When you’re on the road, your car’s emergency call system is your lifeline in the event of an accident or other emergency. However, what happens when the system malfunctions and you receive a “Service Required” warning? This is a concern for some Ford owners who have reported experiencing this issue. In this article, we’ll explore what causes this warning, what it means for your vehicle, and what steps you can take to resolve the problem.
What is Ford Emergency Call System?
The Ford Emergency Call System is a safety feature designed to provide quick and easy access to emergency services in the event of an accident or other emergency while driving. The system uses a built-in modem and GPS technology to automatically alert emergency services in the event of an airbag deployment or other serious incident.
It can also be manually activated by the driver or passengers by pressing a dedicated SOS button located on the overhead console. When activated, the system will establish a voice connection with emergency services, and transmit important information such as your vehicle’s location and the severity of the incident. This can help emergency responders quickly locate and assist you in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Call System Malfunction Service Required Warning
The “Service Required” warning for the Ford Emergency Call System can be triggered by a variety of issues, including hardware or software malfunctions, a weak cellular signal, or an outdated or corrupted system software. Additionally, the warning may also be caused by damage to the vehicle’s antenna or wiring, which can affect the system’s ability to establish a connection with emergency services. In some cases, the warning may be triggered by a temporary glitch or a one-time incident, while in other cases, it may be a persistent issue that requires further investigation and repair by a certified Ford technician.
Depleted backup battery
Another possible cause of the “Service Required” warning for the Ford Emergency Call System is a worn or depleted backup battery. Over time, the battery that powers the system may lose its ability to hold a charge, which can cause the system to malfunction or shut down entirely. This can result in the warning being displayed on the dashboard, indicating that the system requires service. In some cases, replacing the battery may resolve the issue, while in other cases, additional repairs or troubleshooting may be necessary to restore the system to proper working order. It’s important to address any warning messages related to the emergency call system promptly to ensure that you have access to this critical safety feature when you need it most.
Update the system software
Updating the system software is another step that can help resolve the “Service Required” warning for the Ford Emergency Call System. The software may become outdated or corrupted over time, which can lead to malfunctions and warning messages. By updating the system software to the latest version, you can ensure that the system is running smoothly and that any known issues or bugs have been addressed.
To update the system software, you will need to visit a certified Ford service center or dealership if your vehicle doesn’t support over-the-air updates. The technician will connect your vehicle to a diagnostic tool and download the latest software updates from Ford’s servers. The process typically takes only a short time to complete, and once it’s done, the emergency call system should be restored to proper working order. It’s a good idea to check periodically for software updates and have them installed promptly to ensure that your vehicle’s safety features are up to date.
Temporary fix
If you experience the “Service Required” warning for the Ford Emergency Call System and need a temporary fix, you can try pressing the SOS button and then canceling the call. This can sometimes reset the system and clear the warning message. To do this, simply press and hold the SOS button for a few seconds until the system activates. Once the system starts dialing, immediately cancel the call by pressing the “End Call” button. This should reset the system and clear any warning messages on the dashboard. If you fail to cancel the call in time and the operator picks up the phone, tell them that you’re fine and that you’re testing testing the system.
