Will not shift into 4H or 4L - dealer shop can’t figure it out

[HellaBronco]

My ‘23 black diamond has been at the shop since 7/11/23 since it wouldn’t shift into 4 wheel drive during a recent trip. It’s been off-road twice before with no issues and has 8,200 miles on the clock. The GOAT lights would just flash then give a power train failure message after a minute of trying. I tried disconnecting the negative and other troubleshooting steps but that part of the story is pointless since Ford sent an engineer and they still can’t figure out how to fix it at this point.

They replaced the module, the transfer case shift motor twice, and the wiring harness. They ordered another wiring harness that’s back ordered but they are replacing new parts twice now with no luck. The service manager didn’t sound confident that they would fix it and suggested I called Ford. Saw the power train fault notification on my ford app while it was there so I know they were trying to fix it.

I searched the forum and saw some were having issues with it not shifting back into 2 wheel drive and some reasons were low battery voltage. Haven’t seen others with the issue I have but could have missed.

Anyway, I called Ford customer service to start the CA lemon law process. I should hear back on 8/15 if Ford is going to buy it back or what the next steps are. Hope it’s based on market value and not what I paid if it comes to it.

Has anyone else delt with this issue or have any experience with a Ford buy back?

Thanks!

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[Wallyworld Ranger 269]

Thanks for the report. My BD is on a rail car heading east & I’ll be watching this thread. Quick questions, do you have the advanced or part time drive? 2.3 or 2.7?

 

[mcinfantry]

A guy i know had similar. it was his BCM

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

This must be frustrating for you and I hope someone has experience with a fix for you.

This is what happens when you install electronically shifted transfer cases instead of manual lever activated ones.

It’s convenient and great for GOAT modes for noobs (and maybe necessary for 4A), but nothing you can do about it if the electronics fail on the trail, and apparently not easy to diagnose in the shop.

EBrake is a similar concern.

 

[mcinfantry]

This must be frustrating for you and I hope someone has experience with a fox for you.

This is what happens when you install electronically shifted transfer cases instead of manual lever activated ones.

It’s convenient and great for GOAT modes for noobs (and maybe necessary for 4A), but nothing you can do about it if the electronics fail on the trail, and apparently not easy to diagnose in the shop.

EBrake is a similar concern.

You mean like injectors? Fuel rails? Coil over plug? Electronic ignition? ECM? PCM?
Or only electronic transfer case?

 

[redone17]

Yikes. 4A or 4x4?

 

[HellaBronco]

Thanks for the report. My BD is on a rail car heading east & I’ll be watching this thread. Quick questions, do you have the advanced or part time drive? 2.3 or 2.7?

I have the standard part time drive 2.3l auto trans.

 

[HellaBronco]

A guy i know had similar. it was his BCM

I think service swapped that out when they said they replaced the module.

 

[HellaBronco]

Update: They still haven't fixed it. The shop is still waiting for a wiring harness to arrive.

2 options: Ford buys back what I put into it or an incentive to wait until it's fixed. Just waiting for Ford to confirm the amounts for both. Had to give all the documents but it's been 1 week and a half since. The Bronco's been in the shop since 7/11.

 

[redone17]

Damn man, I’m sorry. I can’t imagine working the department that has to deal with all of these horror stories. Must be a depressing job.

 

[da_jokker]

Odd..you think they would have replaced the tcase at this point. I wouldn't think it hard for a tech to determine if a signal is being sent to the tcase or not to let them know if the problem is upstream or downstream.

 

[HellaBronco]

Yeah the whole thing is odd. When I brought it in every everyone was in awe of it. Loved the color and I immediately got an automated text from the sales department asking if I want a trade in quote. Figured this was standard and that everyone was genuinely impressed with it.

In the back for my mind I’m thinking, would the dealer purposefully stage this whole thing just to get it on the lot? I’m sure Ford would investigate what they’ve done to try and fix but still… doubtful but it’s odd.

 

[DKG]

yikes My OBX2.7 Adv is only 5 days since purchase, and I'm taking it to the shop tomorrow am..none of the goat modes/4x4 features work. at all. Drivetrain errors on the screen and Ford App.. (build date was in April..sat on the lot for a few months..). yikes........

 

[da_jokker]

yikes My OBX2.7 Adv is only 5 days since purchase, and I'm taking it to the shop tomorrow am..none of the goat modes/4x4 features work. at all. Drivetrain errors on the screen and Ford App.. (build date was in April..sat on the lot for a few months..). yikes........

Yours is probably just a plug not fully connected. Ford seems to be very challenged when it comes to plugging in connectors all the way. If you haven't check your fuse box bolts and seated all your fuses fully yet...put that on your list.

 

[DKG]

Yours is probably just a plug not fully connected. Ford seems to be very challenged when it comes to plugging in connectors all the way. If you haven't check your fuse box bolts and seated all your fuses fully yet...put that on your list.

Thank you! Will do.

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