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Power ports and USB stop working while driving...help!

rburrington

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So my 2021 Ranger's power port and usb plugs in the dash seem to stop working while I am driving. I have a bluetooth carplay adapter and a mini-flashlight plugged in. While the vehicle is parked and door is open, the power works fine. While driving it will work for a few moments, then stop. Even after repeadly pluging and unplugging It while driving, it will go on for a moment or two, then, go off. This just started happening.
I don't think it would be the fuses as there is power when the door is open when the vehicle off. Where should I start ot look?
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airline tech

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This one is a little hard to diagnose as if you are losing power to both the Power Points and the USB Ports, they are powered from 2 separate sources.
If you have Forscan or a scan tool, it may show a fault code to pinpoint it down.

Troubleshooting depends on what Trim Level you have, Touch Screen etc.

It does sound like a possible failing battery, and the system is load shedding to save battery power.
or
One of the items plugged in, is bad and the system is shutting down to protect the circuit, you may try leaving one of the items unplugged or try a different USB cable. The Ranger is very finicky about USB cables.

I was initially thinking Power Point Relay #1 - in the BJB (Engine Bay), but that only powers the Power Points, the Media Hub is Powered by the ACM from what I can tell by the Wiring Diagrams.

Power Point Relay #2 - Powers the Rear Ports (Back Seat)
 
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rburrington

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Thank you for your reply...
I have the XLT package. I will try another USB cable and I did purchase a Forscan tool. Have not used it let so that will be a learning curve as well
Bob
 

SFB

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This one is a little hard to diagnose as if you are losing power to both the Power Points and the USB Ports, they are powered from 2 separate sources.
If you have Forscan or a scan tool, it may show a fault code to pinpoint it down.

Troubleshooting depends on what Trim Level you have, Touch Screen etc.

It does sound like a possible failing battery, and the system is load shedding to save battery power.
or
One of the items plugged in, is bad and the system is shutting down to protect the circuit, you may try leaving one of the items unplugged or try a different USB cable. The Ranger is very finicky about USB cables.

I was initially thinking Power Point Relay #1 - in the BJB (Engine Bay), but that only powers the Power Points, the Media Hub is Powered by the ACM from what I can tell by the Wiring Diagrams.

Power Point Relay #2 - Powers the Rear Ports (Back Seat)
I had a similar issue while using a single USB cable. Ultimately it was the cable, before I figured that out though I would reset by disconnecting neg. Battery cable. If it’s a possible software issue doing this could help since it forces a reboot. Not the best way to go though as you obviously loose presets and shifting scheme.
 

Tom_C

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Can't speak for the power ports since I've never used them, but I've had my USB ports died and I had to power off the truck and walk away (keyless ignition) so the system shuts down. Then next time I start they work. Annoying, but yeah...
 


Nellieg

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My USB fails when driving over bumps as the cable is going bad... Replacing the cable will fix it... cables and adapters on cables degrade as you plug them in and out. Cheaper the cable the quicker the replacement cycle
 

my2fish

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Mine just started doing this today.
Haven't tried a new USB cable yet.

But the backseat USB port still has power… so not sure if the cable is the problem?

2023 Lariat FX4
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