The issue stems from an overheating main battery contactor that can lead to a sudden loss of drive.
BY LEWIN DAY
JUN 14, 2022 6:17 PM
Ford has discovered an issue causing power loss in the Mustang Mach-E, and has announced a recall of 48,924 vehicles in the US, reports Automotive News. The model is also subject to a delivery hold, preventing dealers from delivering existing stock to customers, but allowing sales to continue.
Update: 06/15/22 6:25 p.m. ET: The article has been updated to clarify that Ford has instituted a delivery hold, not a stop-sale order.
As reported by CNBC, the issue concerns the main battery contactor, which is responsible for connecting the high voltage traction battery to the rest of the vehicle's subsystems. Under certain conditions, the contactor can overheat, causing a malfunction where the vehicle then loses power, either at rest or when already in motion.
Ford notes that contactor overheating events may be caused by DC fast charging or repeated "wide-open pedal events." Both cases involve high current flow through the contactor, which generates excess heat. In extremes, this can lead to deformation of the electrical contacts inside, leading to a sudden loss of drive.
The upcoming recall affects Mach-Es from the 2021 and 2022 model years, built in Ford's plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico. Affected build dates are from May 27, 2020 through to May 24, 2022.
A Ford spokesperson indicated to Automotive News that the fix is a software update, due to be deployed in July. Specifically, the update concerns the "Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module and Battery Energy Control Module." It suggests that through proper software management of power flow through the contactor, the overheating issue can be stopped before it occurs. The update can be executed over-the-air, or owners have the option of taking the vehicle into a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the update applied.
Ford has dealt with several Mach-E recalls already. As per the NHTSA website, earlier recalls involved poorly bonded windshields and roof glass, loose subframe bolts, as well as improperly installed rear seat belts. Just under 500 units were also subject to a recall for an unintended acceleration issue earlier this year.
The latest recall is the biggest yet for the electric SUV. With 48,924 vehicles affected, it makes up almost half of the total Mach-E production over that period, totaling roughly 100,000 units. With so many vehicles affected, Ford will appreciate the cost savings of an update that can be primarily delivered over-the-air.
Sounds like they are hiring weasel worders in their communications department. A "pedal event"? LOL -- as in somebody mashed the pedal to the metal?
"wide-open" refers to the throttle butterfly valve in the carburetor or throttle body going wide open. How can you get "wide-open" in an EV?
They need a bigger contactor and better thermal management.
So,they have a physical problem with the cars so they’re doing a software fix.🙄
That’s the only story to have been corrected.
Every other outlet than ran with the stop-sale order has stuck with the stop-sale.