Updates on the HVBJB (22S41)

[ParadiseFoundNYC]

Just a follow up here for those who are more in the know then myself.

Where does the current patch stand with the HVBJB (SS241 recall)? Ford has been pretty quiet about this and most of what I've heard in mid-2022 is that the fix or software update was coming in the later part of the year. Concerned as the summer is approaching and this is when the high voltage battery main contactor could overheat.

Thank you in advance!

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[RickMachE]

The patch was delivered to vehicles last summer... Weather temps aren't the issue though.

 

[KevinS]

Rick is right - the software rolled out last year. You can check on your Ford account for whether your vehicle still has it outstanding or not.

 

[ParadiseFoundNYC]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I have the update or patch. Wondering if they are actually working towards a fix here?

Thank you both for the prompt reply here!

 

[heisnuts]

The "fix" you are talking about is really more of a software update that will alert the driver via the service vehicle soon message that a failure of the HVBJB is in the near future. I can tell you from experience this update works well and does indeed warn ahead of time giving you ample time to set up an appointment with your dealer and drive it (vs having to have it towed) for repairs.

This is NOT to say that every time the service vehicle soon message comes up there is a problem with the the HVBJB. The light just means there are codes in the system and IF the codes relate to the HVBJB failure it will need to be replaced. There are MANY other reasons why a service vehicle soon message can come up on the display.

 

[heisnuts]

The current repair procedure is wait for the codes to come up first, and only then can a replacement be done.

 

[ParadiseFoundNYC]

So essentially this is a permanent defect with the Mach-E that is tentative not avoidable all together with a future software update or part replacements?

 

[ParadiseFoundNYC]

So essentially this is a permanent defect with the Mach-E that is tentative not avoidable all together with a future software update or part replacements?

Just a matter of when it’s ‘your time’ to get the replacement?

 

[heisnuts]

So essentially this is a permanent defect with the Mach-E that is tentative not avoidable all together with a future software update or part replacements?

Vehicles produced after June, 2022 already have the updated HVBJB installed from the factory (but they also still have the software update to warn of impending failure too I believe). Any MME produced before May, 2022 has the original style HVBJB and has a higher chance of failure than the updated version. Currently there is no plan to replace all the original style parts. The current policy is to replace only if they fail or have a service vehicle soon message WITH codes that specifically relate to the HVBJB impending failure.

 

[RWG]

Disappointing.

It is surprising that Ford was able to convince the NTSB that a recall with component replacement wasn't necessary. I can understand the Ford financial motivation, i.e. they now get to spread the recall/warranty failure cost of several million dollars over 8 years instead of having a recall and getting hit with the cost in 1 to 2 years. They had to do software anyway so that was a sunk cost.

For us Mache owners it just means we are driving a "grenade with the pin pulled" that could go off at anytime. Yes the software update will give you a little advance notice but the failure risk is still there, waiting . . . . ( This software fix is tantamount to putting a buzzer on a grenade, to tell you the pin is pulled. I would prefer to disarm the grenade so I don't have to worry about it. )

PS: I am curious, when the HVBJ over heats, what is the chain of failure events? It is totally understandable that if the contactor starts getting hot, software can detect that and warn the driver. Then you go to the dealer, maybe wait a few days for repairs. But if the contactor welds closed, it would seem you are screwed. i.e. car needs to be towed, the driver needs to be transported/inconvenienced, a trip ruined and you still get to wait a few days for repairs. ( I very much doubt if very many dealers are going to stock the parts needed for the repair. I can imagine that sometimes they just replace the contactors and other times, with serious over heating, other components will need to be replaced too. So just about every failure will require an expedited parts order.)

Does anyone out there understand how this circuity works? ?

 

[hybrid2bev]

Disappointing.

It is surprising that Ford was able to convince the NTSB that a recall with component replacement wasn't necessary. I can understand the Ford financial motivation, i.e. they now get to spread the recall/warranty failure cost of several million dollars over 8 years instead of having a recall and getting hit with the cost in 1 to 2 years. They had to do software anyway so that was a sunk cost.

For us Mache owners it just means we are driving a "grenade with the pin pulled" that could go off at anytime. Yes the software update will give you a little advance notice but the failure risk is still there, waiting . . . . ( This software fix is tantamount to putting a buzzer on a grenade, to tell you the pin is pulled. I would prefer to disarm the grenade so I don't have to worry about it. )

PS: I am curious, when the HVBJ over heats, what is the chain of failure events? It is totally understandable that if the contactor starts getting hot, software can detect that and warn the driver. Then you go to the dealer, maybe wait a few days for repairs. But if the contactor welds closed, it would seem you are screwed. i.e. car needs to be towed, the driver needs to be transported/inconvenienced, a trip ruined and you still get to wait a few days for repairs. ( I very much doubt if very many dealers are going to stock the parts needed for the repair. I can imagine that sometimes they just replace the contactors and other times, with serious over heating, other components will need to be replaced too. So just about every failure will require an expedited parts order.)

Does anyone out there understand how this circuity works? ?

There's a whole giant thread that I think answers your questions. Start at the first post.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...ers-biggest-fear-facts-and-info-thread.18143/

 

[azerik]

Not every HVJB failed, or will. It seems there is a somewhat perfect storm of things that help it fail. For some people that might never put the foot fully down it might never fail. So yes, Ford won't replace those. It looks like out of the MME's sold to date there is a pretty low fail rate. If it's below a certain percent of cars on the road it doesn't qualify for an all out recall as it's a potential for failure rather than a promise ticking time bomb.

However that said, every time I put the foot down I get a little nag in the back of my mind. Having the updated software to at least tell me it's going out and allow me to drive the vehicle is far more better than a 1/2 day on the side of the road and a flat bed. I'm pretty sure due to the low amount of failures they still havn't pinned down the chain of events to set off everyone claymore. If they do I bet you would see reduced power here or there first. Replacing a $700 board for Ford is way more than just the board as the pack gets dropped from the car.

We have a resident nut case that's out trying to blow up HVJB's and has done in 4 so far. So, much like suspension work, it's still in research phases.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Just a matter of when it’s ‘your time’ to get the replacement?

Correct. I just got ‘blessed’ today actually… ?

 

[Maquis]

Correct. I just got ‘blessed’ today actually… ?

Damned….sorry to hear that.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

So essentially this is a permanent defect with the Mach-E that is tentative not avoidable all together with a future software update or part replacements?

More or less. There is no software fix beyond the current software which usually prevents the car from dropping dead on the spot. The long term fix is to wait for the HVBJB to fail then replace it. There may or may not be an HVBJB shortage driving this decision.

Complain to Ford executives (seriously) and the NHTSA.

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