Modem Connectivity Issues: Time for First Dealer Visit: Advice?

[Wingman]

Hello All: I’ve had some connectivity issues and inconsistent performance from the onboard modem in the Mach E over the 18 months I’ve had it. After a few tech calls last week, having it taken to the dealer on Monday. The last tech call flagged the APIM (not sure what that is) and the TCU (telematics control unit, aka: modem).

Given that these issues are intermittent, I’m trying to make sure the dealer doesn’t just “do a reboot” of the system and says it’s all working now and call it a day? (I’ve pulled the fuse in the panel, soft rebooted using the volume and scan right buttons on the steering wheel and other efforts to no avail of late. Part of how the BEV tech team said to take it to the dealer is that it wouldn’t perform a soft reboot at all last week when on the call with them.)

Anyone else gone down this road? Suggestions on how to make sure that this is properly addressed in full? Seems to me that it requires a full replacement of the TCU/modem, but not certain.

Any and all input and guidance most welcome. Thx!

Sponsored

 

[tonytaylor53]

I've experienced several days of no connection. The first time, it fixed itself. The second time, pulling the 12v did NOT fix it, only time. I've decided that Ford has server side problems. There were some TCU recalls or TSBs, but I can't find them.

Is your car under warranty? If so, I'd make sure you get documentation explicitly stating your problem and throw the term "lemon" around a lot.

 

[sean7512]

What dealer did you go to?

I have found Woltz & Wind to be about the best dealer in Pittsburgh for both the Mach-E and Lightning service.

 

[CoyoteMach]

I don't see that you disconnected the 12v battery for 20 minutes or so to do a hard reset. There are numerous reports in this forum that show this has solved many problems related to "glitches".
I think I would give that a try first.

 

[Wingman]

I've experienced several days of no connection. The first time, it fixed itself. The second time, pulling the 12v did NOT fix it, only time. I've decided that Ford has server side problems. There were some TCU recalls or TSBs, but I can't find them.

Is your car under warranty? If so, I'd make sure you get documentation explicitly stating your problem and throw the term "lemon" around a lot.

Yes, I’m still under warranty. That’s partly why I’m heading to the dealer on Monday.

What dealer did you go to?

I have found Woltz & Wind to be about the best dealer in Pittsburgh for both the Mach-E and Lightning service.

I was thinking of Woltz & Wind, but had challenges buying a maverick from them recently. So am trying Shults Ford South for this. But open to W&W again. (They kept trying to get me to come in from across town for the maverick purchase. I’d already decided on it and had all the online research done. Ended up buying it entirely remotely from Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Michigan and having them deliver it. They made it easy, while W&W made it hard. Even saved me money when they suggested I reach out to family for X Plan options.)

 

[Wingman]

I don't see that you disconnected the 12v battery for 20 minutes or so to do a hard reset. There are numerous reports in this forum that show this has solved many problems related to "glitches".
I think I would give that a try first.

Yeah, was thinking that. The garage is challenging, (small single car with no room, so this would have to be done outside). So given weather and other issues figured I’d pause now, but definitely a consideration still. Thx.

 

[sean7512]

I have not bought any of my cars from W&W as they weren't the best prices, etc. However, I have had excellent service from them and never had an issue with servicing our EVs,e tc. They seem to have great service.

 

[Wingman]

Thanks. They are across town and I do indeed like them. Have had our ICE mustangs serviced there a couple of times. Will definitely consider them still in the future. (Just outside their pick up radius, unfortunately.)

 

[fatboy8]

I had this problem with my 2023. They replaced all kinds of parts and it didn't fix it. Ford ended up doing a buy back on it and I replaced it with a 2025 that hasn't had any communication issues.

 

[AtomicInternet]

My modem decided to crap out yesterday, and the overnight 12v pull didn't do anything either. Had zero issues before this, saw your thread and wondering if this is just a Ford server side (or cellular plan) issue.

 

[Wingman]

I had this problem with my 2023. They replaced all kinds of parts and it didn't fix it. Ford ended up doing a buy back on it and I replaced it with a 2025 that hasn't had any communication issues.

Ouch. I certainly hope that was a one off. Interesting that you went back to the Mach E after the issues.

Just came back from the dealership. They did a complete reset of the TCU (which I have been unable to do, so they hardwired it to the Mother Ship to make it happen) and replaced the 12V as well. Here’s hoping! And good luck with your ‘25. Still a great vehicle!

 

[Wingman]

My modem decided to crap out yesterday, and the overnight 12v pull didn't do anything either. Had zero issues before this, saw your thread and wondering if this is just a Ford server side (or cellular plan) issue.

Don’t know yet. Just got it back yesterday and haven’t driven it since. I suspect that this was/is a modem software issue. They did a reset of the software and replaced the 12V as well. Seems to be better. But my issue has always been intermittent, so can’t really tell until I go a good 90 days without losing connectivity is my thinking.

 

[kdonnel]

My modem decided to crap out yesterday, and the overnight 12v pull didn't do anything either. Had zero issues before this, saw your thread and wondering if this is just a Ford server side (or cellular plan) issue.

I have also lost some connectivity in the past few days.

I pay the $10 a month for premium connectivity which includes Alexa and YouTube.

I noticed neither are working today.

The weather in the in car navigation is also not working.

FordPass seems to be though as it will tell me the location of the car and tell me if charging to not.

I rebooted Sync and now the icon that shows connectivity does not appear.

I assume it will all start working again in the next few days.

 

[fatboy8]

Ouch. I certainly hope that was a one off. Interesting that you went back to the Mach E after the issues.

Just came back from the dealership. They did a complete reset of the TCU (which I have been unable to do, so they hardwired it to the Mother Ship to make it happen) and replaced the 12V as well. Here’s hoping! And good luck with your ‘25. Still a great vehicle!

I love the car, and Ford made it right. Have to reward those kinds of companies.

 

[rugedraw]

My modem decided to crap out yesterday, and the overnight 12v pull didn't do anything either. Had zero issues before this, saw your thread and wondering if this is just a Ford server side (or cellular plan) issue.

Your car reported this code on 12/21 and again on 12/23, but it is gone now.

Sponsored