Ford Mobile Charger Amber Light

[ImVeryLost]

That would be infuriating.
Have you scheduled software updates for a time when you don't use the MME? I scheduled OTAs for 4 a.m. because this provides a 3-hour window for OTAs when we typically would not use the MME. You could always schedule earlier to provide a longer software update window.

I will say that Ford may still push out "not required" OTAs outside of the scheduled window. I spoke to a representative about this. Told her that regardless of whether the OTA is required or not, my assumption is that the OTA would only occur during the time frame I selected - that is the entire point of scheduling the OTA. She assured me that required OTAs would be pushed to the MME during the scheduled window. Hmmm...Confidence is low. Another example of Ford overruling owner's decisions, without informing owners or providing reasons.

No kidding..

But yes, I have OTA Updates scheduled 7 days a week from 9pm to 4am. Such a huge window being connected to really fast home wifi... there's no reason the update bricked my charging system. Thankfully I was able to limp back to the ford dealership with 8 miles of range left. They told me the closest open appointment wasn't until March 22nd but even better they were able to take care of it within an hour because their lead technician looked up the common issues with the symptoms I had.

Sponsored

 

[Mirak]

I've gotten the solid amber light twice over the course of maybe 50-60 charging sessions. It resolves by unplugging and plugging back in.

 

[Haven]

I’m getting this error consistently. Plugging and unplugging does not resolve it. I’m in Florida for the next month and need this charger. I’m going to head to a dealership and see if they can order a replacement and how long it will take.

 

[Haven]

My mobile charger is overheating and giving me the amber light for about 30 seconds before it goes off and then comes back on in another 30 seconds. It appears it continues to charge during this although drops to 24amps before going back to 32amps as measured by CarScanner. I have done all the corrective actions the owner manual outlines to no effect. The bottom line is that it takes longer but that is not an issue.

My question, does anyone know if fluctuation in amps every 30 seconds over several hours causes any harm to the car charging process or the battery? I have no errors from the car so I assume not but wanted to ask if someone knew for sure. I will keep using it until I get home next month as I have a wall charger there. If it is a problem, I can move to DC charging.

I went to Sam Galloway dealer today and they said I need an appointment unless I wanted to leave my car with them for 1-2 weeks. This was after I stopped in Monday afternoon and the service rep said to bring it back Thursday morning 7am. I showed them pictures and video of the charger with Amber light overheating but that was not enough to order a replacement as they need to do the test themselves. They said I can schedule an appointment (end of May) or leave my car for 1-2 weeks and they will see if they can fit it in. Neither are realistic for me. So when I get home next month, I will take it to Zeigler Ford in Michigan to take care of it.

 

[Tampamike]

I got the same song and dance about the charger as well. ”We need to test it and you have to schedule an appointment for that.” I’ve a,ready had it in once for that problem and they couldn’t duplicate it. Funny, I could, as soon as I got home and plugged it in.

 

[Maquis]

I got the same song and dance about the charger as well. ”We need to test it and you have to schedule an appointment for that.” I’ve a,ready had it in once for that problem and they couldn’t duplicate it. Funny, I could, as soon as I got home and plugged it in.

Several have reported that the dealer couldn’t replicate the issue. I have a theory that it’s because the power at dealerships is 3 phase, so the line to line is only 208 instead of 240. Possibly, the lower voltage doesn’t stress the unit enough to trigger the problem. Just a guess.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Several have reported that the dealer couldn’t replicate the issue. I have a theory that it’s because the power at dealerships is 3 phase, so the line to line is only 208 instead of 240. Possibly, the lower voltage doesn’t stress the unit enough to trigger the problem. Just a guess.

Possibly. I think it's because most Ford EV dealers don't have NEMA 14-50 outlets still. In their infinite wisdom, Ford didn't require all EV dealers to have a 14-50 outlet until Model e Certification next year. Since they don't have a 14-50 outlet to test the Mobile Charger, they just say "can't replicate concern". That's a really dumb reason to get denied a replacement charger, but we know Ford.

 

[BGEJr]

One year in and my ‘22 Mach-e mobile charger is showing the “amber” overheating light every time now. Suspect only a matter of time before it fails. The light comes on even when temps are below 60F, so not just an ambient issue. Charger is connected to a 14-50 50amp dedicated outlet (non-GFCI) in garage. With ”amber” light on will continue to charge, but at reduced rate. Have an appointment with dealer to bring in charger (and car) to be tested. Hoping to get warranty replacement, then will purchase higher quality wall unit, probably Juicebox or Chargepoint Home Flex, for regular use.

 

[rhougey]

One year in and my ‘22 Mach-e mobile charger is showing the “amber” overheating light every time now. Suspect only a matter of time before it fails. The light comes on even when temps are below 60F, so not just an ambient issue. Charger is connected to a 14-50 50amp dedicated outlet (non-GFCI) in garage. With ”amber” light on will continue to charge, but at reduced rate. Have an appointment with dealer to bring in charger (and car) to be tested. Hoping to get warranty replacement, then will purchase higher quality wall unit, probably Juicebox or Chargepoint Home Flex, for regular use.

