2020 Explorer Platinum Electrical Issues

[SPQR13]

New member here...first post. Grab a drink...

2020 Exp Platinum 3.0Eco. Frequent and multiple electrical issues. Started with multiple TPMS faults, many trips to dealer, reprogrammed multiple times, finally replaced all 4. No further issue. THEN...(all the below on various/different dates)
-Park aid malfunction...02/16/2024 self corrected
- Restraints Indicator lamp warning...02/19/2024 self corrected
- Park aid malfunction...02/26/2024 self corrected

-Blind spot detection/cross traffic warning...03/25/2024
-Power Train malfunction....04/05/2024
-Pre collision assist warning,,,04/18/2024
-Hill start assist warning...04/18/2024
-Hill descent control fault...04/18/2024
Took to dealer, said bad battery, replaced same

-Charge system fault warning. 04/23/2024 on and off eleven(11) times during the day
-Charge system fault warning...04/24/2024 on and off four(4) times during the day
-Charge system fault warning continues EVERY day, on and off multiple times per day
Back to dealer, said bad alternator, replaced same.

Same day after alternator replacement, Charge system fault warning on way home. This continues every day, multiple times per day, on and off. (I have 218 alerts in my Ford app). Sometimes the battery light stays on, sometimes the warning resets itself. Dealer said to drive it to see if could reprogram itself. It did not. Back to dealer, said they will try the harness from the alternator (no, they did not replace when alternator was out). and will order harness. While waiting for harness and continuing to drive and still receiving the "charge system fault" warning on and off every day, had a "powertrain malfunction/reduced power" alert, vehicle shut off and would not start. Had to call roadside and get a battery jump. Started immediately and was able to drive while still receiving the charge system fault warning.

Back to dealer, replaced the harness (I think they said two harnesses/pig tails). They stated that did not fix and still had charge system fault waning. They then said it had to be the "PCM". So they ordered and replaced PCM and told me it was all fixed. Went today to pick it up, while they were driving my car around to me, I received the same "charge system fault" and "service engine soon warning" on the ford app. They now have no idea, said the only thing left was the entire vehicle harness. I would not take the car back, left it at the dealer. To add: no loss of power other than the one time. No flickering/dimming lights, no "performance" issues. No transmission issues noted/shifts fine. No steering loss, etc...

I'm at a loss for ideas and they obviously have no idea. They said they checked everything...I asked about fuses, fuse blocks, corrosion, etc...they said all was checked. Any one have any suggestions? Ideas? Should I send an email to corporate? BBB? Thank you in advance. -Vinnie

 

[themishmosh]

Did you just buy this car or have you had it since new. Unfortunately, I don't think any of us can help you. I know some early 2020s had some serious electrical gremlins and some have indeed reported getting the electrical harnesses replaced. Others report grounding fixes. Some have had mice eat the harness causing damage. They have tackled battery and alternator issues which are the two main components. Not sure if they replaced the BMS sensor--but if you unplug that, it will say "charge system fault" as well.

The BMS sensor is attached to the negative terminal of the battery. Trace back the the cable attached to it to verify it's integrity.

 

[Dale5403]

You could try resetting the BMS.

 

[SPQR13]

You could try resetting the BMS.

View attachment 455298

The dealer still has it, but I'll try that when I get it back if not fixed. Thank you. I assumed they did that when they replaced the battery...but who knows.

 

[peterk9]

The dealer still has it, but I'll try that when I get it back if not fixed. Thank you. I assumed they did that when they replaced the battery...but who knows.

Welcome to the Forum.
I don't think getting the BBB involved will solve anything. It seems the dealer is being proactive in trying to find the issue.
Have you contacted Ford to have them open a case on this problem? If not, I suggest that you do so.

Peter

 

[SPQR13]

Welcome to the Forum.
I don't think getting the BBB involved will solve anything. It seems the dealer is being proactive in trying to find the issue.
Have you contacted Ford to have them open a case on this problem? If not, I suggest that you do so.

Peter

Thank you. I have not contacted Ford yet. At the risk of sounding naive, do I just send a message through customer service? Or is there a particular way to "open a case?"

 

[peterk9]

Thank you. I have not contacted Ford yet. At the risk of sounding naive, do I just send a message through customer service? Or is there a particular way to "open a case?"

I'm unsure about that but I believe contact numbers are listed in the Owner's Manual under Customer Assistance. In some cases, Ford has been known to send out an engineer. Good luck.

Peter