Recall Information: High Voltage Battery Junction Box (23S56)

[AKgrampy]

My sticker indicates my MachE GT was manufactured May 17 2022, however, the Ford website does not show recall 23S56 for my car. It only shows

My MachE GT was manufactured May 17 2022 per the window sticker, but Ford is telling me that it Is not included in recall 23S56. Does this make sense? There first reasons for not including my car was because this recall only applies to hybrids. When I said that made no sense, they just said it was VIN specific and mine wasn’t included. Obviously not a confidence inspiring answer.

Did you purchase yours new or used? Real question is has the HVBJB already been replaced? My understanding is cars that have had their original HVBJB’s replaced were pulled from the recall list.

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[EELinneman]

Did you purchase yours new or used? Real question is has the HVBJB already been replaced? My understanding is cars that have had their original HVBJB’s replaced were pulled from the recall list.

I don't believe this is true. I had mine replaced last year and verified that my car is on the recall list for this newer HVBJB.

 

[AKgrampy]

I don't believe this is true. I had mine replaced last year and verified that my car is on the recall list for this newer HVBJB.

I am fairly confident there is no “newer” HVBJB”. I am not 100% sure as I have not seen the letter from Ford yet; however, as I mentioned several people have mentioned their VIN’s were initially on the recall list and have subsequently been removed.

 

[Fremont Kid]

My MME is not on the recall list. However, I did just receive a letter from Ford citing the 'Customer Satisfaction Program 23B50' which regards the battery charger control module (BCCM) software, which does not have a transfer function that predicts the charging port/terminal temperature.

"Your battery may not fully charge and/or the charge cord may become stuck in your vehicle. You may also experience a burning smell or melting of the charge port pins."

Ford is issuing an OTA to remedy this issue. I've not experienced these problems. Hurray!

Two items are unclear:

1. Controlling this via software implies that sensors exist w/in the component to measure the temperature. The letter does not state this. Would be comforting to know.
2. Letter does not indicate how the software will correct 'predicting' the temperature. Presumably the component is already too hot by the time a sensor measures the temperature, but how is approaching a too hot temperature predicted? Has to be via a software algorithm.

 

[Barryb54]

Hi Mustang Mach-E Owners,

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for Certain 2021-2022 model year Mustang Mach-E extended range and GTs built between May 27, 2020 to May 24, 2022 related to failures of the High Voltage Battery Junction Box (HVBJB).

If your vehicle is included in this recall, you will receive a message from Ford soon with next steps.

In the meantime, you can also verify if your vehicle is included by entering your VIN at www.ford.com/support/recalls/

What is the issue tied to this recall?
Direct Current (“DC”) fast charging and repeated wide open pedal events can cause the high voltage battery main contactors to overheat on certain Mustang Mach-E extended range and GT models. Overheating may lead to deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in a contactor that is prevented from properly closing or a contactor that welds closed. An overheated contactor that is prevented from properly closing while driving can result in a loss of motive power.

What is the cause of the issue?
The high voltage battery main contactor is not robust to heat generated from multiple DC fast-charge and wide-open pedal events. A prior software update improved monitoring and management of the main contactor. Damage to the extended range and GT contactors caused by wear prior to the software update may reduce the effectiveness of the software.

What is the expected repair?
Once parts are available, owners will be asked to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer to replace the High Voltage Battery Junction Box.

Do I still need the software update related to this recall if I haven’t yet received it?
Yes.

Which vehicles are affected?
Certain 2021-2022 model year Mustang Mach-E extended range and GTs built between May 27, 2020 to May 24, 2022.

Why are Standard Range vehicles not affected?
Standard range contactors are not included because of the difference in heat generated in the contactors. The extended range and GT vehicles will see more current flow through the contactors than the standard range due, in part, to larger battery capacity and higher output electric drive motors.

What are you doing to take care of customers?
We are working through how we will support affected owners, including providing rentals and pick-up and delivery services.

Is there anything a customer can do to reduce the chance of the contactor overheating until their vehicle is repaired?
Until parts are ready, we ask that affected customers limit repeated back-to-back wide open pedal accelerations and use DC Fast Charging only when necessary.

Is there a warning sign that customers should be aware of?
For vehicles that previously received the software update in most cases, the software will proactively detect damage to the contactors and display a warning wrench light. If the contactors weld closed while driving, there will be no immediate effect on vehicle operation. Upon the next key cycle, a wrench light will be illuminated, and vehicle will not start. If the contactors are prevented from properly closing while driving, a wrench light will be illuminated, the vehicle will display “Stop Safely Now” and the vehicle will immediately lose motive power. The vehicle will coast to a stop, and all low voltage systems including power brakes, steering and lights will remain functional.

