Powertrain Malfunction / Shift System Fault / Service Vehicle Soon

[F150Redux]

2025 F-150 Lightning Lariat
4,686 miles

Got in the truck tonight to go get dinner with the family. Started it and went to back out of the garage when a number of errors popped up on the dash.

1. Service vehicle soon
2. Shift system fault Service required
3. One about powertrain and/or battery drain; disappeared before I could get a picture.

Never had a problem before now. Standard motorized shifter was swapped out for a rotary shifter a couple months ago (never had issues with the original shifter).

Never seen any other errors to this point.

Truck ran fine/normally on the trip to dinner and back except for showing the errors again when I started it up.

So, what's next? Do I bother removing the 12-Volt cable? Can I get anything helpful with just a regular ODB reader? Or do I have to just schedule an appointment with the dealer to figure out what's going on?

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[jamelski]

Swap shifter back to stock and see if errror goes away if not take to dealer

 

[GoodSam]

Shift system fault Service required

Perplexity AI shows to my question:
shift system fault - service required, service vehicle soon, dash shows wrench 2025 Ford Lightning Lariat

"The "shift system fault - service required," "service vehicle soon," and wrench icon on your 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat dashboard indicate a powertrain malfunction, often tied to the gear shift module.

Common Causes
This issue frequently stems from a faulty gear shift module (GSM), triggering code P0929 or similar, as seen in recent owner reports and a Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 25-2276). Connector problems at C211 or wiring issues on circuit CCB61 can also contribute, sometimes with shifter folding glitches or intermittent warnings.

Recommended Actions
Take the vehicle to a Ford dealer promptly for diagnosis via OBD-II scan, as it may enter limp mode limiting performance. Repairs often involve replacing the GSM under warranty at no cost, including multi-point inspections. As a temporary check, some owners reset by disconnecting the 12V battery for 10 minutes, but professional service is essential."

I think OBD reader and CarScanner can show codes.

 

[F150Redux]

Swap shifter back to stock and see if errror goes away if not take to dealer

I might swap it back, but the rotary has been there for two months. I'd think if that was the problem it would have happened earlier than this.

I'm charging the truck to 100% to see what happens. Should I expect to see the Guess'o'meter say something close to the 320 extended range, or would I have to "reset" it (I know I read that somewhere, and how to do it, but don't remember).

I think when I charged it to 100% last week for a trip is only said like 285/290.

 

[F150Redux]

I forgot to mention, the only messages in the Ford App are:

- Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power -- but as I said, no reduction in physical power, not sure about electrical power

and

- Electrical System Drain Service Required -- this is strange as well as everything seemed to be working normally to me. The only things added to the truck were the rotary shifter, the dash cam, and a mag safe phone charger that just plugs into the USB-C port in the work console box (and they've all been in the truck for months with no issues).

 

[chriserx]

Codes would be helpful. What does your rotary shifter do if you are in, say drive, and open the door? I mean it's a loooooong shot but if it stays in drive it may be that the ECU tests it as a shifter fault. As far as the dash cam, that could certainly be the drain issue. Unlikely to be the MagSafe charger, they should only pull a few milliamps if not being used.

 

[F150Redux]

Codes would be helpful. What does your rotary shifter do if you are in, say drive, and open the door? I mean it's a loooooong shot but if it stays in drive it may be that the ECU tests it as a shifter fault. As far as the dash cam, that could certainly be the drain issue. Unlikely to be the MagSafe charger, they should only pull a few milliamps if not being used.

Rotary shifter did everything expected when tested. Will try and plug the ODB reader in today and see if I get anything.

As I mentioned, I set the truck to charge to 100% last night. It shows it's at 100% now, but the range is only showing 266 miles. The battery is extended range, so I'd expect it to be showing more like 320. 54 miles / 83% of what it should be reporting is disturbing for such a new truck.

 

[PreservedSwine]

As I mentioned, I set the truck to charge to 100% last night. It shows it's at 100% now, but the range is only showing 266 miles. The battery is extended range, so I'd expect it to be showing more like 320. 54 miles / 83% of what it should be reporting is disturbing for such a new truck.

It's a bit premature to link this to your shift issue. What you're experiencing with range estimates are more likely related to recent driving habits and temperature.

 

[F150Redux]

It's a bit premature to link this to your shift issue. What you're experiencing with range estimates are more likely related to recent driving habits and temperature.

Yeah, I agree. I don't think it's related, but I'm going to swap the original back today before I drop off the truck for the appointment in the morning. Was surprised I could get it in so quickly.

 

[F150Redux]

Started the truck before swapping back the original shifter and got the "shift fault" pictured above. (and no others). After putting the original shifter back, the shift fault error went away.

WTH. Why would the rotary shifter work for months and then all of a sudden have a problem?

And should I expect to see the Powertrain and Electrical issues every time I start the truck now? It showed when I started last night, then again when I started it to leave the restaurant last night.

Haven't seen either today, and nothing new in Ford App messages.

 

[chriserx]

Rotary shifter did everything expected when tested.

What exactly did it do? I'm curious because I was thinking of adding it at some point myself. I assume it switched to park.

 

[The Weatherman]

Started the truck before swapping back the original shifter and got the "shift fault" pictured above. (and no others). After putting the original shifter back, the shift fault error went away.

WTH. Why would the rotary shifter work for months and then all of a sudden have a problem?

And should I expect to see the Powertrain and Electrical issues every time I start the truck now? It showed when I started last night, then again when I started it to leave the restaurant last night.

Haven't seen either today, and nothing new in Ford App messages.

Curious to know was the rotary dial you originally installed new or used?

 

[F150Redux]

What exactly did it do? I'm curious because I was thinking of adding it at some point myself. I assume it switched to park.

Yup. The rotary I purchased is motorized, so if you watch closely you can see it go back to park.

 

[F150Redux]

Curious to know was the rotary dial you originally installed new or used?

Brand new, direct from a Ford dealer. One of the part numbers others have reported success with.

I originally bought from eBay and the seller was sending out different part numbers. Figured I'd spend a little more and just get something I could be sure of.

 

[The Weatherman]

I noticed that as of recently , there are a lot more questionable sources out on eBay for these parts.

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