JohnnyForensic

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[Updated with response from Ford Norway]

Courtesy of Motor.no:

Karl Martin Rønneberg, a salesperson based in Eidsdal and a member of the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF), confirmed that the incidents did involve Ford Mustang Mach-Es. “I have had six salvages of the same car model in 14 days,” he said. Since the vehicles were stopped, Rønneberg noted that the Mach-Es had to be transported using a tow truck.

Ford Norway has responded to the incident, stating that what happened to the six Mach-Es was a “security feature that crashes due to (a) software bug.” As per Rønneberg, the vehicles that exhibited the issue were all being driven down the winding road with maximum regenerative braking to gain some battery charge. The Mach-Es essentially experienced too much regen braking, resulting in the vehicles’ batteries getting too hot.

When this happened, the Mustang Mach-E stopped to prevent overheating. Fortunately, all six Mach-Es that encountered the issue did not end up in accidents, though suddenly stopping in the middle of a winding road could be hazardous. Ford Norway information director Anne Sønsteby, however, noted that the issue should be addressed through a software update, though owners would have to get it in dealerships. She also highlighted that customers could get their Mach-Es’ software updates over the air, but such functions would be available around September to October.

“We have been made aware of a very small number of Mustang Mach-E in Norway, where the electric motor has stopped on steep downhills. There is a software update available for customers at all our resellers that addresses this issue. Alternatively, customers can also get their Mustang Mach-E updated with a Power-Up via OTA updates that will be available as part of our next 21B update – which will take place in September/October this year,” she said.

This was a pretty interesting article and reveals a similar issue to some of our friends in the West on steep mountain descents. Apparently in the last 14 days, six Mach-Es have bricked themselves from the heat generated during long downward slopes in this one little town. Ford has said that a patch will fix it, but it's currently only available at service centers and won't be OTAed until Sep/Oct.

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://motor.no/bil/slik-skal-ford-fikse-mustanger-som-matte-berges-i-bakkene-ned-til-geiranger/204431
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HuntingPudel

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Huh, I’m guessing that Unbridled Extend on a GT would prevent this or at least reduce the frequency of the defect.
 

Mari76

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That's really terrifying! Just curious what the best driving mode is coming down a steep mountain?
 

AZBill

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I am going to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix this weekend and will take it out of one-pedal mode during the climb and the descent. It is over a 5000 foot descent from Flagstaff to Phoenix, with 75mph speed limits much of the way.
 


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JohnnyForensic

JohnnyForensic

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That's really terrifying! Just curious what the best driving mode is coming down a steep mountain?
I don't know, but there has been at least one report that shifting to neutral while coasting downhill keeps the regen from engaging, and they didn't have problems with the long, hot descent.

Like Tim, I'm on the east coast, and while I've got a mountain range to cross to get to civilization, it's a very tiny mountain range in comparison. Won't be an issue for me, I'm sure.
 

OH2AZ2OH

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I am going to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix this weekend and will take it out of one-pedal mode during the climb and the descent. It is over a 5000 foot descent from Flagstaff to Phoenix, with 75mph speed limits much of the way.
The MME will still use regen braking without 1PD engaged. There is not a direct link from the brake pedal to the friction brakes. The computers decide if/when to start blending in friction braking.
 

AZBill

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The MME will still use regen braking without 1PD engaged. There is not a direct link from the brake pedal to the friction brakes. The computers decide if/when to start blending in friction braking.
Regen is much less aggressive without one pedal on. One pedal mode is like being in low gear, but with a complete stop. Unfortunately, Ford does not provide a KW display so that you can see it, but GM does this and it is very useful info.

Plus, going downhill at 75mph, I will not be applying brakes.
 

Shayne

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But most people are out enjoying their cars. When they do not work they seek a place like here. How many so far are you keeping count? How many has ford rolled off the line? When you get this much tech you are bound to have a few bugs. New tech may not be for you by the way you are posting. You need a certain savvy. No affiliation to Ford here.

It would be good to stick to the problem at hand and forget the fear mongering as it does not work on all. Wonder if it is the battery over heating, getting feed to fast and how to limit it. Would be good to know the physics of what is going on.
 

dbsb3233

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That's really terrifying! Just curious what the best driving mode is coming down a steep mountain?
In theory, I don't think it should matter. The brake pedal uses regen too, same as the regenning drive modes (1PD, U, E, L). As I understand it, friction braking doesn't kick in unless you press the brake pedal harder than what regen alone slows you with.
 

Shayne

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I just google drove a bit down thru the hair pins into Geiranger. You definitely want good brakes/regen around there.
 
 




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