Certain Ford Rangers are presently without their nifty Zone Lighting function due to a software programming error.
A dealer bulletin said select 2023 Ford Rangers fitted with the optional Touring Pack do not allow access to this feature for the time being, though the company says it expects to push out a software update in the next 6-8 weeks to fix the problem.
The Zone Lighting function combines headlights, puddle lamps (the ones the project down from the side mirrors), numberplate lamps and box lighting to illuminate a 360-degree area around the ute – or specific areas.
UPDATE, 17/08/2022 12:10pm – We’ve added a statement from Ford Australia to this story.
The system is designed to illuminate the vehicle at night for inspection, or even to cast some extra light around the place to help you, for example, set up a tent.
Zone Lighting is designed to be controlled through either the in-car touchscreen or FordPass app. It’s standard on Wildtrak variants, but an option in 4×4 XLT and Sport grades as part of a $900 Touring Pack, which also adds a brake controller, 360-degree cameras, and puddle lamps.
“Unfortunately, a software programming error means that presently the Zone Lighting feature is not displaying on the vehicle’s SYNC screen, nor is it available to use via the FordPass App,” Ford advised its dealers.
“Our teams are working on a software update to be deployed by the dealer, which is likely to be available in the coming months.”
This writer tried the Zone Lighting function on a vehicle at the launch and it worked as designed.
“Due to a software programming issue, a select number of Next-Gen Rangers fitted with the Touring Pack option currently cannot access Zone Lighting through the SYNC screen, nor is it available to use via the FordPass App,” a Ford Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.
“We are working on a software update to be deployed by dealers, which is likely to be available in the coming weeks.
We apologise for this inconvenience, and we are working to have it operational as soon as possible. Impacted customers will be contacted once the update is available.”
The new Ranger is off to a hot start, launching with close to 20,000 pre-orders.
While Ford Australia secured about 10,000 units for July and August, it’s advising certain customers to expect 8-9 month waits for delivery, affecting top-end V6 Wildtraks and Raptors in particular.
In late July we learned that another issue had already come to light: Some owners have posted on social media about experiencing tailshaft vibrations in V6 models at speeds of between 40-80km/h.
“We are aware of a small number of vehicles that have exhibited some harshness or vibration at certain times when driving,” said a spokesperson for Ford Australia at the time.
“As part of the normal pre-delivery process, our dealers are conducting road tests of customer vehicles and working with our technical team to resolve any concerns before they are delivered to customers.”
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