Intelligent backup power issues/unreliable

[bananaslug79]

If backup transfer does fail after the system has sat for days or weeks, I've reached the state where a cold reboot has always restored power transfer capability (shut off power to FCSP and the HIS unit; shut down the Dark Start battery of the HIS unit via the M Professional app Menu, Additional Feature, DS Battery).

Does this still work for you? I'm looking to get more serious about testing our system monthly. I don't have this M Professional app; to my recollection I think our electrician used this during install but I have never used it. Any guidance on getting started with this?

My most recent test of the system failed after 5 minutes but it had been quite awhile since I tried it; if better reliability requires more regular interventions I am more willing nowadays. Our FSCP went green when I shut down the power but the truck didn't transfer power I'm not sure if the test is valid but I shut off the backup panel breaker via our main panel and then the FSCP breaker (I'm no electrician but I am paranoid about shutting off the main breaker).

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[Sea Ranch]

Does this still work for you? I'm looking to get more serious about testing our system monthly. I don't have this M Professional app; to my recollection I think our electrician used this during install but I have never used it. Any guidance on getting started with this?

My most recent test of the system failed after 5 minutes but it had been quite awhile since I tried it; if better reliability requires more regular interventions I am more willing nowadays. Our FSCP went green when I shut down the power but the truck didn't transfer power I'm not sure if the test is valid but I shut off the backup panel breaker via our main panel and then the FSCP breaker (I'm no electrician but I am paranoid about shutting off the main breaker).

The next time the simulated power outage fails, try unplugging the truck from the charger and lock the door for 5 minutes and then try again. This has worked for me. Fortunately the last few times my tests have been successful. I struggled for a long time to get my system to work. One major problem that I had is that I failed to register the Inverter with Sunrun. I did not realize that this was a requirement and it caused me months of pain.

 

[tearitupsports]

Does this still work for you? I'm looking to get more serious about testing our system monthly. I don't have this M Professional app; to my recollection I think our electrician used this during install but I have never used it. Any guidance on getting started with this?

My most recent test of the system failed after 5 minutes but it had been quite awhile since I tried it; if better reliability requires more regular interventions I am more willing nowadays. Our FSCP went green when I shut down the power but the truck didn't transfer power I'm not sure if the test is valid but I shut off the backup panel breaker via our main panel and then the FSCP breaker (I'm no electrician but I am paranoid about shutting off the main breaker).

Switching off the breaker going to the transfer switch (from the main panel) and also switching off the charger also in the main panel is the correct test mode. Only your backup panel loads will turn off during this.
Just make sure that there is nothing shut off between the transfer switch, backup panel, and inverter. Anything off between those will cause the system not to work.

Assuming you are past the 6.14 update in the truck, then the main issue is the truck modem working and being close enough to your charger. I usually make sure at least the front of the truck is close to the charge station pro. Having the backseat down and lined up next to the charger is not necessary in my experience, but could possibly help.

The light on the charge station pro will start as a dim green, and the truck charge port light should be white.
After about a minute the truck port light will turn green, and charge station pro will go bright green.
Once the inverter kicks on (you will hear a bunch of clicking) then the charger station pro and the truck will both have a green pulse and the backed up loads will come on.

If at any point the truck charge ring light goes off, then the process will not work. The quickest fix is to press the button in it to reset, and unplug and re-plug the charger (I don't think timing or sequence really matter on this).

If you have the system working and delivering power for several minutes, but it turns off suddenly, it is the truck modem locking up. I have had this happen twice.

Whatever you do, do not reset any of the equipment if the system has worked previously. I really think that is where people get into trouble (despite this advice from Sunrun or Ford). I have tested quite extensively and the charge station never needs to be reset to factory defaults (or even power cycled). Also the truck never needs to be re-paired on bluetooth to get the system running (regardless of what might be displayed on the screen). I think some of this was true in the past, but with current firmware all that has been resolved.

 

[Jim Lewis]

If at any point the truck charge ring light goes off, then the process will not work. The quickest fix is to press the button in it to reset, and unplug and re-plug the charger (I don't think timing or sequence really matter on this).

On the button, the one that's worked for me is the UNLOCK button to the right of the charger head on the charger port itself, not the button on the charger head itself (which you have to push eventually anyway to remove the charger head after pressing the UNLOCK button on the port). I found that immediately plugging the charger head back in with no delay didn't work, but leaving it out 10 to 15 seconds up through at least three or four minutes did. So, the last few times I tested backup power transfer back in October 2024, I left the charger head unplugged ~15 secs before plugging it in and getting backup power transfer to work.

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...nt-backup-power-is-up-ahead.18856/post-424817

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