Base Fails to Crank - Starter died @ 7,700kms

[Boreal]

Well, the Base Bronco (2.3 MT) is in the shop. It’s been running without to much issue, 7,720kms, a few times in the deeper colds -25°C to -40°C/F after shifting out of 4H into 2H, there will be a speed related ratcheting. It sounds like the ABS solenoid firing, except it’s the transfer case failing to completely disengage out of 4H. This has thrown Powertrain faults, once the rig warms up to operating temp and gets an ignition cycle it all goes away - I chalk it up to cold electronics.

Anyways, I hopped in to head to work and was greeted by the Ford Chimes and a Christmas tree of a dash. No rhyme or reason, no recognizable precursor events. My pops’ F350 had a main wiring harness break on him in the cold this winter, it took out his DEF system and six other PCM/ECM/TCM’s… the dealer mentioned (my dealer said.. DRINK!) there has been a rash of 21’s that have all had busted harnesses this winter - we’ve been down to -48°C this year but there has been a five week long cold snaps of -30°C or colder

The -60°C Oil temp, coolant over temp, lack of fuel gauge, and other Alarms/faults scream harness or computer to me. Battery was at 12.2v, ambient external temp was -23°C at the time of video. I could faintly hear a solenoid firing when I would attempt to turn the vehicle over, but obviously the starter did not attempt to engage or spin. Neither pushing by finger or key fob worked to start the truck… it’s in the dealers hands to figure out now. Roadside and warranty are the only good note here.

Feel free to chime in with other comments, threads or experiences! I apologize if the video is potato resolution - the server doesn’t like big files apparently

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[Jdyount]

It is bad that I was reading this with a Canadian accent in my head.....

 

[LowerSlowerDelaware]

It is bad that I was reading this with a Canadian accent in my head.....

Only if Canadians look like this to you in your head........

 

[Ksjrb03]

There was a rash of loose battery terminals and fuse blocks, especially in earlier builds. Result was this same rash of errors. I would start there.

 

[Boreal]

It is bad that I was reading this with a Canadian accent in my head.....

Only if Canadians look like this to you in your head........

Most of us Canadians feel like our accents are near identical to our US counterparts, that is until we get called out on it Quebec and the Maritimes don’t count though, they are in their own little world of babble

There was a rash of loose battery terminals and fuse blocks, especially in earlier builds. Result was this same rash of errors. I would start there.

I verified that these fuse block connections were tight when I installed my DD Lights. All were snug!

 

[Boreal]

Small update: Tech Advisor says that a new starter is being installed, call back tomorrow for further details.

Seems inconsistent with the faults being thrown, but who am I to know

 

[schadenforduh]

 

[Boreal]

The Base is back in my hands. Paperwork confirms that the starter went kaput, in turn it must’ve helped drain the battery enough to cause the faults due to under voltage. It seems very unusual that a starter as robust as these would fail without any warning - faulty from the factories.

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