Vehicle Health Report

[md13ffhguy]

Could this feature be any more useless? I ran a Vehicle Health Report today when my Service Engine Soon light was on, and it informed me that my Service Engine Soon light might be on...

[GrySql]

I find them very useful.

They are not meant to be a service tool for you, just a record of events.

 

You can print that VHR out and take it with you to the Dealer, if you go.

Having a printout of any problem recorded on the VHR of your car can be a life saver when trying to explain your problem to a Service Advisor.

Those VHR's are only kept on the Ford website for 30 days and are eliminated if you do another VHR.

[md13ffhguy]

It contained no information on what triggered the light to come on. It would be more useful to me to include some of the OBD data. As it is, it's nothing more than a record of the light coming on.

[md13ffhguy]

I know, I'm probably not a typical owner, but the technology is there to provide more data. It's a shame to not make it readily available to those owners who'd be interested in knowing more.

[GrySql]

Like most simple error code readers it will only show what is currently wrong.

As the OM explained, the Fuel Inlet error was reset after a few driving cycles.

Then the SES error code was reset automatically too, as soon as the software was not reporting any other codes.

 

I sure understand about letting owners know more if they want to.

Putting the dash display into the Engineering Mode is also a way to see some of your FFH's other data, including error codes.

For those people that want even more info it's necessary to buy a ScanGauge or other device, like several Forum member's have.

 

Take a look at this Post and click on the links, they contain some very interesting data.

The Preliminary 2013 MY OBD System Operation Summary for Plug In and Hybrid Electric Vehicles is especially informative.

[md13ffhguy]

Thanks for pointing me to that!

[Easy Rider]

Is the "service engine soon" light not just a simple timer that tracks mileage and time to "remind" you that it MIGHT be time for some routine service ??

 

If so, what more of an explanation would you expect to find ??

[lolder]

No, it's not a timer. It means there's a problem somewhere, probably in an emissions related area. The car doesn't need routine maintenance of any kind except oil changes which are messaged separately and maybe tire rotation. No "tune-ups", timing belts, etc. Your manual tells you about check-up intervals for some other items like spark plugs.

Edited July 4, 2014 by lolder

[Easy Rider]

The car doesn't need routine maintenance of any kind except oil changes which are messaged separately and maybe tire rotation. No "tune-ups", timing belts, etc. Your manual tells you about check-up intervals for some other items like spark plugs.

 

That's kind of misleading.

While the service intervals may be quite long for some items, things like brakes and fluid levels and air filters absolutely DO require routine inspections.....and maybe service too.

 

It appears that they have changed the terminology for the old "check engine" light.

Not sure if I like that or not.

[md13ffhguy]

Here's a cut and paste from my most recent VHR. It doesn't even come close to telling me what the problem might have been...

 

 

The icons below may be illuminated in your dash or console or may appear in your message center. The vehicle diagnostics indicate a parameter that is out of normal range or that a component has failed. Systems within your vehicle need prompt service and/or inspection.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp - Regulatory

 

What Should I Do? Light Stays On: The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing. Refer to On Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Owner's Manual for information on temporary malfunctions that may not require vehicle service. Light Blinking: Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

 

WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

 

What Is Happening?

Light Stays On: Indicates that the On Board Diagnostics System has detected a problem with the engine, transmission or an emission-related component or system.
Light Blinking: Indicates that the On Board Diagnostics System has detected an engine misfire problem with the engine.

 

What Does This Mean?

Service Engine Soon: If the Service Engine Soon indicator light stays illuminated after the engine is started, it indicates the On Board Diagnostics(OBD) system has detected a malfunction of your vehicle emissions control system. Refer to On Board Diagnostics in your Owner's Manual. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. See your Owner's Manual for additional information.

Edited July 4, 2014 by md13ffhguy

[lolder]

 

That's kind of misleading.

While the service intervals may be quite long for some items, things like brakes and fluid levels and air filters absolutely DO require routine inspections.....and maybe service too.

 

It appears that they have changed the terminology for the old "check engine" light.

Not sure if I like that or not.

There is no engine air filter ( in 2010-12 ) and the brakes should go over 100,000 miles unless there's a malfunction. You can pop the hood and look at the fluid levels yourself. You can even see the brake pad thickness through the wheels. Inspection maybe but little "routine service". There are no belts. Almost every device has automatic fault detection which will be announced by the vehicle. You could probably put synthetic oil in it and drive it for 100K miles without touching anything but the tires. Beware any service facility that says it needs routine maintenance, particularly tune-ups.

[Easy Rider]

There is no engine air filter ( in 2010-12 ) and the brakes should go over 100,000 miles unless there's a malfunction.

 

No engine air filter......WHAT ??

