Charge System Fault With Only 8 Miles

[rayshallmax]

Hello! Just received my 2 door base model 2022 Bronco yesterday (2.3 -automatic). I ordered it at the dealership mid-December 2021. I received a call and a text that the car had arrived. I was unaware of the status because I received no communication after I built in at the dealership. I was surprised to get a call because the estimated arrival date was summer of 2022. I got home and pulled the car in the garage and noticed the charge system fault warning on the dash board light up. The car has 8 miles. I drove the car home, straight from the dealership. It's quite disappointing to have to figure out issues with a brand new vehicle. I researched the issue today and how I should proceed. The dealership service shop was closed so I scheduled an appointment online. The first available appointment is April 27th. I'm not sure if I should drive it until the dealership examines the issue.

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[Roger123]

I’d do a quick check and make sure your battery cables are tight on the battery as well as everything in the under hood fuse box.

Also check the ground connections on the firewall.

Could be as simple as a loose connection.

What’s the gauge say for voltage with the car running? Maybe a bad battery if it was a “mountain” refugee.

 

[Coldsmoke]

I had a similar issue when my Bronco had roughly 150 miles on it. Long story short, after replacement of a number of parts spanning 3 months and including several connectors, some wiring, and the alternator, the cause was tracked to the computer module. Once that was replaced the problem was resolved.
I was able to drive the vehicle in between waiting for pieces parts. The key thing is that despite the charging system failure message, it was working fine which can be confirmed by keeping an eye on the battery voltage gauge. Hopefully your issue can be resolved in short order. Best Wishes.

 

[Snacktime]

I had that fault, I think it has to do with the minimum charge time on start up. Alternator runs full charge on startup. Mine went away after going for an hour cruise with the wife.

 

[rayshallmax]

I’d do a quick check and make sure your battery cables are tight on the battery as well as everything in the under hood fuse box.

Also check the ground connections on the firewall.

Could be as simple as a loose connection.

What’s the gauge say for voltage with the car running? Maybe a bad battery if it was a “mountain” refugee.

Yikes...I'm not too sure if I even know where to check everything listed outside of the battery cables. I'll have to really do some more research to check these items. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[rayshallmax]

I had a similar issue when my Bronco had roughly 150 miles on it. Long story short, after replacement of a number of parts spanning 3 months and including several connectors, some wiring, and the alternator, the cause was tracked to the computer module. Once that was replaced the problem was resolved.
I was able to drive the vehicle in between waiting for pieces parts. The key thing is that despite the charging system failure message, it was working fine which can be confirmed by keeping an eye on the battery voltage gauge. Hopefully your issue can be resolved in short order. Best Wishes.

I hope that this isn't the case...smh. I'll keep you posted.

 

[rayshallmax]

I had that fault, I think it has to do with the minimum charge time on start up. Alternator runs full charge on startup. Mine went away after going for an hour cruise with the wife.

It doesn't hurt to ride around town to see if this resolves the issue. I work from home so I haven't driven the car since I picked it up from the dealer. This would be the best case scenario.

 

[andrusoid]

Yikes...I'm not too sure if I even know where to check everything listed outside of the battery cables. I'll have to really do some more research to check these items. Thank you so much for your help!

Just go drive it around the block a few times. These have computers which do some goofy stuff sometimes. Carplay stopped showing maps once until I "rebooted" by shutting down and letting it sit for a while. Afterwards, all good.

 

[Roger123]

Fuse box is on the drivers side, pop off the cover and make sure everything is tight. There’s a few threads with info on loose connections.

Look along the fire wall and the passenger side fender area, there are a few bolts you’ll see with wires connected to them, those are various ground points. Make sure they’re all tight too.

 

[Razorbak86]

Yikes...I'm not too sure if I even know where to check everything listed outside of the battery cables. I'll have to really do some more research to check these items. Thank you so much for your help!

FYI only. Attached below is a copy of the Diagnosis and Testing section of the Technical Service Manual for the 2.3L charging system. It's very detailed. I don't expect you to completely understand all of the topics covered, but reading through it may help you understand the types of things that your dealer might check.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

When you take it for a drive make sure to turn off the auto stop/start and get on the highway and run it for some miles. 25+ miles would allow the system to charge. Short trips will just further deplete it.

 

[Carolina Jim]

Welcome to the world of defective new vehicles, with service available "maybe sometime next month"

 

[rayshallmax]

Welcome to the world of defective new vehicles, with service available "maybe sometime next month"

Yup! Just called the dealership service department twice today and no answer, no voice mail to leave a message. The next closest dealership is booked until next month.

 

[rayshallmax]

Fuse box is on the drivers side, pop off the cover and make sure everything is tight. There’s a few threads with info on loose connections.

Look along the fire wall and the passenger side fender area, there are a few bolts you’ll see with wires connected to them, those are various ground points. Make sure they’re all tight too.

Thanks! This is beyond helpful

 

[rayshallmax]

FYI only. Attached below is a copy of the Diagnosis and Testing section of the Technical Service Manual for the 2.3L charging system. It's very detailed. I don't expect you to completely understand all of the topics covered, but reading through it may help you understand the types of things that your dealer might check.

I'm so appreciative!! I was reading the owners manual to try to get a better understanding of all the components. It's a lot of information to take in. Thanks

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