Dead Car Thanks to Cold Temps Causing HVB Module Errors

[DevSecOps]

OP... sorry to hear about your issues. My GT did the exact same thing to me on Thursday afternoon. I had it towed to my local dealer immediately. It's been there since then and they're trying to figure out what the problem is. ?

I am now in a dealer loaner until who knows when....

Would you mind sending me a DM with your VIN so I can see what they are logging in the system for diagnostic troubleshooting?

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[dlk9312]

I will hopefully have more answers tomorrow. The symptoms match a lot of the LVB failure stories I’ve seen on here, as well as the fact that the problem happened after the car sat unplugged all day at work in the cold, hence the (probably). I haven’t really payed attention to how many still had accessory power or not.

The installation of the iphone/Android widget should gv the 12v battery range in the widget as devsecops said....as long as you can see the battery state on the fordpass app, the widgets should work fine.

Hv been keeping an eye on the 12v battery level on the widgets periodically whenever parking the car in cold outside....must say that the ios one is pretty slick!

 

[DevSecOps]

I will hopefully have more answers tomorrow. The symptoms match a lot of the LVB failure stories I’ve seen on here, as well as the fact that the problem happened after the car sat unplugged all day at work in the cold, hence the (probably). I haven’t really payed attention to how many still had accessory power or not.

I understand that a lot of people have similar problems. In my mind however it might be that some of these events are being incorrectly attributed to the LVB.

There's reason to believe in some of these cases the issue is with the hybrid powertrain control module. There's been instances where the Hybrid Battery Positive Contactor Circuit is stuck open. This causes a fault which then disables the HVB. This would be caused when a circuit to the high voltage battery, which is not as per the predetermined limit, has been detected by the control module. I believe it can also be caused by a faulty battery temperature sensor.

Most of the LVB issues where it's been dead normally result in things like the headlights not turning on and the voltage is sub 11V. Many have also reported that they can't even open the doors. While the above error wouldn't be the direct cause of a dead LVB it could be that over time you drain the LVB because the HVB is disabled and unable to charge it.

I'm not a Ford tech, but based on the hundreds of VINs that I've run and reading extensively on many of the other posts, it's becoming an educated guess that the LVB might not be the cause, but rather the victim of other module failures.

Since I've got my GTPE there's been multiple PCM updates and the more recent updates to the Powertrain control modules including the SOBDMC. Unfortunately, not everyone (actually very few people) has these updates.

 

[Astraea]

I'm not a Ford tech, but based on the hundreds of VINs that I've run and reading extensively on many of the other posts, it's becoming an educated guess that the LVB might not be the cause, but rather the victim of other module failures.

Any chance you could take a peek at mine?

 

[DevSecOps]

Any chance you could take a peek at mine?

Send it

 

[Stang68]

Since I've got my GTPE there's been multiple PCM updates and the more recent updates to the Powertrain control modules including the SOBDMC. Unfortunately, not everyone (actually very few people) has these updates.

Are you in Early Access?

 

[Electric Goat]

Would you mind sending me a DM with your VIN so I can see what they are logging in the system for diagnostic troubleshooting?

Sent!

 

[DevSecOps]

Are you in Early Access?

I am not and the only thing early access to Job2 vehicles is the Bluecruise maps, that I'm aware of. I have a meeting with some of the Ford execs Tuesday morning so I'm gonna ask that they throw me in it, but the updates that I'm referring to are performed by some of us with the tools to update the vehicles. I've only seen 2 other members here who have confirmed flashing the latest module updates for Job2.

 

[Stang68]

I am not and the only thing early access to Job2 vehicles is the Bluecruise maps, that I'm aware of. I have a meeting with some of the Ford execs Tuesday morning so I'm gonna ask that they throw me in it, but the updates that I'm referring to are performed by some of us with the tools to update the vehicles. I've only seen 2 other members here who have confirmed flashing the latest module updates for Job2.

Appreciate the insight.

 

[Rabidsquirrel22]

Another interesting thing: I got this message about a 12V battery fault right after the failed jump starts. Not proof it’s the 12V causing it but it’s still something.

I’m more surprised that this is the only vehicle health alert I’ve received. My car is still totally fine to drive according to FordPass ?

 

[Rabidsquirrel22]

Well the car is still stuck in the parking structure, despite my hopes getting up on Sunday. Turns out finding a tow truck capable of fitting in a parking structure with 6’8” clearance is a huge pain.

Anyways, here’s what the widget shows. Is 11 volts really low enough to cause a complete system failure? It doesn’t seem like it should be.

I’ve also been getting those 12V battery fault messages every time I try turning on the car now. Not sure what to make of that, but the current plan is to connect it to a 12V battery charger tonight and hope for the best by tomorrow morning.

 

[hawkeye3point1]

Is 11 volts really low enough to cause a complete system failure? It doesn’t seem like it should be.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but yes it is.

Edit: The chart reflects open circuit measurement, so 11v under some load may not be fatal. Definitely get it on an AGM charger soon.

 

[Rabidsquirrel22]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but yes it is.

Yikes! Good info on that graph though, thanks. On the bright side, maybe an overnight charge would be all I need to get out of here.

 

[hawkeye3point1]

maybe an overnight charge would be all I need to get out of here.

Hopefully, recommend a smart charger, they test to see if the battery is able to accept a charge.

Have you been in touch with the garage mngmt.? Someone has to have been towed out of there previously, they should be able to refer a tow service with the ability.

With the condition of that battery I would get it to a dealership before hoping to recharge it. Likely it needs to be replaced and its not like any car you may have changed a battery in, as you probably noticed when pulling the back frunk cover. 99% sure you have to removed the frunk tub to R&R the LVB.

 

[Rabidsquirrel22]

Have you been in touch with the garage mngmt.? Someone has to have been towed out of there previously, they should be able to refer a tow service with the ability.

The office was closed all weekend, but if tonight's charge doesn't help, that's my next step.

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