Thunderstorm Causing Dash Alerts?

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Here’s an odd one. I searched to see if I could find anything here relevant but no luck. Parked outside yesterday afternoon for a dentist appointment, and while I was inside there was a big thunderstorm with some crazy lightning. Bronco was parked and shut off.

On the 5-minute drive home, the Bronco threw 4 or 5 different dashboard alerts, including a Hill Start Assist Warning, Pre-collision Assist Not Available, an ABS system fault, AdvanceTrac Service, and the Parking Brake “not fully functional.“ All telling me to schedule a service ASAP. (curiously all sort of brake-related?)

There’s been nothing going on with my driving or anything unusual that seems like it could have caused this. The truck is a bit dirty and dusty but I cleaned off all the bumper sensors. I disconnected the battery for 15 minutes, hoping a reset would clear the alerts, but no luck.

Reddit says:

“… Yes, thunderstorms can affect car electronics. During a thunderstorm, there can be a buildup of static electricity in the atmosphere, which can result in electrical surges. These surges can potentially damage the sensitive electronics in a vehicle, such as the engine control module, the infotainment system, and the navigation system.”

Any thoughts B6G geniuses? Could the thunderstorm have fried a sensor or two?

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[VirginiaHeritage]

While it seems plausible, I’ve never seen it happen.

More likely: it was aliens.

Edit: jokes aside, I’d be looking at wire harnesses for a rub-thru short. That and fuses. However, I’m not a B6G genius. I mostly tell questionable jokes.

 

[Montana Bronco]

So you let someone stick metal tools into your mouth during a thunderstorm ?

Bro, your Bronco’s fault codes are the least of your worries.

 

[not on the rug]

Sounds like Mule has one too many mercury fillings in his head.

Most likey a coincidence and you're having a battery issue or maybe a wheel speed sensor issue?

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

So you let someone stick metal tools into your mouth during a thunderstorm ?

Bro, your Bronco’s fault codes are the least of your worries.

My wife steadfastly refuses to shower during a thunderstorm. I don’t know if she’s paranoid or just smarter than I am.

 

[userdude]

I took a right at a stop sign late one night, hit a big ripple in the asphalt and everything lit up, including the e-disco being out. Told me to take it in for service ASAP. Was that way the rest of the way home (about 20 minutes).

Took it in for service; by then it was all gone (like 3-4 days later, I hadn't driven it until the 0.8 mile drive to the dealer). Took it in anyway and the service tech found a ball of tar stuck to the wheel speed sensor or something?

My guess is it's something like that.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

My wife steadfastly refuses to shower during a thunderstorm. I don’t know if she’s paranoid or just smarter than I am.

Not mutually exclusive.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Sounds like Mule has one too many mercury fillings in his head.

Most likey a coincidence and you're having a battery issue or maybe a wheel speed sensor issue?

Update: Checked the wheel speed sensors visually, seem fine. Drove around for 15 minutes and all the alerts cleared.

 

[Brian_B]

It’s a known fact that some horses get spooked by thunder.

 

[Glade Runner]

It’s a known fact that some horses get spooked by thunder.

I thought there was a recall to correct that?

 

[CarGuy]

Wait until there’s an EMP attack…the Bronco will be the least of your worries.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Everyone here is a good source of laughs, as usual, but the situation leaves me wondering what could be the cause such a cascade of warnings to go away as mysteriously as they arrived. Likely no on the wheel sensors, seemed fine. Battery fine. Gremlins in the various sensor systems not so rare I guess. I’ll have Ford pull some codes when I go in for the harness recall (hopefully in Sept).

 

[userdude]

Everyone here is a good source of laughs, as usual, but the situation leaves me wondering what could be the cause such a cascade of warnings to go away as mysteriously as they arrived. Likely no on the wheel sensors, seemed fine. Battery fine. Gremlins in the various sensor systems not so rare I guess. I’ll have Ford pull some codes when I go in for the harness recall (hopefully in Sept).

I for a change was being completely serious. You can @ or pm Ducati or Flip. and see if he'll pull your VIN's codes if you don't want to wait.

 

[CarGuy]

I wasn’t joking. We live in tumultuous times.

 

[Ducati1098]

I thought there was a recall to correct that?

It’s still advanced notice, no repair available yet.

ETA is by September of 2045

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