2021 F150 PCM Reprogram at 20% Oil Life - Truck wont start

[Thermobrett]

For the F-150 crowd
Has anyone had an issue with the PCM (powertrain control module) needing to be reprogrammed when the oil life gets to 20% or less? My co-worker couldn't start his truck and had to have it towed to the dealership to have the PCM reprogrammed. Seems odd that the truck completely locks out (wont start) with 20% oil life. Is there a way to shut this feature off? You cant always be readily available to change your oil as soon as it hits 20%. Thankfully he was at his friends house and not at the ramp.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I’m betting the 20% oil life is not the problem. The PCM needing re programmed is the issue. Sometimes computers get messed up I’d be interested if there is more to this story.

 

[Thermobrett]

We believe it was a faulty PCM, but the dealer diagnosis was:
1. Oil life at or below 20% causing PCM to shut down engine, PCM needs reprogramming due to 20% or less oil life
2. PCM is faulty and under warranty for replacement

I personally have heard stories about auto manufactures setting these engine stop features when the oil life becomes to low, but have never actually seen it in the wild until this event. I would image there is a way to bypass this feature, similar to tricking the auto stop/start in some vehicles. I figure with the vast amount of tow vehicles, we may be able to see if somebody else had a similar issue.

This forum was great in helping diagnose the ECM in our 2022 Yukon XL and having it partially covered under the emissions warranty, when the dealership didn't want to help.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I have a 2020 model year F-350 and even when the dash message says oil change required the truck keeps on running.

I can see; The PCM is faulty and it shutdown the truck w 20% oil life remaining….

 

[Yambers]

Had the same issue on my 2021 F150. Posted it here before. Before paying for a tow, I discovered I just had to reset the oil life and it will work fine and fired right up. Then get oil changed.