Flat tow equipment needed to flat tow the 2021 Bronco?

[grtharris]

I went to the Ford dealer today and they updated the Bronco from their computer with what they said will fix the flat tow issue. I should no longer have to pull fuses and do that awful 5 minute "go to sleep" wait process before pulling them. This is a copy of their notice that just came out this morning for this update.

I will say they weren't 100% certain it fixes the flat tow issue, but the tech felt pretty good that it would solve it. I'm a bit hesitant still. Have others heard the same?

Drive to a spot where there is a slight decline so the bronco will roll freely when placed in neutral.
Now put the bronco in tow mode and let it roll a bit, then press on the brakes, do this a couple of times and you will instantly know if the EBB is asleep or not..
If it is asleep lock and unlock the doors and see what happens.
From the write up I assume this happens as soon as you go into tow mode.
Anxiously awaiting you test results.

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[lni]

Oh boy! This is a game changer, from a pure pain in the ass perspective, if corrected.

I have a 6 hour drive next week, tugging the Bronco with the bus... Calling dealership in the AM to see if they can do this in the next week.

 

[grtharris]

If this is true I do not want my changed. I need EBB on to get the full effect of my auxiliary bake system, that I installed before we new there was a issue.

 

[grtharris]

Here is the SSM (Special Service Message) that was posted today.​

SSM 51415 2021-2023 Bronco - Neutral (4-Wheel Flat) Towing - Inconsistent Brake Feel Through The Supplemental Brake System

Customers who neutral (4-wheel flat) tow a 2021-2022 Bronco equipped with a 2.7L engine or a 2022-2023 Bronco Raptor may report an inconsistent brake assist when a supplemental braking system has been installed. This may result from supplemental brake system set-up that does not account for the vehicles anti-lock brake (ABS) module entering sleep mode after a pre-determined period of time following vehicle shut-down. This functionality was necessary to prevent a battery drain from occurring. Enhanced software has been developed to keep the ABS module in a consistent sleep state when the vehicle enters neutral tow mode. For vehicles that meet this criterion, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. For claiming, use casual part 2C219.

 

[Jmor]

​ Here is the SSM (Special Service Message) that was posted today.​

SSM 51415 2021-2023 Bronco - Neutral (4-Wheel Flat) Towing - Inconsistent Brake Feel Through The Supplemental Brake System

Customers who neutral (4-wheel flat) tow a 2021-2022 Bronco equipped with a 2.7L engine or a 2022-2023 Bronco Raptor may report an inconsistent brake assist when a supplemental braking system has been installed. This may result from supplemental brake system set-up that does not account for the vehicles anti-lock brake (ABS) module entering sleep mode after a pre-determined period of time following vehicle shut-down. This functionality was necessary to prevent a battery drain from occurring. Enhanced software has been developed to keep the ABS module in a consistent sleep state when the vehicle enters neutral tow mode. For vehicles that meet this criterion, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. For claiming, use casual part 2C219.

Thanks Grant,
I guess this fix leaves the EBB
In sleep mode without requiring fuses to be pulled. Is that what u take from it Grant.
But it looks like they are only going to software update it if you request it from the dealer?
Not a OTA?

 

[grtharris]

Yes that is my take, EBB goes off as soon as you enter the Tow Mode.
And yes you will have to take it to the dealer and as for the update.
Now a least you have a SSM mumber to show the dealer.

 

[Sethtsmith]

​ Here is the SSM (Special Service Message) that was posted today.​

SSM 51415 2021-2023 Bronco - Neutral (4-Wheel Flat) Towing - Inconsistent Brake Feel Through The Supplemental Brake System

Customers who neutral (4-wheel flat) tow a 2021-2022 Bronco equipped with a 2.7L engine or a 2022-2023 Bronco Raptor may report an inconsistent brake assist when a supplemental braking system has been installed. This may result from supplemental brake system set-up that does not account for the vehicles anti-lock brake (ABS) module entering sleep mode after a pre-determined period of time following vehicle shut-down. This functionality was necessary to prevent a battery drain from occurring. Enhanced software has been developed to keep the ABS module in a consistent sleep state when the vehicle enters neutral tow mode. For vehicles that meet this criterion, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. For claiming, use casual part 2C219.

