Electrical help needed

[nicolasmj8]

I recently modified my First Edition Bronco Sport and put a full metal front bumper and some lights. After about 2 weeks I started encountering electrical problems but I do not think it’s due to the new lights as I can cut power to them easily, so they aren’t drawing any extra power from the battery. The car would not charge the battery while the engine was running and car was moving. I god notification from my Ford app saying charging system fault, drivetrain malfunction, and other battery related notifications. I took it to a ford dealership and after a week they contacted me saying they were unable to pinpoint the problem, and their only suggestion is to return the car back to stock. Has anyone experienced any electrical issues regarding the alternator? Or does anyone have any recommendations for automotive electrical specialists in the San Diego area? Any help would be greatly appreciated. New bumper pics attached too.

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[RSH]

I had electrical issues when my battery was starting to go out. Random no start, dash board would light up like a Chritmas tree, random stalling, auto start stop not working. You can easily do a basic charging system check if you have a voltmeter, or take your BS to most any auto parts store and they will check it for free.

 

[hockeywookie]

There seems to be a growing amount of people that have or reported misc electrical issues in these cars. Some have reported it to be the factory battery causing the issues but many on Facebook and reddit never seem to ever report back if their issue was fixed or what it was.

 

[img116]

Hi, I recommend you install a switch panel like the one with RC or Auxbeam, they already have a kill switch integrated and they go directly to the battery. Your bumper is great and looks great, what brand is it? Have you had heating problems because of covering the front air intake?

 

[RiotfunK]

Did you move the ecu in the driver wheel well or use an extension if you did?
I’d swap battery. These newer vehicles have so much electrical crap that really sensitive to voltage changes. Most oem batteries you’ll get 2 good years out of them.

 

[Bucko]

What I would do before adding or changing anything to fix the current issue....do as what the dealer repair department said with a slight change in their wording: remove the power and ground leads for the aftermarket lights and drive for a day or two. If the electrical issue and warnings go away, then the service department was right. If it does not go away, take it back to the dealerships repair department and show them you removed the electrical "load" of the aftermarket lights install, yet the problem still exists.

Where (specifically what power source of the BS) did you connect the power lead to from the aftermarket lights to?

 

[nicolasmj8]

Hi, I recommend you install a switch panel like the one with RC or Auxbeam, they already have a kill switch integrated and they go directly to the battery. Your bumper is great and looks great, what brand is it? Have you had heating problems because of covering the front air intake?

Thank you for the recommendations, I do have the Auxbeam light switches, and wired the lights into headlights instead of directly to the battery. The bumper is custom made and currently there’s only 2 out there. I’ve also had zero problems with overheating.

 

[nicolasmj8]

What I would do before adding or changing anything to fix the current issue....do as what the dealer repair department said with a slight change in their wording: remove the power and ground leads for the aftermarket lights and drive for a day or two. If the electrical issue and warnings go away, then the service department was right. If it does not go away, take it back to the dealerships repair department and show them you removed the electrical "load" of the aftermarket lights install, yet the problem still exists.

Where (specifically what power source of the BS) did you connect the power lead to from the aftermarket lights to?

Thanks for the information, will probably be doing this. I had the lights wired into one of the headlights for power, so the auxiliary lights only receive power if the headlights are on. There’s also a backlight on the light switch so I can check if the lights are drawing power, but that is not the case.

 

[img116]

No wonder that bumper was familiar to me, I saw it in Mexico. Maybe that's the problem. All the lights must be connected to the fuse box that comes with the switch panel. none should go directly into any light on the truck. maybe that is causing an issue.

 

[nicolasmj8]

No wonder that bumper was familiar to me, I saw it in Mexico. Maybe that's the problem. All the lights must be connected to the fuse box that comes with the switch panel. none should go directly into any light on the truck. maybe that is causing an issue.

Yes it was made by a shop in Mexico. The reason I connected the lights into the headlight of the car was a recommendation from some mechanic friends with lots of experience installing these types of lights. Although their specialty is not newer cars, so that could possibly cause an issue. The strange part is that my alternator is not charging the battery even while I am driving. The Ford service center also claims that both the alternator and battery are in good condition and they do not believe that to be the cause of the problem.

 

[img116]

If you want I can show you how I connect everything with experts, to see if it helps you. contact me here:
https://instagram.com/project_spirit116?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

[Bucko]

I'm thinking the module that controls load is confused with what it is seeing from the headlight draw now.

Going to the battery is a careful thing, as I understand there is a sensor (of sorts) on the positive side of the post. Some have stated plugging on a battery tender causes issues unless it is plugged onto at one side of this sensor at the battery. Seems I saw it here in the way of a you tube video.

 

[RiotfunK]

You should go directly to the battery or a switch panel off of the battery.
I’ve never heard or seen anyone run off the headlights. Ever
You’re pulling way too much current off the puny headlight wiring. You’re lucky it even worked and didn’t blow your headlights.

 

[Bucko]

Found it. Here is the link to thread on this site that talks of connecting anything to the positive post of the battery.

If you go this route, don't forget to install a fuse as well.

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/ford-bms-battery-monitoring-system-how-it-works-how-to-properly-charge-how-to-power-accessories.7576/

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