Perimeter lights

[akirby]

That's correct.

 

Here is the official word from Ford...

 

Dear James,

 

My name is Christie and I have reviewed you email. I am sorry to hear that the perimeter light on your 2011 Ford Fusion SE was disabled.

 

In an effort to assist you, I have researched the available resources for your inquiry. Our resources indicate that the perimeter light was not available for the 2011 Ford Fusion SE though it is available with the other trim level.

 

 

This is just bull in my opinion. He even had a problem turning it on on the 2011 SEL. We need to unite and complain about this to crcfmc@ford.com . There is a form there you can use to complain.

 

I fly to CA every 2 weeks for work and rent a car. I just rented a base level 2011 Impala. And even its headlights come on when unlocking the doors. So Fords better idea is to have less than the competition ? I think Ford's screwed up here and does not want to admit it so we need to push them to fix it. Why would Ford put on a feature and then tell you in the manual how to enable or disable it. I'd be willing to bet they have a electrical problem and don't want to fix several thousand cars.

 

I don't think the headlights coming on are part of the "perimeter light" feature in the first place. And if the headlights are really supposed to come on but they're not then it's not an electrical issue - it's a programming issue. And it's just as likely that Ford will change the manual to match the programming if that's the case.

 

I guess I don't quite understand why this is such a big deal. Is it a safety issue at night?

[johno]

I don't think the headlights coming on are part of the "perimeter light" feature in the first place. And if the headlights are really supposed to come on but they're not then it's not an electrical issue - it's a programming issue. And it's just as likely that Ford will change the manual to match the programming if that's the case.

 

I guess I don't quite understand why this is such a big deal. Is it a safety issue at night?

 

I can't speak for anyone else but with this being the car my wife drives I would really like it to light up as much as possible for her when she gets in at night. It is definitely in the owners manual that they should be coming on with the perimeter lights. It would not have been a deal breaker for me but if it is merely a software issue and can be addressed then the safer the better for me. That email from Ford was untruthful since I have a 2011 SEL and they don't come on.

[eneg]

I don't think the headlights coming on are part of the "perimeter light" feature in the first place. And if the headlights are really supposed to come on but they're not then it's not an electrical issue - it's a programming issue. And it's just as likely that Ford will change the manual to match the programming if that's the case.

akirby,

 

I think that you are wrong on both counts.

Right from my manual:

 

Perimeter lamps illuminated entry

With the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter system, the following items will

illuminate when the (unlock) control on the transmitter is pressed:

• Parking lamps

• Tail lamps

• Headlamps

The lamps will automatically turn off:

• if the ignition switch is turned to the 3 (on) position,

• The vehicle is locked using the keyless entry keypad (if equipped), or

• after 25 seconds of illumination.

Note: On some vehicles, the perimeter lamps illuminated entry feature

will not activate in daylight conditions.

 

This feature has worked (for the most part) on the 2010's.

I have no idea of the costs that would be involved, but I would think that it shouldn't be too big of a deal to fix it.

Especially if it is indeed a software fix.

Changing a manual would be idiotic on Ford's part. Don't see that happening.

 

Eneg

[eneg]

That's correct.

 

Here is the official word from Ford...

 

Dear James,

 

My name is Christie and I have reviewed you email. I am sorry to hear that the perimeter light on your 2011 Ford Fusion SE was disabled.

 

In an effort to assist you, I have researched the available resources for your inquiry. Our resources indicate that the perimeter light was not available for the 2011 Ford Fusion SE though it is available with the other trim level.

 

 

This is just bull in my opinion. He even had a problem turning it on on the 2011 SEL. We need to unite and complain about this to crcfmc@ford.com . There is a form there you can use to complain.

 

I fly to CA every 2 weeks for work and rent a car. I just rented a base level 2011 Impala. And even its headlights come on when unlocking the doors. So Fords better idea is to have less than the competition ? I think Ford's screwed up here and does not want to admit it so we need to push them to fix it. Why would Ford put on a feature and then tell you in the manual how to enable or disable it. I'd be willing to bet they have a electrical problem and don't want to fix several thousand cars.

Buddyrich,

 

I don't consider that the official word from Ford.

It's the official word from Christie, who is just a first tier support person.

 

I would almost guarantee that most of us know more about our cars than this level of support.

 

Since this is probably a manufacturing problem, a dealer would be totally useless for this at this time, as you've already found out.

