2023 ER Lariat Heater Went Out Just as Winter Hit

[Adventureboy]

I've had to add coolant to both my Lightning and my wife's MME. Both were right at the bottom and I expect there is a safety switch that won't allow the heater to kick on if the coolant is low, so I agree with checking that first.

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[Karlos]

You'd think there would be a low coolant warning/message display ??

 

[cal]

Just had a thought...purchase an electric space heater...maybe it will be more efficient than the native heater...

Great recommendation we used space heaters in Alaska to prevent plastic interior cracking in the winter. They work great didn't really heat anything at 40 below but it did prevent cracking

 

[Adventureboy]

You'd think there would be a low coolant warning/message display ??

You would think. No warnings on either of mine and the Lightning tank was pretty much empty. Given @Buio and @chrisvitek1 's experience, it doesn't appear to have a low coolant warning system, unless you consider a non-functioning heater as the warning.

I have it on my weekly watch list along with topping up the washer fluid. It's easy to glance at it in the Lightning when the Frunk is open. Not so easy on the MME as I need to remove a trim panel. I haven't had to add to either since the first time.

 

[Grumpy2]

It seems unlikely a high voltage electric heater would last long if it was dry.

 

[YellowstoneLightning]

Update for those who have been following along: I checked the coolant and you were all right, it was very low; below the min mark. I refilled it to a little below the max line and tried the heat--that didn't work. Next, I disconnected the 12v for 10 minutes then tried again--still no heat. Looks like I'll have to take it in to the dealer after all. Thanks to everyone for your input.

 

[Maquis]

Update for those who have been following along: I checked the coolant and you were all right, it was very low; below the min mark. I refilled it to a little below the max line and tried the heat--that didn't work. Next, I disconnected the 12v for 10 minutes then tried again--still no heat. Looks like I'll have to take it in to the dealer after all. Thanks to everyone for your input.

If it was very low, there could be airlocks in the system. If so, driving should eventually work them out, but you’ll need to keep adding coolant as they do.

ETA - Have you had battery modules replaced? Several on here have reported improper coolant refill after such a service.

 

[YellowstoneLightning]

If it was very low, there could be airlocks in the system. If so, driving should eventually work them out, but you’ll need to keep adding coolant as they do.

ETA - Have you had battery modules replaced? Several on here have reported improper coolant refill after such a service.

No battery modules replaced. This is the first real problem I've had with the truck.

 

[Scorpio3d]

No battery modules replaced. This is the first real problem I've had with the truck.

I have the same model year and vehicle as you.
I had to add coolant after a couple months of ownership. Probably need to check mine again.
Hope you get it figured out and/or fixed.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I believe that those who have experienced it have had the bubble work itself out. I would recomend running the truck for a long period, driving it if you can, and maybe finding a bumpy road. I don't expect it will be an instant fix with just putting coolant in the tank.

And a steep hill ride would help

 

[tearitupsports]

I am sure I could research to find it, but does anyone have a quick response to what is the proper brand/type of coolant to use? I am pretty sure I have this same issue. I can hear the coolant sloshing around most days. I did have a battery replaced about 2 months before I really started to notice it. Also my heat works sometimes and fails completely on other drives.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I am sure I could research to find it, but does anyone have a quick response to what is the proper brand/type of coolant to use? I am pretty sure I have this same issue. I can hear the coolant sloshing around most days. I did have a battery replaced about 2 months before I really started to notice it. Also my heat works sometimes and fails completely on other drives.

Look at the maintenance section PINNED threads

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/forums/mechanical-maintenance-service.118/

 

[tearitupsports]

Look at the maintenance section PINNED threads

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/forums/mechanical-maintenance-service.118/

Thank you!

So this appears to definitely be my issue. Coolant reserve is completely empty. Hope filling it up doesn't break my home integration system.

Ordered the correct one off Amazon for same day delivery.

 

[tearitupsports]

Thank you!

So this appears to definitely be my issue. Coolant reserve is completely empty. Hope filling it up doesn't break my home integration system.

Ordered the correct one off Amazon for same day delivery.

Update: I got the coolant and added about 1/4 gallon to get it about halfway between min/max. Ended up needing to drive about an hour and when I got home it had forced out the air. I was back down to where nothing could be seen. Added about another 1/4 gallon now to get back topped up, and will check after my next drive.

 

[homeboy]

You are having a nearly identical experience to mine (also 23 Lariat ER). It was just starting to get cold in Idaho when I realized my heater wasn't working. I tried filling coolant several times and the level just kept going down, still no heat.

Eventually my service appointment was up and I took it in. Long story short... They tried everything and eventually replaced the heater itself. In the process they did find a coolant leak, so that was a good thing to find and fix.... Where did it go, though? Not on my driveway. The coolant level has been great since. The heat is great now, too. Unfortunately it took them longer to diagnose and fix than I would like, but overall had a good experience with this dealership.

My dealer also did all the CSPs which was great because with the sensor update Blue Cruise works nearly 99% of my freeway time now.

Take it in... ASAP. You'll thank yourself when you are warm again.

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