Fords will almost certainly not go down the right to repair path.
Very well said. Vehicle systems are complex and many independent shops don't have the training or special tools to work on them. Ironically, Ford DIYers can use FORScan, which allows them to read/clear trouble codes, view live data, and unlock hidden features or modify factory settings. I'm pretty good with repairs, but know my limits. Digging deep into programs is not my thing.
Interestingly concerning the Gen6 Bronco, my brief investigation into brake system maintenance I found that the brake system needs to be put into "maintenance mode" to service it. IIRC the maintenance mode can be activated without a scan tool, but I have to double check that. I'm coming up on a year past due on brake fluid maintenance, so I have to get to that soon. I understand the maintenance mode requirement because the Bronco has an electronic emergency brake system that needs to be disabled prior to disassembling the rear brakes to perform a pad/rotor replacement. If I need a Ford scan tool do to that then so be it.
I faced the same problem with our 2020 Escape and used two sources to put together the process for initiating Brake Maintenance Mode. One source was through my local library. I’d be happy to share the results if you like.
I’m SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT THIS IS CLICKBAIT and YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED NEXT!!!
The people at the dealership barely know how these things work. They just have access to the logs and service tools that tell them which part is throwing the error. The systems are complex, but largely due to the underlying software.
I'm with you there. In a lot of jobs, I know when my standards exceed my skills, and I'll just pay someone else to do it. But that's a decision I get to make myself due to my personal abilities and the value of my time - not because I'm locked out of doing the job by the manufacturer.
They do this to funnel more money into their dealers' service departments, and to encourage people to just buy a new car. "Oh, your car needs a new HVJB and it needs to be programmed to work? Maybe you'd rather drive off the lot in something else..." This walled garden blocks not only the shadetree mechanics, but also the independent shops who cannot afford the king's ransom that some companies charge for access to service tools. They're effectively limiting competition which is naturally good for the consumer, but bad for those who otherwise hold all the cards.
Well, even putting aside how much people hate dealerships - I will never again, ever, lose that much money to a scheduled service, only to get SiriusXM trial spam afterward to add insult to injury - there are good reasons to want access to your tech.
Thanks for the offer, much appreciated; not necessary though. I searched and found the instructions on the Ford Performance website. So much for Mr. Farley withholding service information...
Huh. How is it good for the consumer?
I paused, edited, and still did it wrong. Walled gardens are bad for competition. but competition is good for the consumer.
When I use a USB memory stick for a music source in my '22 Bronco, the infotainment system locks out numerous search function access to the music library while the vehicle is in motion. Seems kind of dumb to me since the Sync 4 phone integration pretty much sucks when the phone is out of cell service (which in my case is a majority of the time). But the point is the various systems of the vehicle are tied together to operate safely.