The fix for this has to come from Ford.

It also has to come from somebody higher up than somebody that answers the phone.

 

Hopefully, Ford is aware of this problem and has either already fixed it for new cars coming off of the line, or they are working on it.

If the new cars being built are okay, than a fix should be coming soon.

 

Our problem - How do we find out?

 

I put a topic in the "lounge forum" asking 2011 Fusion owners to come over here and to give us their input.

So far, I think we have one response.

 

Eneg

[rfruth]

Could the BCM (body control module) be re programed to add this ((easy software update))(((if Fo.Mo.Co. admits they need to))) but if its a combo of hardware and software good luck getting this done under warranty http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5003955_body-control-module-work_.html

[akirby]

akirby,

 

I think that you are wrong on both counts.

 

 

Yes, I was wrong about the perimeter lamp feature. I got it confused with the puddle lamps which I think is what Christie was referring to when she said it was not available on the SE.

 

Hopefully it's just the wrong configuration in the SJB and it can be easily fixed if they can figure out what it is.

[akirby]

Could the BCM (body control module) be re programed to add this ((easy software update))(((if Fo.Mo.Co. admits they need to))) but if its a combo of hardware and software good luck getting this done under warranty http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5003955_body-control-module-work_.html

 

The SJB controls the lights which seems to be confirmed when Ford initially replaced the SJB.

[BuddyRich]

The SJB controls the lights which seems to be confirmed when Ford initially replaced the SJB.

 

They did replace the SJB on my 2011 and that did not solve the problem.

[akirby]

They did replace the SJB on my 2011 and that did not solve the problem.

 

Exactly - which points to a software problem.

[BuddyRich]

I'm not so sure its just software.

 

HEY, you all with .... 2011 SEL's .... Try disabling and enabling the perimeter lights. Its easy. Turn the key to the run (don't start).

Press Unlock 3 times kinda slowly. Next turn the key off and then press unlock 3 times kinda slowly(like once each second). Now turn the key back to run, Short beep means your in program mode) and press unlock twice. that toggles it between on and off. You'll hear one beep when you turn it off. A beep and a honk when you turn the function on. Then turn off the key. Put something over the light sensor . Its the little bubble in the middle of the dash on top between the 2 defroster outlets. Wait about 30 seconds. Get out shut all your doors and then walk to the front and hit unlock on you key. Your headlights should come on for 25 seconds. PLEASE post if it doesn't work or if it does. THANKS

Edited December 12, 2010 by BuddyRich

[johno]

I'm not so sure its just software.

 

HEY, you all with .... 2011 SEL's .... Try disabling and enabling the perimeter lights. Its easy. Turn the key to the run (don't start).

Press Unlock 3 times kinda slowly. Next turn the key off and then press unlock 3 times kinda slowly(like once each second). Now turn the key back to run, Short beep means your in program mode) and press unlock twice. that toggles it between on and off. You'll hear one beep when you turn it off. A beep and a honk when you turn the function on. Then turn off the key. Put something over the light sensor . Its the little bubble in the middle of the dash on top between the 2 defroster outlets. Wait about 30 seconds. Get out shut all your doors and then walk to the front and hit unlock on you key. Your headlights should come on for 25 seconds. PLEASE post if it doesn't work or if it does. THANKS

 

Followed the procedure and still no headlights. Puddle lights and parking lights still come on like before. Tried again and still no change.

Edited December 12, 2010 by johno

[akirby]

I'm not so sure its just software.

 

Troubleshooting 101:

 

The SJB controls the headlamps.

The headlamps work normally under all other circumstances.

The procedure in the manual for enabling and disabling appears to work as written based on vehicle feedback.

All 2011s so far work the same way.

 

If it was a hardware problem then the lights would not be working normally under other conditions and it would only affect one your vehicle.

The fact that changing the SJB didn't fix it is also an indication that it isn't a hardware problem.

 

Which piece of hardware do you think is causing the problem other than the SJB?

[BuddyRich]

Troubleshooting 101:

 

The SJB controls the headlamps.

The headlamps work normally under all other circumstances.

The procedure in the manual for enabling and disabling appears to work as written based on vehicle feedback.

All 2011s so far work the same way.

 

If it was a hardware problem then the lights would not be working normally under other conditions and it would only affect one your vehicle.

The fact that changing the SJB didn't fix it is also an indication that it isn't a hardware problem.

