Ford is recalling 2,900 units of the F-150 Lightning due to a software issue with the tire pressure monitoring system. The glitch could result in a failure to illuminate the low tire pressure warning symbol, potentially leading to a dangerous situation for the driver.
The automaker suggests that the recommended tire cold inflation pressure value was incorrectly set to 35 psi instead of the optimum 42 psi, affecting vehicles fitted with 20-inch and 22-inch wheels. Thus, the F-150 may fail to signal the driver for low tire pressure which could lead to “poor vehicle handling and a possible loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash”.
The recall affects 2,666 units of the model in the US and an additional 220 units in Canada. Thankfully the problem can easily be fixed with a simple software update on the Body Control module, a process that takes 20 minutes. Owners can update their recalled F-150 models in a Ford dealer, while the fix will also become available as an over-the-air update in 30 days. Dealers will also update the software in undelivered models.
The automaker prompts owners to check their tire pressure and make sure it matches the proposed figures on the Tire and Loading Information label which is located inside the driver-side front door jamb. Ford says there are no reported accidents or injuries associated with the issue. Mind you, this is the first recall for the F-150 Lightning.