I think you mis-spoke on that one. :)

 

And your statement in general fails to take into consideration the various ways in which people drive and use their cars.........and their various levels of expertise in "checking things".

 

Flatly stating that things do not need to be serviced may lead some down a path where they should not go.

 

I agree that may shops gouge for things not needed but that is not justification for going too far in the OTHER direction.

[hybridbear]

I'm surprised that your VHR is so generic. When I've run them in the past they have been very specific. For example, when ice caused our fuel inlet to not seal properly the CEL illuminated and the VHR specifically said that the CEL was only because the fuel inlet was not sealed. Another time the CEL was on and the VHR said that the problem was an evap leak.

 

Perhaps Ford changed the software to not show details in VHRs anymore.

[murphy]

There is no engine air filter ( in 2010-12 ) and the brakes should go over 100,000 miles unless there's a malfunction. You can pop the hood and look at the fluid levels yourself. You can even see the brake pad thickness through the wheels. Inspection maybe but little "routine service". There are no belts. Almost every device has automatic fault detection which will be announced by the vehicle. You could probably put synthetic oil in it and drive it for 100K miles without touching anything but the tires. Beware any service facility that says it needs routine maintenance, particularly tune-ups.

My 2010 Fusion Hybrid had an ICE air filter. I changed it at least once and maybe twice.

[Easy Rider]

My 2010 Fusion Hybrid had an ICE air filter. I changed it at least once and maybe twice.

Every road vehicle ever made has some kind of engine air filter.......unless it is all electric, of course.

[GrySql]

 

No engine air filter......WHAT ??

I think you mis-spoke on that one. :)

 

Every road vehicle ever made has some kind of engine air filter.......unless it is all electric, of course.

 

My 2010 Fusion Hybrid had an ICE air filter. I changed it at least once and maybe twice.

The 2010 FFH ICE has a Air Cleaner Assembly with a 'lifetime' filter that cannot be Owner serviced:

-

From the 2010 FFH OM, page 300:

AIR FILTER

Your vehicle is equipped with a long life air filter.

The air filter is designed to last the life of the vehicle.

See your authorized dealer or a qualified technician for replacement.

The technician can check the diagnostics system for the possibility of an excessively dirty air filter.

[md13ffhguy]

I'm surprised that your VHR is so generic. When I've run them in the past they have been very specific. For example, when ice caused our fuel inlet to not seal properly the CEL illuminated and the VHR specifically said that the CEL was only because the fuel inlet was not sealed. Another time the CEL was on and the VHR said that the problem was an evap leak.

 

Perhaps Ford changed the software to not show details in VHRs anymore.

Well, I'd be happy if I never had to see another light or run another report. Hoping this was an anomaly, but the realist in me doubts it. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this car, nonetheless? Edited July 8, 2014 by md13ffhguy

[Easy Rider]

 

The 2010 FFH ICE has a Air Cleaner Assembly with a 'lifetime' filter that cannot be Owner serviced:

-

From the 2010 FFH OM, page 300:

AIR FILTER

Your vehicle is equipped with a long life air filter.

The air filter is designed to last the life of the vehicle.

See your authorized dealer or a qualified technician for replacement.

The technician can check the diagnostics system for the possibility of an excessively dirty air filter.

 

 

This is quite different than saying that it does not HAVE an intake air filter.

 

That quote does NOT say that it "cannot be Owner serviced."

 

And another opportunity for a "technician" to say, "no codes, no problem".

Not one of Ford's better ideas.

Wonder why they stopped doing that ???

 

Actually I don't wonder at all. Things like driving through a dust storm, driving through a swarm or two of love bugs or having rodents take up residence in the intake all are things that would use up the filters "lifetime" rather quickly.

Edited July 8, 2014 by Easy Rider

[Texasota]

I ran my first Vehicle Health Report yesterday. Nothing was wrong but I wanted to request a VHR to familiarize myself with the process. I do have to confess that I was underwhelmed with the information in it. I suppose (hope) the VHR has more useful information when your FFH is experiencing a problem.

[ethermion]

Well, not sure you should be underwhelmed. It found nothing wrong, which is a good thing. What did you expect?

[GrySql]

If you want some fun, keep your foot on the brake and then send a VHR. It should show a Brake Problem and a couple other things.

[Texasota]

Well, not sure you should be underwhelmed. It found nothing wrong, which is a good thing. What did you expect?

I thought maybe it might contain something more similar to what I get from a Ford Quick Lane oil change such as a summary of major systems and their current status (possibly a green, yellow or red indicator) or something like that. I did not know what it would contain when the car was not exhibiing any problems and curiosity was part of the reason I ran it. I now know how to run it and find the report and that is a good thing.

Edited November 1, 2014 by Texasota