Neutral tow mode - HELP!

[GPSMan]

Agree that its not to be used all of the time. The truck can be driven while displaying Neutral Tow but it disables it and you can't tow it again until you reset it with battery disconnect.

Funny thing is my radio didn't loose its presets, even after 20 minutes.

I'm hoping more and more data is kept these days with power removed. My experience with other Ford cars was some data was lost after a battery disconnect so it might occur in Mavericks.

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[bobhardy3]

You should only disconnect the battery in an emergency. And it sounds like this is. I've read a lot of posts, and there's not a lot of options here.

But disconnecting the battery comes with some undesirable side effects. You can lose certain types of stored memory and settings. I don't have the full list.

Things like:
12v battery state of health
Engine fuel trim (maybe ethanol % setting stored)
Altitude (from barometric pressure) so the engine knows correct A/F ratio at startup.

Sure, it will re-learn these things. But if you "reset" your battery in the mountains, it probably "resets" to sea-level, and you'll run rich for the first few minutes.

Do what you have to do.
But do it only as needed.

Thank you for the education. I'm only resorting to this to enable our return home. So far, the reset has lasted 2 tows. Fingers

 

[kylec]

My local dealership ran it through numerous tests and had the truck for a week. In the mean time they reached out to my local installer and Road Master. My installer has got me scheduled next week to put the changes that Road Master noted would be required to resolve the problem. I’ll let you guys know how this turns out but the tech at Road Master indicated that there were several issues in the install that were probably causing the issue. Fingers crossed!!

 

[bobhardy3]

Roadmaster is recommending changes? I installed mine and followed the install correctly (so I think-lol) I have 4 diodes for the lights installed with the wiring run to the back where the lights are. An inline battery charger is under the hood tapped into the battery lug. Wiring for my "brakebuddy2" comes from my 6 way. Sort of nervous taking it out of Neutral Tow at my overnight spot (BassPro).

I hope they don't think it is a RM issue. Anxious to see what changes RM recommends.

 

[bobhardy3]

Well crap. Had to secure the truck and NT failure strikes again. Hope the battery disconnect trick works again. Blankety blankety blanking NT! Yes! Battery disconnect worked.

 

[kylec]

I believe they are missing a brake relay.

 

[Twinboat]

I unplug my light cord and breakaway pin before I switch out of Neutral Tow.
I'm using the Road Master diode light kit but a Demco Stay in Play brake. Just one power wire to the red covered post.
Not sure how that can effect the Neutral Tow switching.

 

[captdchu]

anyone consider using forscan to reset IPC? venturing in uncharted territories

 

[bobhardy3]

I don't have FORSCAN but will buy it if it will reset the IPC. So tired of this!

As luck would have it, the truck failed to come out NT last night after stopping in Bristol, TN and today at our campground South of Knoxville. Removing the battery positive cable for 10 minutes resets it-thankfully. My 2 month trip is almost over. I'll press for my dealer to research and fix this. NT capability is why I bought this truck to tow behind our RV.

 

[BradnChristine]

It worked! I disconnected the negative and positive terminals just to be safe. Waited 15 minutes and tow mode disabled. THANK YOU to this forum. Please update with what Ford suggests for a long term fix.

Question: Is yours also an XL or XLT? Not having trouble with my Lariat (so far).

 

[BradnChristine]

I unplug my light cord and breakaway pin before I switch out of Neutral Tow.
I'm using the Road Master diode light kit but a Demco Stay in Play brake. Just one power wire to the red covered post.
Not sure how that can effect the Neutral Tow switching.

I'm leaving my wiring connected (including a Hopkins Battery Maintainer chargewire) when I do the 6-hour transmission exercise during a long day. No trouble yet on my Lariat Push button start. I *think* the identified problems are from XLTs with different ignition systems than the Intelligent Access that gives me only Off, Accessory and start. I'm wondering if I am on borrowed time...or there is a difference.

 

[DogsLoveTrucks]

Question: Is yours also an XL or XLT? Not having trouble with my Lariat (so far).

XLT. About to take a multi-day 1500+ mile trip so we’ll see how she does

 

[Twinboat]

My Maverick is a 2023 XL

 

[bobhardy3]

Question: Is yours also an XL or XLT? Not having trouble with my Lariat (so far).

XLT. Trailer hitch, CP360. I hope you don't experience this issue. It sucked trying to find dealers while on the trip until I tried pulling the battery connection for 10 minutes.

 

[bobhardy3]

XLT. About to take a multi-day 1500+ mile trip so we’ll see how she does

Finishing 2 month 5,000 mile trip. 5 failures so far.

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