Ticking from 12v battery compartment

[bmwhitetx]

As a followup to above, I would argue that it may even be covered by the 8 year/100K BEV-specific warranty. Not sure what eDrive is defined as.

(2) The high voltage battery and eDrive systems of your vehicle are covered by the Electric Vehicle Component coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. High voltage battery and eDrive components covered by this warranty include the high voltage battery assembly, Bussed Electrical Center (BEC), Battery Energy Control Module (BECM), on-board charger, Inverter System Controller (ISC), DC/DC converter, and eDrive.

But if they say no on the BEV specific, it is still should be considered in the powertrain warranty "The extended Powertrain coverage applies to all components of the driveline that are not specifically covered by the Electric Vehicle Component warranty"

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[alexose]

Yes, I think you're right. At the time it did seem interesting that they:

1. Could not get the part, because it's specific to EVs and not readily in stock
2. Couldn't get the the warranty to cover it, because it's a generic part

I would be interested in replacing it on my own, but I'm not at all confident I can bleed the entire coolant system myself. Best case scenario is to get the dealer to replace it under warranty. Second best case I guess is to just bite the bullet and pay them, unfortunately.

Would it be worth contacting the @Ford Motor Company and investigating why this part isn't coming up under warranty? At the very least, I'd like to better understand the logic.

 

[bmwhitetx]

So I researched some more and while that valve and another one do provide power train cooling, they are also responsible for diverting coolant to the ProPower inverter, cabin A/C / heat, motors, on-board AC charger, DC-DC converter, HV battery, etc.

So while it is critical and part of the both the power train and battery cooling systems, it also serves other components.

I'll send you a DM.

 

[TaxmanHog]

NOTE these are schematics of the Mach-E system which the Lightning shares the majority of concepts, (Max Tow components are not included in this version)

 

[alexose]

Talked with Ford today and confirmed that valves are not included in either the powertrain warrany or the battery warranty. To reiterate:

> gears, differential, shafts, fluid pumps, seals and gaskets, bearings, mounts, drive shaft, retainers, supports, universal and constant velocity joints

If it were a pump, it would be covered... but valves aren't. So, a warning to all Lightning owners: The coolant system is a bit of a liability with this vehicle, and it's not covered past 36k miles.

 

[Henry Ford]

In the shop manual, this part is in the Powertrain section. Here is a summary of the shop manual for the High Voltage Battery Radiator Coolant Diverter Valve:
1. If equipped. Remove the high voltage battery coolant cooler (Vehicles With: Max Trailer Tow).
2. Drain the electric drivetrain cooling system.
3. Remove the underhood storage compartment.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector and detach the wiring harness retainer.
5. Remove the bolts and position the radiator coolant diverter valve aside.
6. Release the clamps, disconnect the coolant hoses and remove the high voltage battery radiator coolant diverter valve.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
2. Fill and bleed the electric drivetrain cooling system.

What is the process to drain the coolant?

If one were okay with dumping coolant on the garage floor is draining the coolant even necessary? Whatever is above the valve will spill out. Maybe that's fine?

Is there more to bleeding than running the truck and checking the coolant level?

This seems like a doable project for someone who's willing to work on their own vehicle. It's an EV but it's still just a truck.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Is there more to bleeding than running the truck and checking the coolant level?

There is a vacuum process to pull the extra air via the degasser bottle (reservoir) that might get introduced when the system is opened, this procedure might not be as invasive as a battery R&R.

 

[TaxmanHog]

The coolant system is a bit of a liability with this vehicle, and it's not covered past 36k miles.

Hopefully extended warranties cover this, for those who opted to buy it, like myself.

 

[BSEE SPARKY]

Hopefully extended warranties cover this, for those who opted to buy it, like myself.

I wouldn't be scared to do this, but, for me, glad I get extended warranty. Too many clean sheet parts that aren't readily available. You have to pay the dealer price for them anyway.

 

[Mal106]

Extended maintenence warranties are a great piece of mind saver but they are a moneymaker for the seller. What that means is that statistically they are a money looser for the buyer. Like all insurance, if you can bare the loss, best not to insure. That piece of advice IMHO is totally not valid if a lawyer might be involved, then I think insurance is a must.

 

[alexose]

Still waiting on the part from the dealership. Back ordered until 6/6 at least...

What's frustrating is that it's easily available via 3rd party sites. I guess I didn't realize this, but dealers have to use some internal Ford website to source their parts.

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