Tim_C

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The second half of the video seems to indicate that there is no mechanical backup access to the car if the battery dies. That's new to me, seems like a safety issue having to wait outside until someone shows up with jumper cables.
 

FredT

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The second half of the video seems to indicate that there is no mechanical backup access to the car if the battery dies. That's new to me, seems like a safety issue having to wait outside until someone shows up with jumper cables.
I've not been a fan of this system from the start, now even less so.
 

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I believe the 12v system is backed by the main battery array. If you deplete that, jumper cables aren't going to help... you need a really long extension cord. Or a tow.
 

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The second half of the video seems to indicate that there is no mechanical backup access to the car if the battery dies. That's new to me, seems like a safety issue having to wait outside until someone shows up with jumper cables.
You may be correct. But the video doesn't necessarily prove that.

In videos from last year, we knew that there are two backup mechanisms:
  • There's mechanical backup (pull the handle all the way backward) from inside.
  • There's a small dedicated backup battery/capacitor in each door (good for a few opens) in case the car's battery dies.
After all, you can deplete that in-door battery if you open the door a few times after the 12V battery dies. Therefore, a further backup, as described in the video, is necessary.

Now that you bring up mechanical access from outside, I wonder whether Mach E has any mechanical unlock mechanism (physical key). Maybe there isn't any. Therefore, maybe jumper is required when the 12V battery dies when the car is locked.
 
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RyZt

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I believe the 12v system is backed by the main battery array. If you deplete that, jumper cables aren't going to help... you need a really long extension cord. Or a tow.
This topic came up a few times recently in the forum. My understanding is that the high-voltage battery is disconnected unless the car is on or is charging. (The exact definition of "on" is unclear.) Therefore, the 12V battery can die on its own.
 

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The second half of the video seems to indicate that there is no mechanical backup access to the car if the battery dies. That's new to me, seems like a safety issue having to wait outside until someone shows up with jumper cables.
As for fail-safes, Ford said each door has super capacitors in it so that, should the latches in the door fail to receive current from the battery (if, for example, the battery is dead), you can still get into the vehicle.
 

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This topic came up a few times recently in the forum. My understanding is that the high-voltage battery is disconnected unless the car is on or is charging. (The exact definition of "on" is unclear.) Therefore, the 12V battery can die on its own.
True. Hopefully the 12v battery will have a long lifespan, since it doesn't have any crank events to power. Can't remember if the 12v battery is a deep cycle type. Maybe someone else here knows.
 

ajmartineau

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Love it, as long as my door does get scratched from someone's ring.
 

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True. Hopefully the 12v battery will have a long lifespan, since it doesn't have any crank events to power. Can't remember if the 12v battery is a deep cycle type. Maybe someone else here knows.
I replaced the AGM 12V battery in my 13 year old Camry Hybrid for the first time two months ago. Never jumped it once in all that time. Might have lasted longer had the son not drained it running accessory. If Ford uses a similar approach, I think we’re good.
 

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The second half of the video seems to indicate that there is no mechanical backup access to the car if the battery dies. That's new to me, seems like a safety issue having to wait outside until someone shows up with jumper cables.
There is another video that someone posted where one of the Ford engineers explained that there are capacitors that would hold enough of a charge to still get into the car even if the battery is fully dead.
 

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The second half of the video seems to indicate that there is no mechanical backup access to the car if the battery dies. That's new to me, seems like a safety issue having to wait outside until someone shows up with jumper cables.
My Fusion Hybrid has a mechanical backup at the driver door if the 12 V battery fails. The fob key releases a cap on the handle, which uncovers a key hole. Then use the key to unlock the door and open it. Release the hood and open it to jump the car at marked terminals because both batteries (12 V and HV) are in the trunk which needs power to open.
 

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I'm wondering about the backup "jumper cable" port on the front bumper. Does this mean someone with a 12v booster pack can go around popping peoples' frunks open? Or is this (hopefully) only possible with a key fob also within range? I'm hoping for the latter.
 
 




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