Odd noises / fuel pump

[elaterite]

Hi -

Newish owner of a 2021 Ranger.

I'm not sure if I have noticed this before or not, but in the last week I have noticed that, what I guess to be the fuel pump, activates when I'm not near the truck. The truck has been sitting for two days and I haven't opened a door or touched it, nothing.

For example, today I drove my motorcycle (a converted electric 1976 Kawasaki KZ400 ) to the store and back. The truck hadn't been driven for two days. While I was parking my bike I hear the truck's fuel pump fire up as if someone had opened the door. (And, no, I don't believe in ghosts.)

Is this normal? (Edit_1: I have the keyed ignition. No fob. Edit_2: I don't use Ford Pass and I keep my phone's bluetooth turned off when I'm not streaming music to the truck.)

Reading one other thread on the 6g forum, it suggested that occasional relays click and so forth for no apparent reason. does the fuel pump do that as well?

Thanks!
Bob

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[Mighty Little Blue]

Strange noises are common for this truck. Anytime I come near it even without the keyfob it chirps and makes weird noises all the time.

 

[RangerBill]

Hi -

Newish owner of a 2021 Ranger.

I'm not sure if I have noticed this before or not, but in the last week I have noticed that, what I guess to be the fuel pump, activates when I'm not near the truck. The truck has been sitting for two days and I haven't opened a door or touched it, nothing.

For example, today I drove my motorcycle (a converted electric 1976 Kawasaki KZ400 ) to the store and back. The truck hadn't been driven for two days. While I was parking my bike I hear the truck's fuel pump fire up as if someone had opened the door. (And, no, I don't believe in ghosts.)

Is this normal?

Reading one other thread on the 6g forum, it suggested that occasional relays click and so forth for no apparent reason. does the fuel pump do that as well?

Thanks!
Bob

It is not the fuel pump, it is the turbo waste gate actuator cycling. I don't know the reason, but many here have reported the sound. It seems to happen if you are near the truck with your key fob.

 

[elaterite]

It is not the fuel pump, it is the turbo waste gate actuator cycling. I don't know the reason, but many here have reported the sound. It seems to happen if you are near the truck with your key fob.

Thanks. No fob, but that's interesting. I need to look into why they think it is important to cycle the turbo waste gate?

 

[airline tech]

If this is the noise?

Then it is the Waste Gate Actuator

My testing showed it not the FOB, but your phone - Ford Pass triggering the Wake-Up Circuit

Now it triggers for (2) reasons automatically

1. Regular Check In for - Health Status (Update) this is periodic
2. Phone is near the truck and the truck thinks it is prepping for an intended start as the Phone is near the truck. (Regular or Remote Start)

This happened to me and the first time it happened I was under the truck, let's just say I scooted out (QUICKLY) - this prompted me to investigate why it did it.
Item 1 - I Understand
Item 2 - I do not understand the reason, unless item #1, just has the precise timing and you just happen to be near the truck when it does it.

I was planning to use - Ford Pass - Last Update (Time Logged) but when the new Ford Pass was launched - we no longer have that feature of - Last Updated (Time Log) in the App.
I was going to document the exact time (it did it) and compare that to Ford Pass (Last Updated) time logged.

So, to get the Wake Circuit to trigger, it takes opening the driver's door and or Ford Pass and it takes the PCM Power Relay to CLOSE to get power on the Wake Circuit, another input that will trigger the Wake Circuit is the (BSI) - Brake Switch Interlock - Circuit

The Wake Circuit will power for (2-Minites) if no engine start is received, the PCM Power Relay will open back up and the circuit will depower.

You can test the (BSI) interface by sitting in the truck, key off and then after (2-Minutes) tap the brake pedal. - You will hear the Waste Gate Actuator - Cycle

Note: The LP (Tank) fuel pump also triggers on for (2-3) seconds, to help in priming the HP pump fuel lines and purging them of vapor, but unless you are very attentive to the noise it makes you will not hear it over the Waste Gate Actuator.

This falls into the TCU being the main culprit as @TJC, has disabled his TCU, this stops ALL transmission of communication from it - but the downside you lose Remote Start via (Ford Pass)
It takes the TCU (Telecommunications Unit) to communicate with Ford Pass to give you the features (Health Status, Fuel Level, Tire Press etc, and Remote Start features and the TCU is tied into the Wake Circuit.

