FORD HAS NO FIX - No heat in -15c and colder temps

[Mopey]

Also in Fairbanks, and my Mach-E has been working well enough down to -45.

Crystalization in the coolant is an interesting theory, though, and would explain the couple times I have had minor issues after long durations un-garaged. I might go ahead and flush with pure cold weather coolant next fall.

I just got my GT back from Seekins for the HVBJB issue. It took a long time to get the appointment, but they did a good job on the replacement. One interesting thing is that, as a part of HVBJB replacement, they reformulated the coolant down to -60F. I didn't ask for it and didn't have to pay. The advisor said it was part of the TSB procedure.

I'm planning to take an out and back to Delta Junction on Friday to see if I can stress the new HVBJB a little. It's not too cold now, but I figure I can, at least, see if they lower coolant spec helps with cabin heating at higher fan speeds. (I doubt it, but we will see.)

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[Astraea]

The only time I ever had a heating issue was after my HVJB was replaced last year. When the techs put my car back together they didn't fully clamp a coolant line and I slowly leaked coolant all the way home from the dealership, so I didn't notice it immediately. The next day on my way to work I noticed the cabin didn't heat up very well, then the way home I was freezing. It was well below 0F. On my way back to the dealership I was nearly frozen, which for the record was about 55 miles to get there and 55 miles back home at the time. I doubt this is much help, but it could be you have a coolant leak, either from work being done or a pin hole in a line somewhere.

 

[Mopey]

Are you the brave Alaskan that did the super cold test last year ended up charging on 110v a couple times. ? Have you measured vent temps after or during some highway driving?

Yes, on being the brave\dumb guy. No, on taking vent temp readings. Each of my 2 previous extreme cold test runs has been in a different vehicle (MME FE -35F\-37C Real World Mach-E Range Test. What could go wrong? | MachEforum - Ford Mustang Mach-E Forum, News, Owners, Discussions and a Lightning Lariat - Driving and Charging the Lightning at -40F\-40C. A Real World Test. | Page 3 | F-150 Lightning Forum For Owners, News, Discussions (f150lightningforum.com) ) so I can't really correlate. Friday's run will be in another, different Mach E (GTPE).

There is a new 50kw DC "fast' charger at the turn point, so hopefully no 120v overnight charging this time.

 

[Phrozen]

Ford spec is 60% max glycol concentration or it gets too viscous to pump and has reduced heat capacity. Do not replace with 100%. You can suck out what’s in the bottle and replace with concentrated Motorcraft Yellow if you want to bump up the glycol concentration a bit. Let it mix and check the concentration a few days later and adjust within spec.

Ah! Good to know, thanks!

Are you the brave Alaskan that did the super cold test last year ended up charging on 110v a couple times. ? Have you measured vent temps after or during some highway driving?

Not sure if I'm *the* Alaskan that did that, but I did do it. Coldest I've driven it in has been -45F--not sure we'll get any colder this winter. I have not measured vent temps, though I can confirm it always feels considerably warmer than surrounding air. Only real complaint is that the defrost capability can struggle if you have other vents open as well.

 

[Shayne]

I just got my GT back from Seekins for the HVBJB issue. It took a long time to get the appointment, but they did a good job on the replacement. One interesting thing is that, as a part of HVBJB replacement they reformulated the coolant down to -60F. I didn't ask for it and didn't have to pay. The advisor said it was part of the TSB procedure.

I'm planning to take and out and back to Delta Junction on Friday to see if I can stress the new HVBJB a little. It's not too cold now, but I figure I can, at least, see if they lower coolant spec helps with cabin heating at higher fan speeds. (I doubt it, but we will see.)

You would think if it is a heat problem we would not be burning them out up here? Could you keep yours at home on a 12V charger or did you miss it for a bit? Mine was 2 days in the shop but waited for 4 months for the parts. It was home so not as bad as it could have been.

@Phrozen problem solved you just need to drive crazy with many WOT's and you will get the good juice.

 

[camdenlake]

Yes, on being the brave\dumb guy. No, on taking vent temp readings. Each of my 2 previous extreme cold test runs has been in a different vehicle (MME FE -35F\-37C Real World Mach-E Range Test. What could go wrong? | MachEforum - Ford Mustang Mach-E Forum, News, Owners, Discussions and a Lightning Lariat - Driving and Charging the Lightning at -40F\-40C. A Real World Test. | Page 3 | F-150 Lightning Forum For Owners, News, Discussions (f150lightningforum.com) ) so I can't really correlate. Friday's run will be in another, different Mach E (GTPE).

