Recall Work Failed

[Dude]

@João Leme 16” depth at 30 minutes … that’s a lot even for “sealed” components.
Most people don’t realize the time duration and minerals & chemicals in the water make as much or more of a difference as the depth of the water and depth can rise and fall as the vehicle moves.

This pic is an example of what time duration can do to corrode connectors .. even “sealed” connectors that are typical for automotive use.

Lucky for you the dealership took the time to look for damage to connectors and electrical components although I think for the Bronco Sport these are just above 16” depth. From your message the water intrusion issues were found and corrected by the dealership.

Bronco Sport Badlands Water Fording Spec 23.6": “Warning: at 17” of water the ECU mounted just forward of driver side front tire is 100% under water. ECU is a “sealed” module but is unknown how long the ECU can be submerged in water before damage occurs.”

Link for attached pic:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/bronco-sport-badlands-dies-crossing-20-of-water.2527/post-44035

And there is this report of another connector that’s even lower in height off the ground than the ECU.
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/bronco-sport-badlands-dies-crossing-20-of-water.2527/post-49853

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[sajohnson]

@João Leme 16” depth at 30 minutes … that’s a lot even for “sealed” components.
Most people don’t realize the time duration and minerals & chemicals in the water make as much or more of a difference as the depth of the water and depth can rise and fall as the vehicle moves.

This pic is an example of what time duration can do to corrode connectors .. even “sealed” connectors that are typical for automotive use.

Lucky for you the dealership took the time to look for damage to connectors and electrical components although I think for the Bronco Sport these are just above 16” depth. From your message the water intrusion issues were found and corrected by the dealership.

Bronco Sport Badlands Water Fording Spec 23.6": “Warning: at 17” of water the ECU mounted just forward of driver side front tire is 100% under water. ECU is a “sealed” module but is unknown how long the ECU can be submerged in water before damage occurs.”

Link for attached pic:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/bronco-sport-badlands-dies-crossing-20-of-water.2527/post-44035

And there is this report of another connector that’s even lower in height off the ground than the ECU.
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/bronco-sport-badlands-dies-crossing-20-of-water.2527/post-49853

Moral of the story -- disassemble all connectors and pack them with dielectric grease before fording streams and rivers...

Actually, that would be a good idea -- it certainly couldn't hurt, but if the failure shown above is common it is something that should have been done at the factory. IDK how many connectors are less than 24" off the ground and how hard they are to access.

The following quote from Ford is a classic:

"Bronco Sport Badlands Water Fording Spec 23.6": “Warning: at 17” of water the ECU mounted just forward of driver side front tire is 100% under water. ECU is a “sealed” module but is unknown how long the ECU can be submerged in water before damage occurs.”

<Owner drives through 18" of water, BS BL dies in a stream 50 miles from nearest public road> Ford: "Oh, you actually trusted our marketing claims? Silly customer. You knew i was a snake when you picked me up..."

Seriously? The ECU is sealed, but it is unknown how long it can remain underwater without being damaged?! Come on. Auto mfrs do extensive vehicle component testing. Ford knowingly installed the ECU well below the max water fording depth, but did not test its water resistance?

Generally speaking, the duration of submersion is certainly a factor, but Ford does not include a time limit in their water fording spec -- so we are left to guess about the amount of time that is OK. Parked in a river for a month -- probably not advisable. 1-2 hours? Should be OK, but it would be nice if Ford published a spec/guideline.

 

[Dude]

Moral of the story -- disassemble all connectors and pack them with dielectric grease before fording streams and rivers...

Hmmm let’s clarify:

This is the quote from Ford:
"Bronco Sport Badlands Water Fording Spec 23.6" (from Ford marketing literature)

This warning is 100% from me: “Warning: at 17” of water the ECU mounted just forward of driver side front tire is 100% under water. ECU is a “sealed” module but is unknown how long the ECU can be submerged in water before damage occurs.”

This is also 100% my words: “The ECU is sealed, but it is unknown how long it can remain underwater without being damaged”
Of course, everything is like that. Place a sealed can of corn under water, how long will the can keep out the water? Pretty long time unless the water is very deep or contains corrosive chemicals.

All connectors and electronic components have an unknown (to me, unless spec’d) amount of time that these can be under water and not get damaged. To the best of my knowledge, Ford does not provide specs on that.

You stated: “Ford knowingly installed the ECU well below the max water fording depth”: Yes, that’s a fact.

You stated: “but did not test its water resistance”. We don’t know that do we?

You stated: “Generally speaking, the duration of submersion is certainly a factor, but Ford does not include a time limit in their water fording spec -- so we are left to guess about the amount of time that is OK. Parked in a river for a month -- probably not advisable. 1-2 hours? Should be OK, but it would be nice if Ford published a spec/guideline.”

1-2 hours, definitely probably not ok in my opinion. My opinion is no more than a short duration say 30 seconds or LESS!

 

[sajohnson]

Hi Dude, I am not that technical. How did you check the battery voltage? Using a multimeter? Thanks.

I'm not Dude, but I play him on TV...

Multimeter is the correct answer!

Sure opening the hood requires some effort, but it is good exercise -- it builds upper body strength!

Seriously, it's a good idea to check the oil, belts, etc. periodically anyway. Also (in our case anyway) look for snakes and mice.

Checking with a multimeter, even a relatively cheap one, is best because you want reasonable accuracy. A hypothetical meter with a spread of 0.4 volts equates to an SOC difference of 40% -- for example, if the meter reads 12.4V, the SOC could be as much as 100% or as little as 60%.

Because I'm a retired technician, I have a Fluke 179 (accuracy: 0.09% + 2) but that's overkill for checking battery voltage. I use it because I have it. Needless to say, it's not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on a meter that is only going to be used primarily to check batteries and 120/240Vac.

Coincidentally, earlier today a guy on a View (RV) group said he's been using a $5 Harbor Freight (HF) meter for years. He claims it bounces around in his tool box and still works. I would not go THAT cheap -- HF merch is questionable -- but you can probably get a good, reasonably accurate meter for <$50.

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