Bad software is turning some Mustang Mach-Es into 'electric bricks'

The Verge ^ | April 8, 2021 | Sean O'Kane

[SunkenCiv]

As is the case in other electric cars, the Mustang Mach-E keeps its 12-volt lead-acid battery topped up by essentially sipping power from the much larger lithium-ion battery pack. Based on owners’ accounts across multiple forum threads, including one who spoke to The Verge, the problem is this stops happening whenever the Mustang Mach-E is plugged in to charge up the larger battery pack.

That is especially an issue for owners in areas with cold weather, as Ford encourages them to leave their Mustang Mach-Es plugged in so the SUVs can use power from the grid to warm up before driving.

FORD SAYS A “SMALL NUMBER” OF VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED

The 12-volt battery powers many of the Mustang Mach-E’s systems (since the larger battery pack is high-voltage), and so when it dies, the electric SUV cannot be started...

It is possible to jump the 12-volt battery, just as you would jump-start an internal combustion car. But it’s not nearly as straightforward, especially because the battery is located behind the Mustang Mach-E’s front trunk, and the hood’s electronic latch is powered by the low-voltage battery.

[SunkenCiv]

Photo by Sean O’Kane / The Verge

[SunkenCiv]

You realize of course, that this article means, that Tesla is *doomed*. [eerie organ music]

[Old Yeller]

Kinda like what the vaccines are going to do with people once they upgrade the “software”.

[rarestia]

Good God, man have some decency! Why are you posting pictures on par with Helen Thomas? We need some eye bleach!

[monkeyshine]

If it’s a software issue why does it only effect a small number of vehicles? Did they change the software mid way?

Or is it really a weather issue that the software cannot currently resolve.

[SunkenCiv]

• ‘A mass sterilization exercise’: Kenyan doctors find anti-fertility agent in UN tetanus vaccine

[SunkenCiv]

Growin’ pains.

[monkeyshine]

They call that a Mustang? Doesn’t look like any Mustang I ever saw.

[Bratch]

[Paladin2]

Probably caused by a former Coal Miner who just Learned to Code^TM.

[rarestia]

Thank you so much! I was afraid I was a goner.

[norwaypinesavage]

No problem, at all. You simply buy a $5 ‘battery maintainer’ from Harbor Freight, and plug that onto the 12 volt battery. Then you plug that into a wall socket when ever you charge your EV from home.

Of course, that might just be the straw that breaks your entire electrical system camel, and blows out the entire city.

[SunkenCiv]

Yeah, what was I thinkin’?

[dfwgator]

"The New Allanté!"

[allendale]

The vast majority of consumers want a car with an internal combustion engine. If Democrats continue to get elected or are able to steal their way to power, they soon won’t have the choice.

[SunkenCiv]

Doc Brown explains a time paradox; Jennifer passes out |

[Terry L Smith]

Blame AOC!!!

[EEGator]

That’s a fine looking vehicle.

[SunkenCiv]

Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett

[martin_fierro]

This is about as much of a Mustang ...

...as this was.