023 Lightning (Build 08/23) – No Heat / No Defrost Heat – Dealer says “failed heater assembly” (any insight?)

[Balke]

I suggest the OP find a dealer that will recognize the conclusion of the BEV team and everyone here. I certainly would not reward the current dealer for not supporting me.

If it’s up to the dealer to decide what is and isn’t warranty work find one that does recognize it.

My 0.02$ worth.

Agreed. Ill be picking up the truck tomorrow. Anyone have recommendations for a dealership in or around Durham NC?

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[Balke]

No, and to be clear for all, the diagram in my post is actually for the Ford MME not the Lightning, but given the FORD dna, they are most likely similar, though I think the positioning of the PTC is likely slightly different in the Lightning, but otherwise works in a similar fashion.

Here is an image the advisor sent me acting like it helped their case. He didnt share the complete chart but you can obviously see it goes to HVB.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Here is an image the advisor sent me acting like it helped their case. He didnt share the complete chart but you can obviously see it goes to HVB.

LOL, ask him to show you the logic map for the Diverter valve and it's relationship to the PTC ... Check-Mate

 

[RocketGhost]

I suggest the OP find a dealer that will recognize the conclusion of the BEV team and everyone here. I certainly would not reward the current dealer for not supporting me.

If it’s up to the dealer to decide what is and isn’t warranty work find one that does recognize it.

My 0.02$ worth.

I was told that when the tech puts needed parts/service in the computer, it cross-checks a database of covered parts and the warranty coverage in effect. So I think it's all automated and no one actively decides if it's covered.

 

[Balke]

Well, I am probably driving this service manager insane but I am asking them to have in writing stating that the part in question is not part of the thermal management of HV battery. If they say it is not in writing I am happy to pick my truck up with repair not being done and drive as is.

 

[The Weatherman]

That maybe the case, I don’t have any insider information. But if you look at the many different responses to this issue, it appears there is a wide variation in who got coverage and who didn’t. Doesn’t seem consistent to me.

 

[Balke]

I was told that when the tech puts needed parts/service in the computer, it cross-checks a database of covered parts and the warranty coverage in effect. So I think it's all automated and no one actively decides if it's covered.

I think that this it what is happening and the way the system is designed they wont let me escalate to someone who knows what the hell they are talking about. All the see on their screen is not covered and thats that. No asking questions or digging any further on their end

 

[TaxmanHog]

I was told that when the tech puts needed parts/service in the computer, it cross-checks a database of covered parts and the warranty coverage in effect. So I think it's all automated and no one actively decides if it's covered.

Could be the case, or based on what the original complaint was:

1. No heat in the cabin (Coverage denied)
2. Won't fast charge due to cold, IIRC some folks had this covered when related to charging complaints) or maybe they were still under 3/36 warranty !?

All the more reason I'm glad to have paid for the extension through @Granger Ford , I've been very lucky and part of the grand majority with no problems with my truck, but all it takes is one incident like the above to make the risk/reward payoff.

 

[Lpotter86]

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Make a stink. Unfortunately anymore that’s the only way to get people/businesses to do what is right.

Worked Tesla Service from 2015 to 2020. Give the Advisor a little break if you start getting frustrated. They can only do so much and the call on most things is on someone else. They just relay information the best they can.

Good luck getting this resolved.

 

[KHines]

Here is an image the advisor sent me acting like it helped their case. He didnt share the complete chart but you can obviously see it goes to HVB.

This is not a coolant flow diagram, this is a computer communication flow map. LIN is a single wire communication system and CAN is a two wire network.

 

[Balke]

This is not a coolant flow diagram, this is a computer communication flow map. LIN is a single wire communication system and CAN is a two wire network.

Thank you for that info. What would the purpose of him sending that to me be?

 

[KHines]

Thank you for that info. What would the purpose of him sending that to me be?

I don’t know

 

[ZSC100]

Thank you for that info. What would the purpose of him sending that to me be?

Trying to make you think he is smarter than you? If he throws enough technical documents at you, you might go away in defeat.

I just thought of another strategy: pick up your truck and take it to a different dealer. This time the symptom is simply "your HV battery is not conditioning properly". This will be treated differently, follow a different diagnostic tree in PTS, And result in an EV warranty approval once they arrive at the failed PTC heater.

 

[Balke]

Trying to make you think he is smarter than you? If he throws enough technical documents at you, you might go away in defeat.

I just thought of another strategy: pick up your truck and take it to a different dealer. This time the symptom is simply "your HV battery is not conditioning properly". This will be treated differently, follow a different diagnostic tree in PTS, And result in an EV warranty approval once they arrive at the failed PTC heater.

I like this idea but my gut says I will end up in the same spot if they are saying this part is not a part thats under an EV warranty.

I wrote an email to service manager detailing the situation this morning. Haven't heard anything back. Also messaged the service advisor asking for documentation, nothing. Its like a game of who blinks first, they are just holding out, not responding to direct questions in hopes I pay or just go away.

My worry is if I pick it up, driving and charging when battery is not properly conditioning could cause harm to HVB

 

[TaxmanHog]

My worry is if I pick it up, driving and charging when battery is not properly conditioning could cause harm to HVB

You have an 8 year 100K warranty for the HVB & motors, since FORD is adamant that the PTC isn't germaine, if the HVB fails prematurely it's on them, penny wise pound foolish, come on @Ford Motor Company

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