Flat tow supplemental brake issue still!!

[Runyon]

21 2dr 3.7. I have been struggling with Brake lock ups using an RVI brake system. I got the update that causes the Brake errors to pop up once in tow mode so the active brake system is supposed to be turning off. When this change first showed up I had no clue what the errors ment. Ford sent no notes to me or my dealer. I took it in due to the errors, they had no clue and got me no answers. I then started getting the random lockups. I theN saw the service note. SSM 51415 2021-2023 Bronco that had another software update that had to be done at the dealer, I got that completed and no more than out the driveway I had two lock ups . This locks the brakes and doesn't let go. Usually when coming to a stop. I have been stuck in traffic, causing, undue damage to both vehicles. I ruled out the RVI brake system today, I removed the fuses for the brake system and have drove over 400 miles and the work exactly as they should. How do I find out if I travel the proper fix. Why hasn't Ford sent out a safty notice on this? If they make these kind of firmware changes we should be informed. This is dangerous and I feel there are no straight answers. I just want to know what bake modual firmware I should have and how to check it? Forescan? It seems to me this should be an easy fix unless it's option or board version based..

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[edwinroark]

When your brakes were locking up, is it the RVI pressing the brakes or something in the Bronco system locking the brakes?

Do you have the RVI Shadow or RVI Brake 3?

Also your brake issues of locking up seem to be different than other users who are experiencing a decreased braking ability after the EBB shuts down.

Here is a website that may be of interest to you
https://lemberglaw.com/ford-bronco-flat-towing-brake-problems/

I have just completed the setup for flat towing my 2022 Wildtrac 2.7 but haven't pulled it yet. I took it to a local dealer who refused to install the recent software update Ford has released because I have not had any problems yet. But it seems the update did not help you.

I would like to hear more about your issues so I can anticipate what I may encounter.

Thanks, Ed

 

[bpesto]

I'm in a quandary re: the 2.7 EBB supp brake system also. I have not towed yet. Did have the update done, but will still likely pull the fuses.

Talked to RVI. They said their RVI Brake 3 will work. They recommend still pulling the fuses.

Also talked to:
Roadmaster Evenbrake said NO. Blue Ox Patriot BRK-2022 said yes. Demco Stay in Play system they said yes. Brake Buddy said NO but are working on it, maybe in a year.

So Like to see what others have experienced.
Thanks
Bob

 

[bpesto]

I installed the Patriot BRK-2022 Brake system after reading the posts and calling the mfg's. The software mod on Bronco was done by dealer re: Inconsistent brake feel with Aux systems. I've done two 10 mile test tows, one by pulling the fuses, the other without pulling fuses. Both were successful with no brake lockups nor error codes after the tow.

The Patriot also has a BRAKE button on remote to apply brakes manually, which seems to help keep speeds constant on downhills when I'm not decelerating and the proportional sensor is not activating the brake.

So far, so good. A trip to Colorado from Az in a few weeks will be the big test.

Bob

 

[Runyon]

Ok so here is the Kicker, I just got a New 24 BL, 2.7 2dr, sasq, its doing the same thing. a 10 mile test is not enough . Mine worked fine for about an hour and half, then locked up twice. I took it to the dealer and because it doesn't fit the criteria of the SSM 51415, being that it is a 24 , they want to charge me to do any trouble shooting and blame the RVI system. I know the RVI is working fine I just towed a Honda civic cross country with vacuum brakes with no issues. 11 days of driving. even talking to Ford directly they don't want to hear that they have this reoccurring safety issue. They basically just told me to open a case with the NHTSA. and i will.

I know Stuff happens, Firmware rev control and versions of board etc.. I've seen it so many times, when a new version brings back issues once fixed before. Ford doesn't care. Now my Eng. Mind is working out a way to prove this is a problem with the Bronco. I know pulling the fuses will fix it. but what a pain. Then getting it all working again after putting them back in is another pain. There enough to worry about when towing, now something else. You know if something goes wrong I will be blamed. not to mention the damage just having them lock up once can cause to tires, hitches, the RV transmission, etc.. I don't like using my equipment as a test bed.

So, I'm thinking I need about 3 go pro cameras all synced to the same time, one on the RVi brake system and pedal, to show how far the pedal depresses , thinking when it goes active the pedal is not going very far. one on the dash to see if any errors pop up. And one on the RVi controller in the RV. I thought about having Forescan log errors too but once you shut off the key or it times out , I don't think that will work. maybe some errors on the modules, but i don't know.
RVI says, in vacuum mode the system cannot lock up the brakes unless the brakes become active.
Also, I have thought about having someone stay in the bronco as I tow it around, but that just seems like such a safety issue. I need to figure out a way to Prove that the brakes are becoming active during these events.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

if anyone can tell me a location to watch for a voltage or signal to tell me the brakes are hot. that would help as well. Maybe monitor the current across the fuse or something.

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