Recall: REPROGRAM INTEGRATED TRAILER RELAY MODULE (Campaign/NHTSA# 22S17/22v193)

[JJ_Tex]

Thanks for posting those links. Everything I read appears to be a software-only update, nothing to do with hardware. I also found the procedures below regarding how to update those. Can anyone confirm this is available today in FDRS?

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CERTAIN 2021-2022 MODEL YEAR F-150, SUPER-DUTY, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, AND 2022 MODEL YEAR MAVERICK VEHICLES — INTEGRATED TRAILER RELAY MODULE SERVICE PROCEDURE Module Programming NOTE: Program appropriate vehicle modules before performing diagnostics and clear all DTCs after programming. For DTCs generated after programming, follow normal diagnostic service procedures.

1. Connect a battery charger to the 12V battery. NOTE: Verify that the negative cable of the charger is installed on a chassis or engine ground, and not the 12 volt battery negative terminal to prevent the battery saver mode from activating on the vehicle. NOTE: If the diagnostic software does not load or if the vehicle cannot be identified properly, make sure there is a good internet connection and the VCM is properly connected to the DLC.

2. Log into Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS). NOTE: Vehicle information is automatically retrieved by the diagnostic software and a Network Test is run. Vehicle identification data appears on the screen when this is complete.

3. Click 'Read VIN from Vehicle' or manually enter the VIN. NOTE: Available modules are shown on the LH side of the screen, and available procedures are listed on the RH side of the screen. Modules that are communicating are highlighted in green.

4. Select Toolbox tab.

5. From the list on the LH side of the screen, select the ITRM.

6. From the list on the RH side of the screen, select ITRM - Integrated Trailer Relay Module (ITRM) Software Update.

7. Click RUN. Follow all on-screen instructions carefully.

8. Disconnect the battery charger from the 12V battery once the programming has completed

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[TN Rotty]

I received the following in my appointment confirmation. Is 22S17 the correct repair? If anyone can arm me with some specific information to guide the technician to be sure they're doing the correct update (not the February one), I'd be grateful. Towing my camper next weekend (hopefully!!)

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SELECTED SERVICES​

Repair Services: Recall 3 • 22S17 reprogram integrated trailer relay module​

From the post of @SouthParkCo2 - at the link, the 4th document linked in that post, last page of that document shows the SW that should be installed ( MU5T-19J297-DH ). If the tech can verify that, then all is well. Unfortunately dealers appear to be uploading what appears to be the latest SW, which is an older version than the one stated in the recall and then marking the recall as complete for the vehicle. It would seem that the recall SW patch is not available yet, and it hasn't been communicated to the dealers. (Hard to believe, I know.)

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V193-4241.PDF​

Some [if not all] Documents available here ...
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...gn-nhtsa-22s17-22v193.9742/page-9#post-200364

Thanks for posting this - got it bookmarked now.

 

[JEB]

From the post of @SouthParkCo2 - at the link, the 4th document linked in that post, last page of that document shows the SW that should be installed ( MU5T-19J297-DH ). If the tech can verify that, then all is well. Unfortunately dealers appear to be uploading what appears to be the latest SW, which is an older version than the one stated in the recall and then marking the recall as complete for the vehicle. It would seem that the recall SW patch is not available yet, and it hasn't been communicated to the dealers. (Hard to believe, I know.)

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V193-4241.PDF​

Thanks for posting this - got it bookmarked now.

The real question that I’m not sure even Ford has the answer to is what is Ford going to do about the February software release for the F150? MU5T is the designation used for generic software. ML3T is specific to the F150. Since the February release is ML3T software written specifically for the F150 (to correct the anti-theft false alarm), are they still planning to use generic MU5T software for the recall? Will using generic software bring back the anti-theft problem previously corrected with model-specific software? It will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[turbopilot]

The real question that I’m not sure even Ford has the answer to is what is Ford going to do about the February software release for the F150? MU5T is the designation used for generic software. ML3T is specific to the F150. Since the February release is ML3T software written specifically for the F150 (to correct the anti-theft false alarm), are they still planning to use generic MU5T software for the recall? Will using generic software bring back the anti-theft problem previously corrected with model-specific software? It will be interesting to see what happens.

I find the lack of communication from Ford on this critical safety matter a major problem. All we have is a recall notice and no solution. This has been going on for a year. From a legal standpoint we have a fleet of Ford models (not just the F-150) operating trailers in violation of most trailer brake laws in the US (the system is unreliable). All owners have been notified of the defect, so anyone getting into an accident with trailer brake performance at issue is going to buy that event. By sending the recall letter to owners Ford has simply shifted the liability elephant from Ford to the owner but nothing has been done for the safety issue except to warn F-150 not haul a trailer until the brake module is fixed or replaced with a reliable brake controller from another source.

 

[JEB]

I find the lack of communication from Ford on this critical safety matter a major problem. All we have is a recall notice and no solution. This has been going on for a year. From a legal standpoint we have a fleet of Ford models (not just the F-150) operating trailers in violation of most trailer brake laws in the US (the system is unreliable). All owners have been notified of the defect, so anyone getting into an accident with trailer brake performance at issue is going to buy that event. By sending the recall letter to owners Ford has simply shifted the liability elephant from Ford to the owner but nothing has been done for the safety issue except to warn F-150 not haul a trailer until the brake module is fixed or replaced with a reliable brake controller from another source.

