Powertrain Malfunction/ Reduced Power

[Wonko]

Well, I think I finally figured out why I've been having random electrical issues with my truck. Last night, I got the dreaded Powertrain Malfunction Wrench of Death—reduced power mode kicked in, limiting me to about 57%. Fingers crossed I can limp it to the dealership. Literally just picked it up from getting the rear window replaced with a melted defroster connector, and the fault came up when I pulled into the garage.

I pulled out the OBD-II reader and got the following codes:

• POB24-21 – Hybrid/EV Battery "A" Voltage Unstable
• POE15-00 – Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Coolant Heater "A" Control Performance

My assumption is that I’ve got a failed battery pack somewhere in the unit, which might explain some other weird electrical gremlins I’ve been dealing with:

• My 12V battery randomly failed about three weeks ago.
• My rear window defroster connector melted and caused the glass to shatter.
• Other random electrical glitches have been popping up.

I'm thinking these issues are all connected. If the HV battery has been throwing out unstable voltage, it could be messing with the 12V system via the DC-DC converter, leading to erratic electrical performance and failures.

Now it’s off to the dealership to see what they find. Hopefully, the parts are more readily available now because I really don’t want this to turn into a long-term nightmare. I’ll update once I get a diagnosis.

@Ford Motor Company

Mine had that set of codes and there was a bad heater assembly, which apparently is also responsible for circulating coolant for the battery pack. 2 failed modules before the dealer finally decided to run the heater assembly diagnostics. Did the bad pump cause the module failures? Hard to say - but have them check it.

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[riceilove]

After over a month of the truck in the shop, Ford finally gave me a call today that they've approved the buy back!

Recap:

• 2/7/24 - Purchased 2023 Lariat
• 9/30/24 - 10/7/24 - Truck in service due to:
  • When shifted into reverse, all but front parking sensors would go off when they're not supposed to
  • Frunk doesn't open past 6"
  • Some software related open recall
  • Upon picking up the truck, the parking sensor issues still persisted, but only with the driver side rear corner / tailgate one. Whatever I could live with it
• 12/23/24 - Dropped off at dealership due to battery module failure. Not sure which one, but got the dreaded yellow wrench + reduced power to 57 + can't charge past 60%ish
• Late Dec - Early Jan - Got in touch with BEV team since no loaners were provided
• 1/15/25 - Got approved for a rental. Had to be Ford and under $60 per day
• 1/17/25 - Submitted official request for a buyback as I'd met my state's minimum requirements for a lemon
• 1/28/25 (Today) - Ford buyback team reached out and informed me of the approval
• The truck is still currently at the dealership lol
• TBD with offer timeline and details. Could be as quick as a couple of weeks or as slow as just under a month...

Buyback team member requested some documents such as registration, DL photos, bill of sale, and any receipts of out-of-pocket expenses of repairs and aftermarket add-ons (tint, spray liner, etc). I had just sent them over and hopefully they finalize an offer for me ASAP. Will likely negotiate additional $ since the truck was out for over a month and they couldn't get me into a truck loaner/rental + I've heard folks have success with negotiating the usage as well.

Huge weight off my shoulders and hoping the offer includes a Ford credit towards a new vehicle. I'll be looking to get one of the 2024 F150 Powerboosts that are still on many lots here. Really loved the lightning when it worked, but this headache is just not worth the risk to go with another EV for now.

Hopefully my write-up helps those of you in similar situations!

Alright a bit of an update on the buy-back for my 2023 Lariat for those of you who care. I submitted all of the requested paperwork to the buyback rep on 1/28. She moved very quickly and got back to me with an offer within 10 days (originally said it could take up to 20-30 days). I negotiated some of the terms, and was sent a revised offer a few days later.

I accepted the offer and have a vehicle surrender date set for next week. Very bittersweet for sure, but honestly relieved that I don't have to worry anymore about a random battery malfunction that could lead to 45 days in the shop.

Like a masochist moth to a flame, I've decided to stick with Ford and go for a 2024 F150 Lariat Powerboost that I've managed to get $12k under MSRP for. Fingers fucking crossed lol...

Anyway - I'm sorry so many of y'all are experiencing these issues and even more so for the folks who are out of their lemon law requirements or warranties. 1st gens are just not mature enough, but the potential is there. Love the truck, hate the issues more.

Edit: Seems like I have a used mobile charger and a brand new, unopened FCSP if anyone is interested in buying off me lol