"L" mode regen braking doesn't activate brake lights

[generaltso]

I use L mode when entering an automatic car wash. The car won't move with 1 pedal and auto hold on. Something I learned the hard way the first time I tried to enter one. The car just stuck in place while the wheel push thing that is supposed to move you along kept pushing hard on the tire and moving past me. The only time I take my Mach e out of 1 pedal drive is there at an automatic car wash.

You don't have to take it out of 1PD at the car wash. Just shift to Neutral and then hit L. That's not actually L mode, it just uses the L button to tell the car to stay in Neutral for 30 minutes.

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[machmaster]

I previously used Engage+L at times to slow down, but after reading this thread about the brake lights not coming on in that configuration, switched to Unbridle. After spending some time in this mode, I have found that my vehicle never engages the brake lights unless the brake pedal is pressed. Unbridle has fairly strong regen upon accelerator lift-off, so it does feel like a rear-end collision waiting to happen. I've watched for my brake lights at a variety of speeds.

Should my brake lights come on after lifting off the accelerator in Unbridle? And if yes, anyone have the same issue and successfully have it addressed by a dealer?

 

[Mach-Lee]

I previously used Engage+L at times to slow down, but after reading this thread about the brake lights not coming on in that configuration, switched to Unbridle. After spending some time in this mode, I have found that my vehicle never engages the brake lights unless the brake pedal is pressed. Unbridle has fairly strong regen upon accelerator lift-off, so it does feel like a rear-end collision waiting to happen. I've watched for my brake lights at a variety of speeds.

Should my brake lights come on after lifting off the accelerator in Unbridle? And if yes, anyone have the same issue and successfully have it addressed by a dealer?

This is probably been argued numerous times, but why don't you just use 1 Pedal Drive then? Why do people bother with the L button instead of using 1PD? Brake lights work fine in 1PD.

 

[machmaster]

1PD is significantly more regen, which I don't love because I drive other vehicles often enough. I switched to Unbridle after finding the brake light issue if L is used in Engage... but it's any mode for my car.

I am still interested in whether or not my lights should come on when lifting off in Unbridle, where you can feel relatively heavy regen. If they should, I need to visit a dealer. If not (or it depends on the car), then I'll avoid Ubridle/Engage+L and use the brake pedal.

 

[Blue highway]

This is probably been argued numerous times, but why don't you just use 1 Pedal Drive then? Why do people bother with the L button instead of using 1PD? Brake lights work fine in 1PD.

because I drive in 2PD... 99% of the time it is great... but in OR there are some long steep low speed downhill sections into the Gorge. pushing the L button is nice to have the car hold speed and regen at a high rate... it really should turn on the brake lights when this is done.

 

[larryk]

1PD is significantly more regen, which I don't love because I drive other vehicles often enough. I switched to Unbridle after finding the brake light issue if L is used in Engage... but it's any mode for my car.

I am still interested in whether or not my lights should come on when lifting off in Unbridle, where you can feel relatively heavy regen. If they should, I need to visit a dealer. If not (or it depends on the car), then I'll avoid Ubridle/Engage+L and use the brake pedal.

Your brakes lights should NOT come on unless in 1pd mode, in any driving mode.

 

[machmaster]

Your brakes lights should NOT come on unless in 1pd mode, in any driving mode.

Got it, thanks! I feel like they should illuminate (beyond a set deceleration threshold), but that's not for me to decide.

Driving behind a M3 this morning demonstrated how deceleration without brake lights can be annoying/unsafe for those following. Yes, you can do it in an ICE, but it's rare to see it.

 

[Mach1E]

Got it, thanks! I feel like they should illuminate (beyond a set deceleration threshold), but that's not for me to decide.

Driving behind a M3 this morning demonstrated how deceleration without brake lights can be annoying/unsafe for those following. Yes, you can do it in an ICE, but it's rare to see it.

Think of it this way-

For brake lights to come on, you have to be braking.

L and unbridle are “engine braking.”

1PD car brakes automatically.

2PD you have to put your foot on the brake. So the lights don’t come on unless you do.

You may like L mode, but it’s not really meant to be used all the time, kinda like an ICE car.

 

[emetz582]

Think of it this way-

For brake lights to come on, you have to be braking.

L and unbridle are “engine braking.”

1PD car brakes automatically.

2PD you have to put your foot on the brake. So the lights don’t come on unless you do.

You may like L mode, but it’s not really meant to be used all the time, kinda like an ICE car.

NO. Almost 100% WRONG.

L mode is like max engine brake or manual trans down shifting. Be it long down hill....slowing with a trailer....or slowing from speed with some decent allowable distance. Doesn't matter, its all the same.

1 pedal mode is NOT auto braking!
One pedal = max regen and HOLD until you need and hit the brake pedal for friction brakes.

"L" mode can be used ALL THE TIME is so desired for max regen without 1 pedal mode behavior.
**** There are zero negatives to using the "L" button except personal opinions***

What is 100% correct, is that you need to use the BRAKE PEDAL to activate the brake lights [when using "L" mode].

 

[Mach1E]

NO. Almost 100% WRONG.

L mode is like max engine brake or manual trans down shifting. Be it long down hill....slowing with a trailer....or slowing from speed with some decent allowable distance. Doesn't matter, its all the same.

1 pedal mode is NOT auto braking!
One pedal = max regen and HOLD until you need and hit the brake pedal for friction brakes.

