Got a dealer PPI today. Modules need updates?

[DeePagne]

They didn’t explain this well. Probably because the guy at the desk admitted he is from the quick lane.
below is what they found. I am just trying to figure out if this is normal for 30,000 or a concern.

17 modules have available updates “ford will only warranty updates for TSBs and failures”

Coolant low

Left side hybrid battery bracket bent

Codes for air dam and sounder inop

front drive axles wet

this is a ‘23 Lariat ER with max tow with 31,000 miles

Im on the 7 day Carvana trial. Love the truck. Just need to know if it is good to buy.
what are your thoughts? Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[RickLightning]

Modules requiring updates isn't an issue, except that it should be updating OTA.

The left side battery bracket being bent is a warning of how the owner used it. The drive axles being "wet" would have me walking.

 

[COrocket]

Coolant Low - is a tough call without knowing the history, it could be over several years you lost a few ounces to evaporation which is an easy top off. Or there is a small undiscovered leak somewhere. I would carefully top it off to the max line and check right before the 3 year warranty expires to make sure you didn't loose a substantial amount of fluid if you decide to keep the truck.

Battery bracket bent - obviously abnormal, but you'd have to clarify if there's any surrounding damage and if they recommend replacing the bracket or if its minor enough to just let it be without impacting the functionality, and whether that bothers you.

For the sounder (I assume the pedestrian alerting speaker) this could have easily been disabled by the previous owner and the speaker may even be missing. The speaker could be either plugged in (if present), replaced, code ignored, or there's a company that makes a resistor to trick the truck into thinking it's still there without making any noise. The truck should function fine either way.

There was an air dam issue that was fixed with a software update, but realistically the truck will also function completely fine without it working. The air dam simply deploys at highway speeds to slightly increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the truck. It's nice to have and would be fixed under warranty if you pursued it. You *might* have success with the dealer software updating the module that controls the dam in an effort to fix the problem.

I would ask the dealer if the front drive axle leaking can be replaced under warranty as well. I would certainly address it before it gets worse, just be cautioned that you might be looking at a bit of downtime with this one vs all the other stuff. Figuring out a game plan with the dealer in regards to this issue is the sticking point of the deal IMO.

 

[DeePagne]

Coolant Low - is a tough call without knowing the history, it could be over several years you lost a few ounces to evaporation which is an easy top off. Or there is a small undiscovered leak somewhere. I would carefully top it off to the max line and check right before the 3 year warranty expires to make sure you didn't loose a substantial amount of fluid if you decide to keep the truck.

Battery bracket bent - obviously abnormal, but you'd have to clarify if there's any surrounding damage and if they recommend replacing the bracket or if its minor enough to just let it be without impacting the functionality, and whether that bothers you.

For the sounder (I assume the pedestrian alerting speaker) this could have easily been disabled by the previous owner and the speaker may even be missing. The speaker could be either plugged in (if present), replaced, code ignored, or there's a company that makes a resistor to trick the truck into thinking it's still there without making any noise. The truck should function fine either way.

There was an air dam issue that was fixed with a software update, but realistically the truck will also function completely fine without it working. The air dam simply deploys at highway speeds to slightly increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the truck. It's nice to have and would be fixed under warranty if you pursued it. You *might* have success with the dealer software updating the module that controls the dam in an effort to fix the problem.

I would ask the dealer if the front drive axle leaking can be replaced under warranty as well. I would certainly address it before it gets worse, just be cautioned that you might be looking at a bit of downtime with this one vs all the other stuff. Figuring out a game plan with the dealer in regards to this issue is the sticking point of the deal IMO.

Well, now the report he printed out says “slight leak front drive motor seals”

that sounds bad. Also heavy rust and pits on rear rotors

 

[Garyl]

There’s a reason it ended up with Carvana

 

[DeePagne]

There’s a reason it ended up with Carvana

Where do you suggest buying a truck from?

 

[MotoGary]

Where do you suggest buying a truck from?

A Ford dealer with trained and certified EV technicians with a couple years of servicing EVs.

 

[RickLightning]

I would buy from a Ford dealership, and make this part of the sales contract:

"Perform all updates in FDRS, until such time as no updates remain. Print proof."

 

[Ted23Lightning]

Where do you suggest buying a truck from?

Did u have it delivered or did u pick it up from a Vending machine?
I’d reach out to the Customer Advocate that u dealt with. They’ll probably have u reach out to SilverRock. If they cover everything I’d say a good buy. If… lol

 

[DeePagne]

Did u have it delivered or did u pick it up from a Vending machine?
I’d reach out to the Customer Advocate that u dealt with. They’ll probably have u reach out to SilverRock. If they cover everything I’d say a good buy. If… lol

So if they covered everything you'd think it's still good to buy even though it seems like it was driven hard?

 

[Garyl]

There’s a reason it ended up with Carvana

I must be getting old because that does sound like something my dad or grandfather would have said

 

[Ted23Lightning]

So if they covered everything you'd think it's still good to buy even though it seems like it was driven hard?

As long as Ford did a thorough review of the vehicles condition. That’s kinda the main positive about Carvana. If you have it inspected by the dealer or one of SilverRocks preferred shops, they can’t really deny the repairs/ replacement. Carvanas multipoint inspection is a joke. Their techs are given very limited time to inspect the vehicles. And on an EV, I wouldn’t trust them at all.
An example of this is we had a few Hyundai engines die while in inventory & they had the engines replaced. Customer then ended up with a brand new engine. Albeit, it was still a Hyundai engine lol

 

[jetfixr1]

So if they covered everything you'd think it's still good to buy even though it seems like it was driven hard?

Uffff, those silver rock people have been known to have unethical business practices. Tons of horror stories online. Hard pass.

 

[Ted23Lightning]

Uffff, those silver rock people have been known to have unethical business practices. Tons of horror stories online. Hard pass.

Definitely hit or miss. That’s why I was saying IF they cover it lol
And if they don’t, just have them come pick it up. Buy another Lightning somewhere else.

 

[Ragman]

Coolant low is nothing new, that's why it's on the "maintenance' checks with rotate tires. The others depends if warranty will cover. There is a '23 Lariat ER Max Tow on local Ford dealers lot for $40k US ($60k Cdn). If you are getting it from Carvana for $30k US then go for it - if you are paying full dealer list then pass.

Sponsored