If you’re going to tow, heightened diligence will help. Your solution is the only guarantee for now.

 

[speedracercjr]

And still no word from @Ford Motor Company on when the fix will be available. But hey they sent out there notices, no blood on their hands

 

[JEB]

And still no word from @Ford Motor Company on when the fix will be available. But hey they sent out there notices, no blood on their hands

Oh, there’s still blood. Remember, there are a lot of people out there who don’t frequent forums, who got the February software from a dealer and who think they are good to go. Something goes wrong for them and Ford has a big problem. Not only is the problem still there, their dealer told them it was fixed because not even their dealer knew any better. And that failure to communicate accurate and timely information to the dealer rests entirely with Ford.

 

[speedracercjr]

Oh, there’s still blood. Remember, there are a lot of people out there who don’t frequent forums, who got the February software from a dealer and who think they are good to go. Something goes wrong for them and Ford has a big problem. Not only is the problem still there, their dealer told them it was fixed because not even their dealer knew any better. And that failure to communicate accurate and timely information to the dealer rests entirely with Ford.

You are very right, I see people posting on here everyday about how their truck was in for whatever service and got the TRM updated. Just think how many more there are that don't visit forums.

 

[JEB]

You are very right, I see people posting on here everyday about how their truck was in for whatever service and got the TRM updated. Just think how many more there are that don't visit forums.

Approximately 391,000, give or take a thousand.

 

[turbopilot]

You are very right, I see people posting on here everyday about how their truck was in for whatever service and got the TRM updated. Just think how many more there are that don't visit forums.

We don't know how this is going to end. A software fix could be issued any day, but the delay suggests there are bigger problems. If the fix involves a TRM module recall/replacement the resolution could take much longer with the chip shortage.

Given the number of Ford models swept up in this issue, I can see a scenario where stand alone brake controllers may be very hard to find the longer this drags on.

 

[Cincy150]

This is interesting.
So this AM I received the recall notice from Carfax, nothing from my dealer or even the Ford Pass app. Maybe it doesn't apply to my VIN#? Need to place a call to the dealer.

UPDATE
Called dealer.
They say there is no fix for this yet it is a pre-notification. Information from Ford corporate instructs them NOT to attempt any update yet????? And they cannot schedule yet.
I asked why other dealers (per this thread) have the update but they don't. She had no explanation.

Darrell

Huh? I just had mine at the dealer this past Monday and they took care of it and it was scheduled at least a month in advance. Fishy..

Edit: Just realized I replied to a post on 4/1 .. hopefully people are not getting denied this recall still.

 

[speedracercjr]

Huh? I just had mine at the dealer this past Monday and they took care of it and it was scheduled at least a month in advance. Fishy..

Yeah bad news, you probably didn't get the updated software.

 

[UGADawg96]

Huh? I just had mine at the dealer this past Monday and they took care of it and it was scheduled at least a month in advance. Fishy..

 

[JEB]

We don't know how this is going to end. A software fix could be issued any day, but the delay suggests there are bigger problems. If the fix involves a TRM module recall/replacement the resolution could take much longer with the chip shortage.

Given the number of Ford models swept up in this issue, I can see a scenario where stand alone brake controllers may be very hard to find the longer this drags on.

There is one other possible outcome that I am loathe to mention because I don’t believe it and there’s no evidence to support it. But whiskey tango foxtrot—I’m bored. By pure dumb luck, Ford managed to fix the trailer brake failure with the February release even though that was not the intention of the software when they wrote it. Here’s why I don’t believe it:

According to the chronology of defect Ford submitted to the NHTSA, Ford did not receive what it viewed as credible evidence of the problem until February 8, when the module supplier found a software glitch in a Super Duty and reported it to Ford. Over the next six weeks, Ford issued a stop-ship, investigated the report and determined that the glitch was not only in the Super Duty but other Ford and Lincoln models as well, including the 2021 F150. It finally acknowledged the problem and authorized field action on March 18. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RMISC-22V193-2015.pdf

In the meantime, Ford releases new software for the F150‘s TRM in the last week of February to correct a different issue—an anti-theft false alarm—that it first acknowledged in October 2021 with SSM 50226.

So, is it possible that Ford just so happened to fix a problem in February with software it released for a different issue three weeks before it confirmed the problem and authorized a fix? I suppose it’s possible but that would be a huge coincidence. And if that were the case, Ford should say so. It hasn’t and I don’t buy it. The chronology doesn’t work and we know the February software we see in FDRS is ML3T software written for the F150 and not other vehicles subject to the recall. But, what the hell. As long as we’re guessing about the possible outcomes, might as well throw this one out there for laughs.

 

[Technoskeptic]

I find the lack of communication from Ford on this critical safety matter a major problem. All we have is a recall notice and no solution...

Some of us (e.g. me) didn't even get a recall notice. In my case I bought my truck off the lot and installed the brake controller myself, and I'm sure there are others who did the same thing.

When I called the Ford customer service number, I asked the Ford representative several questions, including: (1) why is it that I didn't get a recall notice; and (2) doesn't Ford have a legal or at least an ethical duty under the circumstances to notify me (and similarly situated others) that my truck may have the problem? But rather than provide any kind of substantive reply to any of my questions or refer me to anyone else, she just kept repeating the refrain: "the recall doesn't apply to your VIN."

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