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Topic: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds (Read 355 times) previous topic - next topic
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Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
I've been getting a "Service Advance Trac" dashboard message for the last 6-7 months.  It only happens when there is a strong crosswind and the steering wheel is pitched to one side for several minutes.  At the same time I get the message, the cruise control stops working as well as the ABS.  I also get a message that Hill Assist is no longer available.

I did some research and found out that this is a known Ford problem on 2021 and 2022 E series trucks, such as the E450 chassis that LD used.  When traveling in a forward direction and the steering wheel is turned 15 degrees or greater for some predetermined time, the Ford onboard computer thinks that the truck is an a sideways skid.  This signals the Advance Trac, ABS, cruise control and Hill Assist to all shutdown.  Again... this only occurs on 2021 and 2022 E series Fords.  To reset everything only requires pulling over and turning the engine off then back on.

This has been somewhat of an annoyance but supposedly there is a fix.  The NHTSA has put out bulletin SSM 49692 that instructs Ford service to update the ABS module with the latest software.  A copy of the NHTSA bulletin is included below.

I've been meaning to have this done for some time but scheduling service while traveling has been problematic.  Anyway, now with the holidays, I'll be in one place for awhile and scheduled the service to be done today at Razarri Commercial Truck Center in Merced, CA.  Service was done quickly and I asked the service manager if he had seen this issue before.  He said that they have done this particular update many times and it clears up the strong crosswind problem 99% of the time.  I did hit some strong crosswinds today coming back on Hwy 145 without any problem so... fingers crossed.

So, if you have a 2021 or 2022 LD and are experiencing similar issues when driving in strong crosswinds, then try showing this bulletin to your Ford service center.  Good luck and safe travels :)

- John
John & Cathy enjoying life with our 2021 Mid-Bath, 1996 Cherokee and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
Reply #1 –
I experienced that issue with mine.  The most annoying part was when  you're fighting to keep it going down the road straight that the cruise control (and the whole driver assist suite) shuts down.  Now it's direction and speed that is a fight.  It didn't always reset with a simple shut off and restart.  Often it took a lunch break to reset.

I took it in around May this year and they did a computer update.  I seem to remember something about the ABS; seemed a weird thing to fix when the steering and driver assist package were the issue.  I haven't been driving in those weather conditions since then, so I don't know if it did the repair.  I sure hope so.
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Linda B  - 
I took it in around May this year and they did a computer update.  I seem to remember something about the ABS; seemed a weird thing to fix when the steering and driver assist package were the issue.

Linda B,
The module that is being updated in the onboard computer system is called the "ABS Module".  It's one of several main modules in the truck.  I learned this when playing around with the FORSCAN tool that allows one to change settings in the Ford programming.  The ABS module contains many functions, not all related to braking, such as cruise control and Advance Trac among others.  Updating the whole module is the easiest way to patch one or more of the many functions contained in the ABS module.

- John

John & Cathy enjoying life with our 2021 Mid-Bath, 1996 Cherokee and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
Reply #3 –
We've had this issue with our 2021 LD also. It did occur this past summer when we were in high crosswind areas out in the plains states.  It required us to pull over and turn off engine for a few minutes.  We intended to have Ford check it out but it never happened again here in the eastern part of the states.  Was that a recall?
Thanks!
Shawn and Randy Willmott
Re: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
Reply #4 –
Not a recall, but a SSM, which means they have seen the issue and know how to fix it, but only fix it if a customer complains of the problem.

Kinda bad policy to me, but why would they want to do preemptive software updates if the customer doesn't complain of a problem
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Linda B  - 
Not a recall, but a SSM, which means they have seen the issue and know how to fix it, but only fix it if a customer complains of the problem.

Kinda bad policy to me, but why would they want to do preemptive software updates if the customer doesn't complain of a problem
Isn't this the same company that opted not to do a $4/per vehicle fix to reduce the chances of the gas tank exploding on the 1974 Pinto?
. . . .
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
Reply #6 –
Hi Joel;  The service announcement says the problem was fixed from March 9, 2021 and after while in production.  Issuing a recall is expensive. (you, and me, the consumer pays for that.)  I'm sure, if it has been a problem for the owner, and maybe even if you haven't had the problem, that Ford will update the software during a visit to Ford.
     The problem with the Pinto wasn't extreme at the time.  Just some bolts sticking out that could snag the gas tank if the car was impacted from behind. My old Ford truck had the gas tank safely tucked in behind the driver seat. It made a bit of noise with gasoline sloshing around.  A 1977 F150.  Instant immolation if the accident was bad enough.  No need for cremation afterwards!   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Service Advance Trac Message on 2021 LD in strong crosswinds
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Linda B  - 

Kinda bad policy to me, but why would they want to do preemptive software updates if the customer doesn't complain of a problem

Once the software problem becomes known and is causing problems for some, it potentially can happen to any other vehicle with the same programming. It makes sense to update vehicle programming whenever possible. Modern vehicles can have multiple firmware and software updates over their lifetime.
Not so long ago, the primary systems that allow a vehicle to operate were all mechanically operated and controlled.
Today, the same systems are all computer controlled including, the engine's fuel and ignition management, the transmission, brakes, steering, lighting, HVAC, and entertainment systems. Mix in the emission controls, anti-lock brakes, stability control and even suspension control on some vehicles, all computer controlled, leads to the possibilities of millions (maybe billions) of possible interactions and conflicts that the manufacturer does not always find during pre-production testing.
Thus updates are needed, the same as our personal computers and phones. 
I'm not thrilled; it has become difficult or impossible to diagnose problems that were easily cured a few decades ago and the dealers can be just as clueless.
Welcome to the computer age.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze