so they don’t try to give you a BS answer. And if you are going to top it off, make sure it is the exact coolant that belongs in the system!

Definitely Ford Specified! Actually, surprised they went old school.

 

[Heliian]

Where was the puddle located?

 

[Iroc34a]

Where was the puddle located?

Right under the driver feet

 

[mrau]

The frunk tub is fairly easy to remove. Only one electrical connection on passenger side. Easier with two people to pull it out just because it is so wide, but one person can do it.

On mine ('23 Lariat) the big metal crossmember bar was not attached to the tub. Even though I removed the two bolts on each side of crossmember bar, there was no need to. That made it a bit lighter and easier.

There are some good videos that show how to remove.

Here is what it looks like with the frunk tub out. Rat's nest is good description.

 

[Iroc34a]

The frunk tub is fairly easy to remove. Only one electrical connection on passenger side. Easier with two people to pull it out just because it is so wide, but one person can do it.

On mine ('23 Lariat) the big metal crossmember bar was not attached to the tub. Even though I removed the two bolts on each side of crossmember bar, there was no need to. That made it a bit lighter and easier.

There are some good videos that show how to remove.

Here is what it looks like with the frunk tub out. Rat's nest is good description.

Yup, watched all those videos. I drove over 100 miles yesterday. And not one drop leaked. It's on the charger now. We'll see what's up.

 

[Heliian]

It's possible what you saw on the floor is washer fluid that drained down and your coolant was always low. Keep an eye out though.

 

[tubby]

I found this info on another post which may reiterate what others have already stated.
"The coolant puddle’s position, under your feet, likely points to the battery pack’s coolant lines or reservoir. The Lightning’s 98 kWh (SR) or 131 kWh (ER) battery spans the truck’s underbelly, with coolant routed from a reservoir in the frunk through lines and pumps to keep it at 77-95°F during charging. Charging, especially DC fast charging, builds heat and pressure, which could pop a loose clamp, crack a brittle hose, or stress a seal, spilling coolant only after the cycle ends and pressure settles."

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