There is a new 50kw DC "fast' charger at the turn point, so hopefully no 120v overnight charging this time.

Awesome. I loved reading your posts. I am super curious about cars that “work” as my self and my mechanic have stumbled on a design flaw but the mother ship won’t listen.

 

[tuminatr]

Not sure this helps but after the latest HVAC customer sat program it seems much warmer. I have also let the car preheat the battery daily with cabin heat off this seems to help with range and help the interior heat up much faster.

I live in Minnesota so it gets cold and have seen some temps down to -25 Fahrenheit this year. Most of last week was -10-14 overnight

 

[camdenlake]

Not sure this helps but after the latest HVAC customer sat program it seems much warmer. I have also let the car preheat the battery daily with cabin heat off this seems to help with range and help the interior heat up much faster.

I live in Minnesota so it gets cold and have seen some temps down to -25 Fahrenheit this year. Most of last week was -10-14 overnight

The latest update was said to slow the pump down to let the fluid collect more heat. Can you explain your process. You turn eheat off and you figure it’s warming the battery more? That is a test I have not data logged. Still root issues with the system but interesting idea.

 

[tuminatr]

The latest update was said to slow the pump down to let the fluid collect more heat. Can you explain your process. You turn eheat off and you figure it’s warming the battery more? That is a test I have not data logged. Still root issues with the system but interesting idea.

It was a suggestion from Mach Lee I set a departure time even if I'm not going anywhere. the battery can stay warm up to 10 hours after the departure time.

When it gets really cold this makes a huge difference in the amount of cabin heat and range

 

[Shayne]

It was a suggestion from Mach Lee I set a departure time even if I'm not going anywhere. the battery can stay warm up to 10 hours after the departure time.

Setting a departure schedule through the app works for you?

 

[camdenlake]

It was a suggestion from Mach Lee I set a departure time even if I'm not going anywhere. the battery can stay warm up to 10 hours after the departure time.

What is the idea with this? Just keeping it warm for something todo? Costs about 2$ per precondition where I am. You could set two per day and keep in a reasonable range I suppose incase one had to go somewhere in the cold.

 

[Shayne]

What is the idea with this? Just keeping it warm for something todo? Costs about 2$ per precondition where I am. You could set two per day and keep in a reasonable range I suppose incase one had to go somewhere in the cold.

It is normally called preconditioning the batteries. It is running rights now here and started 45 minutes before I leave. It starts automatically when you set your departure time. It first comes on and heats the batteries. As they heat you will see your range grow in FP. It ends by 15 minutes cabin heating if you set it to warm. The pic above it appears he is not heating up his cabin.

 

[tuminatr]

What is the idea with this? Just keeping it warm for something todo? Costs about 2$ per precondition where I am. You could set two per day and keep in a reasonable range I suppose incase one had to go somewhere in the cold.

Power is cheap where I live and I have solar. I use the car almost every day but don't punch a clock / have a defined schedule like most people.

The power compan gives me a reduced rate for having an EV, something like $.07 per kWh mid peak and $.028 off peak

Mach Lee has a thread about it, seems to me a large portion of the cost to preheat is warming the cabin. The method I use uses the cars battery power to do that once I am on a trip.

 

[camdenlake]

It is normally called preconditioning the batteries. It is running rights now here and started 45 minutes before I leave. It starts automatically when you set your departure time. It first comes on and heats the batteries. As they heat you will see your range grow in FP. It ends by 15 minutes cabin heating if you set it to warm. The pic above it appears he is not heating up his cabin.

I know what preconditioning is just curious the idea and effectiveness running it all the time for no “reason”.

 

[Shayne]

Power is cheap where I live and I have solar. I use the car almost every day but don't punch a clock / have a defined schedule like most people.

The power compan gives me a reduced rate for having an EV, something like $.07 per kWh mid peak and $.028 off peak

Even if it was $60 a month it would be worth it for me.

45 minutes at 9 kw is 7 kw. Me it averages around $0.16 or a buck today. Well worth it more enjoyable drive. At -25C it could run for an hour and a half. 2 bucks.

I know what preconditioning is just curious the idea and effectiveness running it all the time for no “reason”.

That is a departure schedule it only runs when you set it and tell it to. I only set one at a time and keep changing it as my departures vary.

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