The answer to your question for why it cycles, it is a self-test of operation and ensures it is in the proper position for - Engine Start

 

[TJC]

Strange noises are common for this truck. Anytime I come near it even without the keyfob it chirps and makes weird noises all the time.

Anticipation!

 

[TJC]

I don't recall hearing anything until I open the door. Heading out first thing in the morning to change spark plugs. I'll listen for anything.

I did not sign up for FordPass and I have disabled the modem, so Ford is not sending or receiving anything from my truck. Since disabling it, I have noticed that my battery holds its charge significantly longer, on par with my 2005 Ranger. I suspect Ford queries the truck on a regular basis.

It is also possible your phone could be triggering it as well if you paired it with the truck.

I have an XLT so I don't have push button start, but I do have smart key FOB. And I am pretty sure I don't hear anything until I open the door.

Time to test my theories. Walk out without a phone or FOB, then try the FOB, next try the phone.

Best of luck.

 

[airline tech]

I don't recall hearing anything until I open the door. Heading out first thing in the morning to change spark plugs. I'll listen for anything.

I did not sign up for FordPass and I have disabled the modem, so Ford is not sending or receiving anything from my truck. Since disabling it, I have noticed that my battery holds its charge significantly longer, on par with my 2005 Ranger. I suspect Ford queries the truck on a regular basis.

It is also possible your phone could be triggering it as well if you paired it with the truck.

I have an XLT so I don't have push button start, but I do have smart key FOB. And I am pretty sure I don't hear anything until I open the door.

Time to test my theories. Walk out without a phone or FOB, then try the FOB, next try the phone.

Best of luck.

The Phone (Ford Pass) is not constant it is sporadic, and does it when it decides to as it only does it on occasion (noticeable) if near the truck - IDK how many times it does it - if not around (near) the truck.
I know that for (Ford Pass) remote start - it does the same (except it actually starts the truck)
Since you never had - Ford Pass, then you may not have experience this (automatic Wake Trigger) and with the TCU disabled - you definitely won't get it.

I believe that since you noted a battery charge difference, I think you are on track with the TCU still providing (Health Status) reports to Ford, thus triggering the Wake Circuit (at times)
the only difference is that without the Ford Pass app, you did not have access to the info it was sending to Ford, we will call it SHARED access by You and Ford.
This makes sense and I strongly believe is the reason for (Wake-Up Voltages) to hover around 12.2 volts or lower, the TCU is being triggered to power periodically, with the TCU disabled that cannot happen and battery voltage does not suffer the draw.

 

[TJC]

Does the Phone pair automatically via Bluetooth to the truck when in range? Is it possible Ford is monitoring the pairing?

I have read that Ford pulls data from a users phone when paired to the truck.

I obviously have no experience with the FordPass app, but it is used to start the truck remotely. My thought was that Ford may be passively monitoring when the pairing takes place and reacting to it. But it is simply a guess. Hence the test that I suggested,

 

[elaterite]

-------------snip!--------------

My testing showed it not the FOB, but your phone - Ford Pass triggering the Wake-Up Circuit

-----------snip!-----------

The answer to your question for why it cycles, it is a self-test of operation and ensures it is in the proper position for - Engine Start

-------------------------------------

Thanks for recording that. Yes, it is the noise. I'll have to look into why that is. I've never messed with turbochargers.

I don't have Ford Pass and I don't have their app on my phone. I have most everything, communication wise, turned off or disabled in Forscan. And, when I'm not using it (which is only in the truck), I keep my phone's bluetooth turned off.

And I think I saw someone talk about a battery lasting "longer." So what, you can't leave these vehicles sit for like three months without the battery running flat? Do you know anything about that?

 

[airline tech]

Does the Phone pair automatically via Bluetooth to the truck when in range? Is it possible Ford is monitoring the pairing?

I have read that Ford pulls data from a user's phone when paired to the truck.

IDK, it may be a worthwhile check to - disable Bluetooth to the truck and monitor if it still does it.
But I think it is more about - Ford Pass App (having the Phones) ESN or whatever it is called (specific ident) of every phone and that authorization matching the programmed VIN# with the account.
as another Ford Pass app (friends, wife's any other Ford Pass) user cannot access the truck and if you change phones - (upgrade) you have to reset Ford Pass for the new phone. It is the same equivariant as Key Programming.
So, it is beyond Bluetooth range (say if you Remote Start) the truck from 2 miles away, which is my case in the Winter (Employee Lot) distance from shop, it appears to be using the Phone (ESN) authorized key and the Ford Pass app (combination) to the Trucks ATT Cellular network.
This is the only time I use it - No Frost scrapping needed and only have to sweep the snow off (if needed)

 

[elaterite]

I don't recall hearing anything until I open the door. Heading out first thing in the morning to change spark plugs. I'll listen for anything.

