Truck disabled by some sort of electronic or software issue

[Maquis]

Sounds like they should order a Ford Mobile Charger and have the needed tool….

They probably have one that shows a red light when they plug it in.

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[marc_hanna]

that doesn’t leave a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Yeah, not feeling super confident in their abilities.

On another note, Ford Canada has authorized up to $500 in gas expense.

 

[marc_hanna]

Update: and this one's a doozy . . .

Dealer texts me this morning and says the truck is fixed. But they also tell me I can't pre-heat or cool the cabin anymore if the truck is not plugged in.

So, I say, so it's not fixed? They say those instructions are straight from Ford Canada.

 

[flux capacitor]

I would ask for written proof out of a manual. Also I would ask do all F150 Lightnings have this new instruction or only mine? Otherwise they better really fix it or give me a new one or a law suit is going to be coming.

 

[marc_hanna]

So, I just went and picked up the truck. It is indeed fixed and the remote pre-heating of the cabin does work. When I questioned the service advisor about it, the story changed. He now said that Ford Engineering "recommends" against it because it's hard on the 12v battery. I told him straight up, this is an advertised feature of the truck and if using it destroys 30 12v batteries, it will not deter me.

The ultimate problem was a broken wire inside the wiring harness, which he suggested was because of a pinch point.

 

[TaxmanHog]

So, I just went and picked up the truck. It is indeed fixed and the remote pre-heating of the cabin does work. When I questioned the service advisor about it, the story changed. He now said that Ford Engineering "recommends" against it because it's hard on the 12v battery. I told him straight up, this is an advertised feature of the truck and if using it destroys 30 25v batteries, it will not deter me.

The ultimate problem was a broken wire inside the wiring harness, which he suggested was because of a pinch point.

I think part of the confusion, is that we can only switch the function [on / off] for off the plug departure time via Fordpass, many versions ago I seem to recall we had a switch available on the sync screen for setting up departure times but it disappeared with an update.

Lack of this switch, makes it impossible for the technician to test the functionality w/o the help of the owners Fordpass account access.

 

[marc_hanna]

I get that, these guys just didn't seem to be too certain about anything. I don't have a lot of confidence in this dealer. I think I will be using a different one in the future.

 

[marc_hanna]

I received an email form the service department:

Hi Marc , hope things are ok with your truck and everything is running ok. Not sure if you got a copy of the invoice so I am sending you a copy. I am also
attaching instructions from the owner’s manual in regards to preconditioning the vehicle and the vehicle being plugged in when performing this procedure.

I replied:

Thanks Mike,

Yes I did get a copy.

I would like to note, that these instructions are only tips for maximizing range under the “Driving Hints” section. It says that you “can” precondition when plugged in, it does not say you “must” or “should". The feature definitely works while the vehicle is unplugged and is a widely used feature by thousands of owners.

I have also attached the instructions for remote start from pages 146 and 147 from the owner’s manual. It only references that “if” the vehicle is plugged in, it will draw power from the power source and not the HV battery. There is no instruction or recommendation here to plug in the vehicle.

If using this feature damages the vehicle, then it is an engineering or manufacturing defect that is covered under warranty. This vehicle is marketed as having remote start with no conditions requiring it to be plugged in while doing so. The key limitation related to the battery is if either the HV or 12V batteries are below minimum operating voltage, the remote start will not work.

Thanks again,

Marc

 

[Henry Ford]

The only thing* the LVB does when you turn on remote HVAC is close the HVB contactors.

The airplane mechanics I deal with know the airplanes inside and out. I assume professional dealer techs are equally proficient but I'm often disappointed.


* I mean, it might do other stuff but that's not important and it doesn't sound as good.

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