So, if I understand this correctly, everyone that flat tows with the 2.7 will want this done regardless of what equipment you use to tow? Is this a true statement?

 

[grtharris]

So, if I understand this correctly, everyone that flat tows with the 2.7 will want this done regardless of what equipment you use to tow? Is this a true statement?

Yes, this eliminates the issue of the EBB being on when you start towing and then going away. It will always be off when in Tow Mode.

 

[Vezfly]

@Bill K your welcome. Glad I could help. You do lose the recovery hooks (D rings) but you could in an emergency use the base plate chain break away hooks if need be. Others have decided to use the recover hooks as a tow bar connector, but I don’t know where they would put the break away chains. Besides I already had the Jeep setup and I could now use either car as a toad. Safe travels.

LoD Sells a bracket to reinforce d rings and has safety chain hookup . Had installed yesterday

 

[Bsenecal]

LoD Sells a bracket to reinforce d rings and has safety chain hookup . Had installed yesterday

Could you provide some pictures and the part number for what you installed?
Thank you.
Brian

 

[jlauer]

I just tested out the Neutral Tow Mode on my 2022 Bronco Outer Banks after having the dealership update with the March 7th update (It was the ABS system they updated, for what it's worth to others who are curious.)

It works like a charm. Yes, the EBB is off immediately once in Neutral Tow Mode now. However, I tested pressing the brakes while on a hill, and they are harder to press, but I would say only 2x to 3x harder to press. I was fully able to stop the Bronco from rolling with my foot. I did this several times. This makes me quite comfortable that my Demco Duo system will work just fine while towing behind my RV.

It does seem you get a couple new screens with brake, pre-collision assist, and ABS warnings when switching to Neutral Tow Mode now.

Here I am about to switch to Neutral Tow Mode...

Then after initialization you get the 4x4 shift in progress and you can hear the automatic transmission switching to neutral.

Then you get confirmation it's in Neutral Tow Mode, but notice the ABS, Brake, and Pre-Collision Assist warning indicators turn on.

You then get a screen warning of the Pre-Collision Assist not available now. (Or at least I don't recall getting this before.)

You then get a Brake warning screen. I presume this is because EBB is disabled now.

But after all that, you get the final reassuring screen you're all set to Neutral Tow.

After that I can push the brakes to stop the Bronco. They're a bit harder to push, but well within the range where the Demco piston attached to the brake pedal can successfully brake the Bronco.

I'm ready to go RV'ing.

 

[grtharris]

Great, jlauer thanks for checking it out.
Now we just need to get the word out to the rest of the non Bronco6g people towing the Bronco.

 

[jlauer]

Here's a Youtube video walkthrough of my 2022 Ford Bronco Outer Banks edition connected to my RV using a Curt Rambler tow bar and Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Braking System.

I have the Heavy-Duty Modular bumper with the D-bar connectors, so I didn't have to change anything on the bumper to connect the tow bar. I used https://www.etrailer.com/p-C59JR.html

I had the Ford dealer update the ABS software with the March 7th 2023 release that fixes the EBB sleep problem so that I don't have to pull the 2 60A fuses and wait the 5 minutes to pull the fuses after the Bronco goes into sleep.

 

[Jmor]

Here's a Youtube video walkthrough of my 2022 Ford Bronco Outer Banks edition connected to my RV using a Curt Rambler tow bar and Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Braking System.

I have the Heavy-Duty Modular bumper with the D-bar connectors, so I didn't have to change anything on the bumper to connect the tow bar. I used https://www.etrailer.com/p-C59JR.html

I had the Ford dealer update the ABS software with the March 7th 2023 release that fixes the EBB sleep problem so that I don't have to pull the 2 60A fuses and wait the 5 minutes to pull the fuses after the Bronco goes into sleep.

Great job, this need to be posted to the highway safety thread.. along with the new update info..

 

[lni]

Went to schedule the SSM 51415 Flat Tow Fix today. All the dealers near me have 1-3 month wait for service. When asked, they said it is that way for if you car doesn't function as well. Gotta love Ford.

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