2021-2022 Bronco Flat Tow Issue and Fix

Bronco
May 26, 2022
3

One feature of the Bronco is its ability to be neutral towed with all four wheels flat on the ground. Bronco Nation has previously covered the procedure to safely flat tow your 2021-2022 Bronco by engaging and disengaging flat tow mode.

However, customers have mentioned not being able to flat tow their Bronco due to an issue with the electronic brake booster (EBB). Ford is aware of the problem, is working on a software enhancement, and has a solution in the meantime. The company has released the following service bulletin.

Issue:

Customers who neutral tow (4-wheel flat tow) a 2021-2022 Bronco vehicle equipped with an electronic brake booster (EBB) may report an inconsistent brake assist when a supplemental braking system has been installed. This may result from supplemental brake system setup that does not account for the Bronco EBB system entering sleep mode (via the ABS module) after a pre-determined period of time following vehicle shut-down. This functionality is necessary to prevent battery drain. Enhanced software is under development to address this condition when the vehicle enters Neutral Tow mode. The new software is expected to be available in September 2022. Monitor OASIS for updates. Until the software becomes available, customers who meet this criteria may perform the following steps to address this condition when neutral towing their vehicle.

Action:

Follow the Service Procedure as a temporary resolution on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria:

  • 2021-2022 Bronco
  • Equipped with EBB
  • Customer using a supplemental brake system to recreational tow their vehicle

Warranty Status:

Information Only – Not Warrantable.

Procedure For Entering Neutral Tow Mode

1. Place the vehicle into neutral tow mode by following the instructions located in the vehicle’s Digital Owner’s Manual by using the center touch screen and selecting Features > Owner’s Manual > Driving and Operating > Towing Your Vehicle > Recreational Towing Your Vehicle - Automatic Transmission.

CAUTION: Follow all safety precautions and notes during the procedure. Once Neutral Tow mode has been activated turn off the vehicle. Do not continue this procedure until the vehicle successfully enters Neutral Tow mode.

2. Open the hood to gain access to the engine compartment.

3. Close all passenger doors and wait 5 minutes to allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode.

4. Locate the under hood fuse box and remove the top plastic cover by disengaging the three push tabs.

5. Locate both 60-amp fuses 28 and 29 located in the under hood fuse box and carefully remove them using needle nose pliers. Once removed, store both fuses in a safe place for later reinstallation.

6. Reinstall the top plastic cover onto the under hood fuse box.

7. Close the hood.

8. Install the supplemental braking system on the vehicle following the instructions provided by the manufacturer

Procedure For Exiting Neutral Tow Mode

NOTE: Be sure that the vehicle is safely secured to the towing vehicle before proceeding.

1. Remove the supplemental braking system from the vehicle following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

2. Make sure the vehicle is still OFF then open the hood to gain access to the engine compartment.

3. Close all passenger doors and wait 5 minutes to allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode.

4. Locate the under hood fuse box and remove the top plastic cover.

5. Use needle nose pliers to carefully install fuses 28 and 29 into their proper locations within the under hood fuse box.

6. Reinstall the top plastic cover onto the under hood fuse box.

7. Close the hood.

8. Remove the vehicle from neutral tow mode by following the instructions located in the vehicle’s Digital Owner’s Manual by using the center touch screen and selecting Features > Owner’s Manual > Driving and Operating > Towing Your Vehicle > Recreational Towing Your Vehicle - Automatic Transmission.

NOTE: If the vehicle is turned ON while fuses 28 and 29 are removed, warnings may display within the instrument panel cluster (IPC). These warnings may continue to show on the first 1-2 key cycles after the fuses have been installed. If this happens, allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode by letting it sit in the OFF position with the hood and doors closed for at least 5 minutes. If faults continue to occur, all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) must be cleared using Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS).

Head to the forums to see the bulletin and discuss this flat-tow issue and Ford's solution.

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