Computer issuse

[JRW]

I live in the Sequoia National Forest, and moved to a rental in the valley flat lands for the winter in October to get away from the bad winters. I have had the Bronco since December 2023 so it lives 6000' above sea level. In October I started getting alerts about checking the backseat for passengers about half the time the truck is turned off. On my first trip backup in October when I got up to about 5000' my cruise control stopped working and I was getting multiple and repeating alerts on my screen behind the steering wheel. I pulled over and tried to reset the alerts but they kept coming back, so I thought maybe turning it off would rest everything and it would not turn over. I called Ford for a tow which took about 20 minutes because of bad to no cell service in the mountains. After finally getting the tow scheduled I thought I would try starting again and it started with all the alerts still coming up. I turned around and went back down, when I got back into cell service area all the alerts reset. I went back up a few weeks later and it happened again within a mile of where it happen the first time. This time since I knew it was safe to drive I continued on my trip. The GOAT Mode also was not working. When I got cell service again the alerts started clearing. I then got a message from Ford that I had received a software update at 1:00 AM, so I went and checked my clock and the AM/PM was reversed, so I figured that I solved the problem and cancelled the Ford service. The next time I went up there was no issue but the next time it did it again in about the same location and elevation and everything cleared again once I got back on flat land with good cell service. It was time for the 15,000 mile service, so I asked ford to look into the alert/communication problem. All they said was they checked the computer and found no codes. Has anyone had a similar issue, or know a way to contact Ford other than dealing with a dealership? I called once and spoke to a person who I thought was helping but all she did was say she would report the issue.

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[HighVelocity]

The air in your tires is from too low of an altitude.

Replace with the proper high-altitude air.

 

[KABQ]

Not really helpful, but I've spent a ton of time over 9000 feet without cell service with no issues.

Those codes should be stored. It could be that the dealer only read CEL codes, not all DTC from different modules.

 

[Mlarv]

You might want to get Forscan on an old Lap top. It has a way to not only read the DTC but also trouble shoot them. That way when you get back to cell service and a dealer, you could show them the recording from Forscan.

 

[JRW]

Not really helpful, but I've spent a ton of time over 9000 feet without cell service with no issues.

Those codes should be stored. It could be that the dealer only read CEL codes, not all DTC from different modules.

Thanks I will ask themabout the different codes.

 

[JRW]

You might want to get Forscan on an old Lap top. It has a way to not only read the DTC but also trouble shoot them. That way when you get back to cell service and a dealer, you could show them the recording from Forscan.

Thanks I will ask them about the different codes.

 

[Brian_B]

Four things I immediately think when I see weird and seemingly unrelated errors

First is to reboot all the computers by pulling the negative lead for about 5 minutes. Sometimes a full reboot is all it needs

Second would be a dying battery. The Bronco may still start and voltage looks fine, but these computers are sensitive and these AGM batteries are finicky. Many wierd issues are caused by voltage dropping low - still enough to start but the computers start to drop out

Third would be the notorious loose fuse box : loose grounding cables. Worth it to check all that out under the hood, as it will cause all sorts of random wierdness

Lastly would be to check for rodents eating cable bundles or making nests under the hood.

I live a bit north of you at 4000’ and go down to the valley several times a week - and further up to 8-10k at least once a month. No issues with altitude changes so far.

 

[JRW]

Four things I immediately think when I see weird and seemingly unrelated errors

First is to reboot all the computers by pulling the negative lead for about 5 minutes. Sometimes a full reboot is all it needs

Second would be a dying battery. The Bronco may still start and voltage looks fine, but these computers are sensitive and these AGM batteries are finicky. Many wierd issues are caused by voltage dropping low - still enough to start but the computers start to drop out

Third would be the notorious loose fuse box : loose grounding cables. Worth it to check all that out under the hood, as it will cause all sorts of random wierdness

Lastly would be to check for rodents eating cable bundles or making nests under the hood.

I live a bit north of you at 4000’ and go down to the valley several times a week - and further up to 8-10k at least once a month. No issues with altitude changes so far.

Thanks

 

[JRW]

Thanks

I had ten months of no issues with elevation and then have it happen 3 times at near the same location while getting up to about 5000 is just crazy

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