Pleas let us know what the resolution is at your dealer. My dealer didn’t have any way to test and confirm the problem, but stated that their experience was that the problem was likely caused by the 15-50 pigtail. So they gave me a new 14-50 pigtail, but did not replace the entire unit. I did use it a couple of times after getting it back with no problems, but have relegated its use to portable back-up and have not used it again. I do wonder if it’s really fixed.

 

[BGEJr]

One year in and my ‘22 Mach-e mobile charger is showing the “amber” overheating light every time now. Suspect only a matter of time before it fails. The light comes on even when temps are below 60F, so not just an ambient issue. Charger is connected to a 14-50 50amp dedicated outlet (non-GFCI) in garage. With ”amber” light on will continue to charge, but at reduced rate. Have an appointment with dealer to bring in charger (and car) to be tested. Hoping to get warranty replacement, then will purchase higher quality wall unit, probably Juicebox or Chargepoint Home Flex, for regular use.

UPDA

Pleas let us know what the resolution is at your dealer. My dealer didn’t have any way to test and confirm the problem, but stated that their experience was that the problem was likely caused by the 15-50 pigtail. So they gave me a new 14-50 pigtail, but did not replace the entire unit. I did use it a couple of times after getting it back with no problems, but have relegated its use to portable back-up and have not used it again. I do wonder if it’s really fixed.

Took the Mache and mobile charger into the dealer this week. They were able to confirm the failure and gave me a whole new remote charger “kit” under warranty(see pic). I can’t complain about the service I have gotten from my dealer here in Bel Air MD. I checked and Ford is selling these chargers for a little over $400. Considering most of the recommended Class 2 wall chargers are $700-$800, that doesn’t say much for the Ford unit IMO. I am definitely buying either the JuiceBox or ChargePoint 240V unit for regular use, and keep the Ford charger as a backup.

 

[rhougey]

UPDA

Took the Mache and mobile charger into the dealer this week. They were able to confirm the failure and gave me a whole new remote charger “kit” under warranty(see pic). I can’t complain about the service I have gotten from my dealer here in Bel Air MD. I checked and Ford is selling these chargers for a little over $400. Considering most of the recommended Class 2 wall chargers are $700-$800, that doesn’t say much for the Ford unit IMO. I am definitely buying either the JuiceBox or ChargePoint 240V unit for regular use, and keep the Ford charger as a backup.

Well that sure ended nicely for you!
I'm pretty sure I can't entirely count on mine, but the technician was unable to confirm the problem. Now I'm out of warranty on it. I have a Grizzl-e at both homes, and they've been very dependable.

 

[BGEJr]

The Grizzl-e is a nice unit, but to “qualify” for the nighttime reduced rate my utility company requires specific chargers… think it has to do with wifi connectivity and software app to monitor usage. BTW nice ‘stang in your emoji, ‘69. I am shopping for a ‘68-69 myself, but prices have gone through the roof for the fastback big blocks.

 

[Tampamike]

I just made an appointment to bring mine in - on Jun 2nd. I’m hoping they can duplicate the problem and give me a new unit as I’m still under warranty. I’ve been getting the amber light on and off on every charge for probably a year or more now. Other than the reduced charging rate, it has worked and hasn’t caused any problems with the car. I don’t use another charger.

 

[rhougey]

The Grizzl-e is a nice unit, but to “qualify” for the nighttime reduced rate my utility company requires specific chargers… think it has to do with wifi connectivity and software app to monitor usage. BTW nice ‘stang in your emoji, ‘69. I am shopping for a ‘68-69 myself, but prices have gone through the roof for the fastback big blocks.

Mines a '68 coupe that we restored back in 2003-2004 to be my daughter's first car when she got her license. It's won a number of trophies over the years.

 

[BGEJr]

UPDA

Took the Mache and mobile charger into the dealer this week. They were able to confirm the failure and gave me a whole new remote charger “kit” under warranty(see pic). I can’t complain about the service I have gotten from my dealer here in Bel Air MD. I checked and Ford is selling these chargers for a little over $400. Considering most of the recommended Class 2 wall chargers are $700-$800, that doesn’t say much for the Ford unit IMO. I am definitely buying either the JuiceBox or ChargePoint 240V unit for regular use, and keep the Ford charger as a backup.

Well, the “new” replacement Ford EVSE the dealer gave me under warranty lasted all of 2 charge cycles and is now throwing a ”red” hard failure. Unplugged from car and NEMA 14-50 receptacle, waited a while, and plugged it back into the wall receptacle, but not the car, immediately shows “red” hard failure light. Checked my wall outlet, contacts are tight and no evidence of any thermal degradation. Returned 2nd EVSE to dealer, and they are ordering me another replacement unit. I have a Chargepoint Homeflex on order, but won’t be in until next week.

Sponsored