 

Which piece of hardware do you think is causing the problem other than the SJB?

A relay configuration/wiring harness or the SJB itself having a design flaw. The thing that's so weird is the parking lights coming on when you open any door day or night and NO way to control that. I mean usually you can control all the lights on your vehicle down to if you want the interior lights to come on when you open the doors but not on these 2011 Fusions. Don't get me wrong I really like the car but think it should work like the manual says. I don't think Ford wants to admit they have a problem here. When it was at the dealer they did try enabling and disabling the thru the laptop interface and still no go.

By the way, I have been troubleshooting electronics for over 30 years, part of that with the USAF. And I am currently an IT manager so I know both software/hardware and electronics. I'd love to get into the schematics and the software of this and see what the problem is.

Edited December 12, 2010 by BuddyRich

[rfruth]

Sounds almost as if the feature was removed from the 2011s but the owners manual wasn't updated (darn ole cut n paste)

[eneg]

Sounds almost as if the feature was removed from the 2011s but the owners manual wasn't updated (darn ole cut n paste)

No Way!

 

Eneg

[akirby]

A relay configuration/wiring harness or the SJB itself having a design flaw. The thing that's so weird is the parking lights coming on when you open any door day or night and NO way to control that. I mean usually you can control all the lights on your vehicle down to if you want the interior lights to come on when you open the doors but not on these 2011 Fusions. Don't get me wrong I really like the car but think it should work like the manual says. I don't think Ford wants to admit they have a problem here. When it was at the dealer they did try enabling and disabling the thru the laptop interface and still no go. By the way, I have been troubleshooting electronics for over 30 years, part of that with the USAF. And I am currently an IT manager so I know both software/hardware and electronics. I'd love to get into the schematics and the software of this and see what the problem is.

 

 

And I've been troubleshooting computer hardware and software problems professionally since 1986 and your conclusion doesn't make sense.

 

The SJB controls the headlamps - period. If there was a hardware problem in the SJB then the lights would NEVER come on. The fact that they work perfectly except for perimeter lighting says the software isn't trying to turn them on.

 

There is no hardware that's unique to the perimeter lights.

 

Sounds almost as if the feature was removed from the 2011s but the owners manual wasn't updated (darn ole cut n paste)

 

That's exactly what I said in the beginning. That's the most logical explanation. The next one is either the wrong software or a bug in the SJB software.

[BuddyRich]

 

The SJB controls the headlamps - period. If there was a hardware problem in the SJB then the lights would NEVER come on. The fact that they work perfectly except for perimeter lighting says the software isn't trying to turn them on.

 

There is no hardware that's unique to the perimeter lights.

 

 

 

 

Would you like to share the schematics and wiring diagram since you seem to have looked at them and know everything about the system?

 

Point is removal of this feature was stupid if it was on purpose. If it wasn't Ford will not own up to it. Since I was told that SEL's have it and several SEL owners say it doesn't work then its probably not a misprint and not on purpose. Y'all with the SEL's should take them in if its not working since that's the trim level that is suppose to have it.

Edited December 14, 2010 by BuddyRich

[eneg]

Would you like to share the schematics and wiring diagram since you seem to have looked at them and know everything about the system?

 

Point is removal of this feature was stupid if it was on purpose. If it wasn't Ford will not own up to it. Since I was told that SEL's have it and several SEL owners say it doesn't work then its probably not a misprint and not on purpose. Y'all with the SEL's should take them in if its not working since that's the trim level that is suppose to have it.

I DON'T have an SEL, I have a hybrid.

Same problem. . .

 

Eneg

[akirby]

Would you like to share the schematics and wiring diagram since you seem to have looked at them and know everything about the system?

 

Point is removal of this feature was stupid if it was on purpose. If it wasn't Ford will not own up to it. Since I was told that SEL's have it and several SEL owners say it doesn't work then its probably not a misprint and not on purpose. Y'all with the SEL's should take them in if its not working since that's the trim level that is suppose to have it.

 

I don't have wiring diagrams but I know the SJB controls the headlamps based on other problems and issues that have occured in the past with DRL activation, aftermarket HIDs, etc. and it doesn't take rocket science to look at what's working and not working and make some simple deductions.

 

There's no need to get nasty - I'm just trying to help you understand where the problem might be. I never said it was normal or ok - I think it was wrong for that feature to be removed whether it was done on purpose or not. And I agree it should be fixed if possible.