When will you notify customers of the recall?
We began sending letters to customers on November 3rd. Customers can also verify if their vehicle is included by entering their VIN at www.ford.com/support/recalls/

Will there be a charge to customers?
Customers will not be charged for service.

What is Ford’s reference number for this recall?
The reference number is 23S56.

This is consistent with other information we've been seeing on the topic, thanks. Fortunately, my 2021 Premium Mach-E qualifies for this plus the Battery Cord & Software Customer Satisfaction update. And yes, I/we understand there are a lot of moving parts for this recall & will have to wait a bit to have it fully executed. That said, I appreciate FORD doing the the right thing here...

 

[Briguy]

So to confirm, those of us that are a part of the recall, who had their HVBJB replaced (last month for me), and we received the latest recall letter (dated November 3rd) will still need another HVBJB replacement once this new part comes out. Right?

 

[Logal727]

I was just recently contacted, by phone, from my purchasing dealer about the battery port CSP, out of the blue. They gave me the option for mobile service which I availed myself of. It was, shockingly, painless and easy and the appointment was only about two weeks out.

Yeah my purchasing dealer will definitely not be doing this lol

 

[Kevin C]

Here is the letter I received yesterday:

 

[kennethjk]

So this thread has established 1) avoiding repeated WOTs and DCFC charging sessions increases the chance that your HVBJB will survive until parts are available, 2) parts for the recall aren't yet available, 3) if you HVBJB fails before recall parts are available, you can still get it replaced.

So logic would suggest that if you wish to get your HVBJB replaced soon, you should do repeated WOTs and DFCF charging sessions... (Or come to Cali and do the Grapevine a few times.)

?

By the way, your solution is what everyone here has known for over a year now.?

 

[kennethjk]

This is consistent with other information we've been seeing on the topic, thanks. Fortunately, my 2021 Premium Mach-E qualifies for this plus the Battery Cord & Software Customer Satisfaction update. And yes, I/we understand there are a lot of moving parts for this recall & will have to wait a bit to have it fully executed. That said, I appreciate FORD doing the the right thing here...

Doing the right thing? They were forced to do it because of many people on this Forum were screaming!!!!!

if it was up to Ford they would have left people out to dry dealing with a substandard part and an half ass software solution.

 

[generaltso]

So to confirm, those of us that are a part of the recall, who had their HVBJB replaced (last month for me), and we received the latest recall letter (dated November 3rd) will still need another HVBJB replacement once this new part comes out. Right?

Probably not.

 

[MachE70]

Here is the letter I received yesterday:

Come on Ford, this notification is worthless and does not tell us anything we don't already know. This letter also contradicts what you said in your notification to dealers dated October 16, 2023, which included the following statement:

"Owners of record will be notified via first-class mail after repair instructions and parts ordering information have been provided to dealers."

Now you are telling us another letter will be sent to us once parts become available. So you have given us no idea when parts will be available, or if those parts will include new and improved HVBJBs or just the same current versions of the HVBJB which are still failing right and left. More information please!!

 

[AKgrampy]

So to confirm, those of us that are a part of the recall, who had their HVBJB replaced (last month for me), and we received the latest recall letter (dated November 3rd) will still need another HVBJB replacement once this new part comes out. Right?

Not necessarily I believe. I just read the letter and it is just a copy of the recall email, Ford Pass notification and not the notice that the parts are available yet. So the jury is still out as to whether or not owners who have had their HVBJB replaced already will have to have it replaced again. I think not but if they do have a better unit then I hope so. Still driving on the original myself.

 

[AKgrampy]

Come on Ford, this notification is worthless and does not tell us anything we don't already know. This letter also contradicts what you said in your notification to dealers dated October 16, 2023, which included the following statement:

"Owners of record will be notified via first-class mail after repair instructions and parts ordering information have been provided to dealers."

Now you are telling us another letter will be sent to us once parts become available. So you have given us no idea when parts will be available, or if those parts will include new and improved HVBJBs or just the same current versions of the HVBJB which are still failing right and left. More information please!!

Not defending Ford but this is just a mailing notice of the recall. Probably required. Same info as their email and FordPass notice. Basically tells me the parts are not readily available yet (as indicated) and we will have to continue to wait (unfortunately) for another letter notifying us that the parts are available and we can schedule the work. I hate the wait but it does clear things up for me.

 

[Neil4Real]

So to confirm, those of us that are a part of the recall, who had their HVBJB replaced (last month for me), and we received the latest recall letter (dated November 3rd) will still need another HVBJB replacement once this new part comes out. Right?

I had mine replaced for the 2nd time in July or August, can't remember, and I no longer have the recall listed under my VIN.

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