Frustrating problem: Car displays multiple warning messages, then stopped

[mikenmar]

I started getting multiple warning messages upon starting up the car: 

 

Service AdvanceTrac, Check Rear Park Aid, and Hill Assist Not Available.  Also, the ABS light was coming on, and the rear parking aid stopped working.   This was happening repeatedly, every time I started up the car, and the messages kept popping up while I drove.

 

There were also a couple occasions when the car made a "clunk clunk clunk" noise and shuttered while I was decelerating.

 

I made an appointment with the dealer (which is still a week away), and all of a sudden the problem just stopped.  The car is behaving completely normally now.  Anyone else experienced this?

 

This is a 2013 Energi Titanium.

Edited May 30, 2016 at 02:25 AM by mikenmar

[murphy]

That many problems sounds like the 12 volt battery is weak.

[mikenmar]

That many problems sounds like the 12 volt battery is weak.

 

Would that cause the physical symptoms I observed -- the clunking sound and the odd, jerky movement when braking?

 

The messages just popped up again this morning.

Edited May 29, 2016 at 06:01 PM by mikenmar

[larryh]

The car contains many interconnected computer modules.  If the wiring is bad or the 12 V battery is low, then they cannot communicate properly.  The modules are going to receive bad signals causing unpredictable behavior.   Did you have the RCM replaced as specified in one of the recall notices.  That can also interfere with communication between the modules. 

Edited May 29, 2016 at 07:13 PM by larryh

[mikenmar]

Nope, the RCM hasn't been replaced, as far as I know.  I don't recall getting that recall notice.

[jeff_h]

Nope, the RCM hasn't been replaced, as far as I know.  I don't recall getting that recall notice.

 

It's recall 14S21, was announced in 2014 but replacement parts were not available on widespread basis until late 2015. 

[mikenmar]

It's recall 14S21, was announced in 2014 but replacement parts were not available on widespread basis until late 2015. 

 

Thanks, yes I remember that thread.  Someone said:  "If you are not having any problem with your car I recommend that you wait until you receive the letter in the mail."

 

I never received a letter in the mail.  I have received other recall letters, but not this one.

 

However, I'll be sure to bring it to my dealer's attention... once they finally let me into their shop.

 

Yeah, based on this and prior experiences, I'll not be buying another Ford again...

 

This vehicle has <18,000 miles on it, and I've had nothing but problems. Quite frankly, it's a CRAP PRODUCT.  My next purchase will be a Tesla.

 

Furthermore, I'm going to take to social media to spread the word as far and wide as I can:  Ford and their dealers don't give a shit about their customers.

Edited May 30, 2016 at 02:20 AM by mikenmar

[mikenmar]

They replaced the right rear wheel sensor and cleaned some debris out of the tone ring (?).  That seems to have fixed the problem.

[Energized]

Did they elaborate on the debris? Was it road debris that damaged the sensor?