 

However, I'm also a realist and things like this happen a lot where features are changed but the manuals don't get updated. Or it might be a bug that Ford simply chooses not to fix. I hope that's not the case but it does happen. All you can do is get them to acknowledge that it's not working like the manual describes (and make sure that they're not confusing this with the puddle lamps) and see what they decide to do about it.

[FFHdriver]

I don't have wiring diagrams but I know the SJB controls the headlamps based on other problems and issues that have occured in the past with DRL activation, aftermarket HIDs, etc. and it doesn't take rocket science to look at what's working and not working and make some simple deductions.

 

There's no need to get nasty - I'm just trying to help you understand where the problem might be. I never said it was normal or ok - I think it was wrong for that feature to be removed whether it was done on purpose or not. And I agree it should be fixed if possible.

 

However, I'm also a realist and things like this happen a lot where features are changed but the manuals don't get updated. Or it might be a bug that Ford simply chooses not to fix. I hope that's not the case but it does happen. All you can do is get them to acknowledge that it's not working like the manual describes (and make sure that they're not confusing this with the puddle lamps) and see what they decide to do about it.

My Motorola cell phone owners manual lists features that the phone doesn't have. Manual re-printing doesn't always keep up with assembly line updates/changes.

Edited December 14, 2010 by FFHdriver

[drolds1]

My Motorola cell phone owners manual lists features that the phone doesn't have. Manual re-printing doesn't always keep up with assembly line updates/changes.

 

My dealer spent 2 hours trying to figure out why my Home Link didn't work. Turned out that Ford switched from Home Link to Lear Car2u in some 2010s but didn't update the owners guide. It was in the shop manual though.

 

Frustrating, but it happens.

[BuddyRich]

I don't have wiring diagrams but I know the SJB controls the headlamps based on other problems and issues that have occured in the past with DRL activation, aftermarket HIDs, etc. and it doesn't take rocket science to look at what's working and not working and make some simple deductions.

 

There's no need to get nasty - I'm just trying to help you understand where the problem might be. I never said it was normal or ok - I think it was wrong for that feature to be removed whether it was done on purpose or not. And I agree it should be fixed if possible.

 

However, I'm also a realist and things like this happen a lot where features are changed but the manuals don't get updated. Or it might be a bug that Ford simply chooses not to fix. I hope that's not the case but it does happen. All you can do is get them to acknowledge that it's not working like the manual describes (and make sure that they're not confusing this with the puddle lamps) and see what they decide to do about it.

 

Didn't mean for it to sound offensive. I was getting frustrated at that point with Ford. Seems the dealers even think its suppose to be there. Its in their menu on the PC when they are connected to the vehicle. The "your vehicle does not have that feature" sounds like a catch all for we ain't gonna fix it. To remove it means they have given Chevy a stock feature (Malibu LT) that their comparison vehicle doesn't have. That's kinda of shootin yourself in the foot. It wouldn't be the first time Ford shot itself in the foot though. AND why in the world you would have the parking lights come on when ever a door is opened and no function to turn that undocumented feature(Bug more like) off is beyond me.

I figure one workaround is to have the Remote Start installed. Then the Auto headlamps would come on after it starts

Edited January 17, 2011 by BuddyRich

[BuddyRich]

And it keeps getting STRANGER. The DRL's are active. The wife pulls into the driveway the other day, I was sitting on the front porch where I could see the front of the car. She stops to throw something in the trash. Puts it in park( the DRL's go out).When she gets out of the car the fog lights come on with the parking lots for 24 seconds and then go out

[rpreuss]

And it keeps getting STRANGER. The DRL's are active. The wife pulls into the driveway the other day, I was sitting on the front porch where I could see the front of the car. She stops to throw something in the trash. Puts it in park( the DRL's go out).When she gets out of the car the fog lights come on with the parking lots for 24 seconds and then go out

 

Fog light part is strange, but the DRL's are only supposed to be on when the car is in Drive. I had them turned on by the dealer.

[gb_fusionguy]

My 2011 Sport acts as described above.

 

Open any door, day or night and the parking lights & tall lamps come on - no headlamps.

 

Lock or unlock the car, key fob or lock button, no headlamps, parking and tails only.

 

My 2008 fusion would flash the headlights.

 

I agree, different than described in the owners book.

 

GB