I did not sign up for FordPass and I have disabled the modem, so Ford is not sending or receiving anything from my truck. Since disabling it, I have noticed that my battery holds its charge significantly longer, on par with my 2005 Ranger. I suspect Ford queries the truck on a regular basis.

It is also possible your phone could be triggering it as well if you paired it with the truck.

I have an XLT so I don't have push button start, but I do have smart key FOB. And I am pretty sure I don't hear anything until I open the door.

Time to test my theories. Walk out without a phone or FOB, then try the FOB, next try the phone.

Best of luck.

-----

Thanks for the ideas. But I keep my phone's bluetooth turned off. I don't have a fob. And like you, I don't have Ford Pass. I have most things turned off either by menu or through Forscan.

What's this about your battery holding a charge better? So what, you can't leave these vehicles sit for like three months without the battery running flat?

 

[airline tech]

-------------------------------------

Thanks for recording that. Yes, it is the noise. I'll have to look into why that is. I've never messed with turbochargers.

I don't have Ford Pass and I don't have their app on my phone. I have most everything, communication wise, turned off or disabled in Forscan. And, when I'm not using it (which is only in the truck), I keep my phone's bluetooth turned off.

And I think I saw someone talk about a battery lasting "longer." So what, you can't leave these vehicles sit for like three months without the battery running flat? Do you know anything about that?

So, no Ford Pass, then you either have an issue on the (Wake Circuit)
something triggering it on - Door Ajar switch or Brake Switch and if I recall the Hood Switch plays a role into this as well.

But I believe (NOT CONFIRMED) that the TCU itself is being triggered on, now is it a glitch or is it Ford checking in on the health status and sending the report to Ford (ONLY) since you do not have the Ford Pass app.

Yes, by design if you let the truck sit for an extended amount of time the battery voltage will deplete as we have more electronics and features from years ago, and as @TJC troubleshot and played with the TCU, it appears to be the main culprit of the battery draw, we have more modules that require constant power vs only the radio presets and clock that we use to have, that is part of the power draw but if the TCU powers - it adds more draw to a truck that is not running.

Ref: This thread for a similar issue.
Reviewing this thread - reminded me of something else - I forgot
The Truck (MAY) be trying to update the Sync (OTA) Updates, is you Sync up to date to version #23188 - this may be what is triggering the TCU to power - trying to update.
You can turn that off - in the Sync Settings menu (automatic updates)
Sorry but the OP, never posted his resolution of his issue, we had it narrowed down to a high possibility of the TCU being his issue,

*Click/Tone* Every 45 Seconds | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

 

[TJC]

-----

Thanks for the ideas. But I keep my phone's bluetooth turned off. I don't have a fob. And like you, I don't have Ford Pass. I have most things turned off either by menu or through Forscan.

What's this about your battery holding a charge better? So what, you can't leave these vehicles sit for like three months without the battery running flat?

More like going flat within a month! It drops the charge level very quickly in stock form.

Remember, the FORD BMS holds the battery at only 75% charge with stock settings.

If you charge it to 100%, the BMS will not charge the battery until it drops below 75%. And you will not go far on the battery alone.

I have not determined exactly how far you can go before the battery drops to 75%, but it is not as far as you may think. I'd wager if you charged the battery to 100%, it will be at or below 75% within 50 miles, quite possibly much sooner.

 

[elaterite]

More like going flat within a month! It drops the charge level very quickly in stock form.

Remember, the FORD BMS holds the battery at only 75% charge with stock settings.

If you charge it to 100%, the BMS will not charge the battery until it drops below 75%. And you will not go far on the battery alone.

I have not determined exactly how far you can go before the battery drops to 75%, but it is not as far as you may think. I'd wager if you charged the battery to 100%, it will be at or below 75% within 50 miles, quite possibly much sooner.

-----

Wow, that is concerning. I've been seeing mention of battery BMS parameters but haven't looked into it thinking the battery charges to full, right? I guess not.

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