Powertrain Malfunction, reduced power to 67%, and "Wrench" symbol on dash

[Azbittel]

Got what seems to be one of the more common issues popping up on my Lightning. Had the truck for a few weeks now, doing about 90 miles a day (2700 total), and had the Powertrain Malfunction code pop up seemingly unprovoked. Down powered permanently to 67%, which I'll admit is much more convenient than total limp mode, but has not improved or degraded from here.

Opened the 12V battery compartment and found an obviously loose-ish connection, but disconnecting for 10 minutes, and then reconnecting tightly has not made a difference. Have not driven the truck again, but am about to shortly. Will update after that.

Tried to call preemptively to get her in for service but my closest Ford dealer is FIVE FUCKING WEEKS OUT before they can even start looking at it... Bought at a dealer an hour away and really can't justify taking it there without trying everything in my power to fix it, as long as I can still drive this at 67% in the mean time.

Not too happy about this tbh, after pounding on a Mach E for 18 months and 27k miles, I was hoping this Lightning would be just as reliable... Hopefully this is an easy fix, but will very much be considering selling if it continues to give me trouble. Need a reliable commute vehicle, and this ain't it if it keeps acting up.

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[Crilly]

Charge it And drive it.

 

[Azbittel]

Drove 60 miles yesterday, charging I now. Still not cleared yet.

 

[broncoaz]

One problem that doesn’t cripple the truck and you’re threatening to sell it if it acts up again? Too much drama for me. Realize that we are all beta testers for Ford and make your purchase decisions accordingly.

 

[Azbittel]

One problem that doesn’t cripple the truck and you’re threatening to sell it if it acts up again? Too much drama for me. Realize that we are all beta testers for Ford and make your purchase decisions accordingly.

Yes, and I'm not really concerned about how much drama you can handle.

I drive a 90 mile daily commute and need a reliable vehicle. So I will absolutely sell and find something that fits my needs if this isn't it. I went with the lightning because the Mach E was bullet proof and the F150 is a best selling vehicle for a reason, figured this would be the best of both worlds.

 

[GoodSam]

Bump - @Azbittel , final resolution?

 

[Azbittel]

Ford HQ was absolutely useless in attempting to convince a local dealership to look at my vehicle, so I said fuck it and it has been seemingly fine. Took a couple hundred miles for the code to finally clear and it never returned. Hoping that the loose 12V battery terminal was the sole cause and there isn't actually a bigger issue with the main battery system.

My bigger issue with the vehicle is an absurd decrease in range with lowering temps. I knew it would be bad, but it's only been in the 30s so far this winter and I went from 180-190 to 150-160. I'm sure single digit temps are going to be catastrophic, probably looking at 120miles at full charge in 5F temps when combined with snow or ice.

Already looking to sell because of that. The issue with range for me, after enduring mostly painlessly with the Mach E for a winter, is that the battery in the Lightning is so much larger, that the charge time is too long to recoup it as quickly as I need it to.

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