"L" mode can be used ALL THE TIME is so desired for max regen without 1 pedal mode behavior.
**** There are zero negatives to using the "L" button except personal opinions***

What is 100% correct, is that you need to use the BRAKE PEDAL to activate the brake lights.

Uh…. What?

The negative to using L all the time is possibly being rear ended by someone because your brake lights didn’t come on.

Our car uses regenerative braking. Regenerative braking IS braking.

And 1PD hitting the brake pedal doesn’t mean “friction brakes.” Our cars use blended braking at all times. Even 1PD uses friction brakes when coming to a stop without touching the brake pedal.

Also “auto hold” and 1PD are two separate settings.

Your last statement is false too. 1PD activates brake lights without hitting the pedal.

You say I’m completely wrong but I don’t think you understand how the brakes work in our car. ?‍

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

NO. Almost 100% WRONG.

L mode is like max engine brake or manual trans down shifting. Be it long down hill....slowing with a trailer....or slowing from speed with some decent allowable distance. Doesn't matter, its all the same.

1 pedal mode is NOT auto braking!
One pedal = max regen and HOLD until you need and hit the brake pedal for friction brakes.

"L" mode can be used ALL THE TIME is so desired for max regen without 1 pedal mode behavior.
**** There are zero negatives to using the "L" button except personal opinions***

What is 100% correct, is that you need to use the BRAKE PEDAL to activate the brake lights.

Using caps like that doesn’t make your point correct. It also doesn’t add emphasis in the manner you intend. There’s a reason there are italic, bold, and underline options.

Oh, and using “L”, while effective at slowing down the car, doesn’t turn on your brake lights. For that, you need to actually use the brakes or turn on 1pd.

 

[Mache_Nor]

Reading this post is, to be frank, infuriating.
1) It’s a preference thing,
2) ICE car's history should not automatically be used as a rule for new EVs and
3) The car should apply braking lights when certain thresholds of speed reduction is meet, regardless of settings with the argument of safety.

Now, I am one of those whisper users using L. The reason is straightforward, comfort. In whisper, if driving and you has to reduce your speed, the second you hit the brakes - regardless of strength, it is an uncomfortable jolt. If you just release the throttle it does not reduce speed at all. 1 pedal works, but it requires more action and thought to get a smooth reduction in speed. L does this, it gives a comfortable reduction when driving off highways or into traffic, then you apply brakes right before stopping. Coupling it with auto hold it is a pleasant experience. Engage and unbridled is too aggressive throttle mapping for Norwegian roads where the average speed is 50-80kmh.

 

[emetz582]

Whoops....didnt add the clear context of "L" mode to my last sentence and the internet awakes. Then I get told how to use CAPS or not. Thanks guys. I really needed a lesson from you. LOL. Too funny.

So the snowflakes say not to use "L" for fear of being rear ended. Please stop. That's so ridiculous. HA!

You know many Hybrids also have brake regen which does not activate the brake lights, right?

Interesting that all the warnings manufactures feel the need to put out there for fear of being liable, we do not find guidelines on when NOT to use "L" mode. And really, have you even heard of such a claim in real life?

And again, think about all the other ways to slow non-EVs without touching the brakes.

So use your brake pedal all the time, use L mode, use 1 pedal mode....who cares? It's your car, your choice!

 

[Mach1E]

Whoops....didnt add the clear context of "L" mode to my last sentence and the internet awakes. Then I get told how to use CAPS or not. Thanks guys. I really needed a lesson from you. LOL. Too funny.

So the snowflakes say not to use "L" for fear of being rear ended. Please stop. That's so ridiculous. HA!

You know many Hybrids also have brake regen which does not activate the brake lights, right?

Interesting that all the warnings manufactures feel the need to put out there for fear of being liable, we do not find guidelines on when NOT to use "L" mode. And really, have you even heard of such a claim in real life?

And again, think about all the other ways to slow non-EVs without touching the brakes.

So use your brake pedal all the time, use L mode, use 1 pedal mode....who cares? It's your car, your choice!

Use it or don’t, your choice, just know the risks. Just like engine braking in a car, your brake lights don’t turn on. If you think brake lights don’t help alert drivers behind you and are unnecessary, that’s also your choice I guess.

FWIW, we do agree Ford should change this so they do turn on.

As far as your description on how the brakes actually do work in this car, you’re way off. ?‍

 

[HuntingPudel]

Reading this post is, to be frank, infuriating.
1) It’s a preference thing,
2) ICE car's history should not automatically be used as a rule for new EVs and
3) The car should apply braking lights when certain thresholds of speed reduction is meet, regardless of settings with the argument of safety.

Now, I am one of those whisper users using L. The reason is straightforward, comfort. In whisper, if driving and you has to reduce your speed, the second you hit the brakes - regardless of strength, it is an uncomfortable jolt. If you just release the throttle it does not reduce speed at all. 1 pedal works, but it requires more action and thought to get a smooth reduction in speed. L does this, it gives a comfortable reduction when driving off highways or into traffic, then you apply brakes right before stopping. Coupling it with auto hold it is a pleasant experience. Engage and unbridled is too aggressive throttle mapping for Norwegian roads where the average speed is 50-80kmh.

Agreed with your points. ??

There are other threads on this subject. Point 3 does apply to our cars. There is an accelerometer that illuminates the brake lights over a certain threshold. There is also a switch that sees brake pedal movement. ??

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