Charging Your 2023 Ford Lightning
Your vehicle comes with a mobile power cord that has a low power connector to use with a 120V plug NEMA 5-15 and a high power connector to use with a 240V plug NEMA 14-50. The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has several updated features and options. You can find answers to all your questions in the complete owners manual.
WHAT IS AC CHARGING
AC charging your F-150 Lightning is the preferred method of charging. AC charging preserves the health of the high-voltage battery for longer high voltage battery life.
WHAT IS DC CHARGING
DC charging allows you to charge the vehicle’s high-voltage battery in significantly less time than the standard charge method. You can charge on the go before the battery has exhausted all of its power, or when traveling using the trip planner as part of your FordPass App.
For the convenience of DC charging and time, there is a different fee structure depending on the charging station and network you choose.
Note: Charge times vary depending on outside air temperature, power level, charger type, and location in which you are charging.
Note: The system could reduce the DC charging rate to maximize the life of the battery.
Lightning Mobile Power Cord Guide
The mobile power cord is located in the frunk lower storage compartment and allows you to charge the vehicle’s battery using a standard household outlet.
You must plug the connector into the charger control box first. Then plug the connector into the household outlet, and then plug the coupler into the vehicle charge port.
The power indicator illuminates blue when the connector is properly inserted into the charger control box and dedicated wall outlet.
Note: To insert the connector, firmly grasp the connector by the cable or plug and push into the charger control box until an audible click is heard. Make sure the connector is fully inserted and flush with the charger control box before inserting it into the outlet. Improper insertion of the connector results in an amber fault light or intermittent charging, and a longer charge session.
| A | Connector |
| B | Coupler |
| C | Control Box |
Mobile Power Cord Indicator Lights
| A | Amber Fault Indicator Light |
| B | Blue Status Indicator Light |
| C | Red Trouble Indicator Light |
| Mobile Power Cord Fault Indicator | Indicator Description |
| Amber | The amber fault indicator illuminates to communicate that the charger is rebooting after an error. |
| Blue | When plugged into the wall outlet, the blue indicator illuminates to communicate that the charger is ready to use. |
| Red | The red indicator illuminates when the charger has detected an error. If the red indicator is illuminated, the charger will not deliver power to the vehicle. The error must be corrected before a charging cycle can begin or continue. |
Note: When first plugged into a wall outlet the amber, blue and red indicators blink once. Then the blue indicator turns on, followed by a blink of the red indicator. After, the blue indicator turns off then back on. This cycle happens twice if a different connector is used from a previous charge.
Note: Follow the installation instructions provided with the mobile power cord.
Note: We recommend using the supplied plugs and connectors.
Note: If you do not use a dedicated circuit, the circuit breaker could trip or open. If a dedicated circuit is not available, contact a licensed professional electrician regarding the installation of a dedicated outlet.
Note: The mobile power cord does not charge and gives a fault indication if the ground is not present.
Note: Plug the connector for the mobile power cord directly into the wall plug receptacle. Do not plug the mobile power cord into any form of extension cord.
Note: The wall bracket must be used to support the charge control box. The charge control box cannot be hung from the outlet or wall plug.
Power Cord Indicator Light Meanings
| Amber | Blue | Red | Mode | Action |
| OFF | OFF | OFF | UNPOWERED; The mobile power cord is not powered | Make sure the outlet is operational, and the circuit breaker is in the ON position, or try using another outlet. Ensure the connector is fully inserted into the mobile power cord. Ensure the plug is not severely degraded. If the error persists, contact your Ford dealership. |
| OFF | PULSING | OFF | CHARGING; The mobile power cord is charging. | No action is required. |
| OFF | ON | OFF | STANDBY; The mobile power cord is powered and ready to charge. At the current time, the mobile power cord is not charging the vehicle. | If you expect the mobile power cord to be charging the vehicle, make sure the vehicle coupler is properly inserted into the vehicle. Check and adjust your charging time preferences in the on-screen display. If your vehicle is still not charging, contact Ford. |
| ON | ON | ON | REBOOTING; The mobile power cord is recovering after encountering an error. | Wait for the mobile power cord to return to standby. If the mobile power cord cycles for more than 2- 3 minutes, unplug the vehicle coupler. Unplug and replug the connector. If the issue persists, contact Ford. |
| ON | PULSING | OFF | CHARGING REDUCED; The mobile power cord is charging at a reduced rate due to overheating. | Make sure the connector and the control box are properly connected. Unplug and replug in the connector. If the mobile power cord is warm or in a hot environment, try charging in a cooler area. Try a different outlet. Try a different connector if you have one available. If the error persists, contact Ford. |
| ONE FLASH | PULSING | OFF | CHARGING REDUCED, AC PLUG OR WALL OUTLET; The mobile power cord is charging at a reduced rate due to overheating of the connector or the wall outlet. | Make sure the connector and control box are properly connected. Unplug and replug the connector. If the mobile power cord is warm or in a hot environment, try charging in a cooler area. Try a different outlet. Try a different connector if you have one available. If the error persists, contact Ford. |
| ON | OFF | OFF | USER TROUBLESHOOTING; The mobile power cord has encountered a fault that requires troubleshooting. | Make sure the connector and control box are properly connected. Unplug and replug the connector. If the mobile power cord is warm or in a hot environment, try charging in a cooler area. Try a different outlet. Try a different connector if you have one available. If the error persists, contact Ford. |
| OFF | OFF | ON | NON – RECOVERABLE FAULT; There is an internal fault in the mobile power cord that cannot be recovered. | Try a different connector if you have one available. If the error persists, contact Ford. |
| OFF | OFF | ONE FLASH | NON – RECOVERABLE FAULT; There is an internal fault in the connector that cannot be recovered. | Try using another connector if you have one available. If not, contact us about obtaining a replacement. If your warranty has expired, you can order a replacement from your Ford dealer. |
| OFF | OFF | PULSING | GROUND LEAKAGE FAULT; Electrical current is leaking through a potentially unsafe path. | Potential shock hazard – immediately turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet within the home. Discontinue use. Contact us about obtaining a replacement. |
Note: When plugging into an unfamiliar wall outlet, let the vehicle charge for several minutes before leaving it unattended. The red indicator illuminates if not charging. The unit turns off if a breaker or infrastructure ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is tripped. You can view vehicle charging status remotely via the Ford Pass app.
Mobile Power Cord Auto-Restart
Auto-restart helps to make sure that your vehicle will be charged and ready for use when needed. A charge could be interrupted if errors are detected. Charging resumes once the error is no longer detected. The red indicator illuminates during an error condition.
The exception to the immediate auto-restart is when the interruption is due to a charger ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) event. The charger attempts to restart 15 minutes after a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) event. After the fourth attempt to restart, the charger shuts down and the red indicator stays on.
If the fault persists, do not continue to try to charge your vehicle. Contact your authorized Ford dealer.
LOCATING THE CHARGE PORT
The charge port is on the left-hand side of the vehicle. Press and release the center right-hand edge of the charge port door to open.
Note: Do not apply excessive force. Forcing the door open or closed damages the charge port.
CHARGE PORT INDICATORS
The charge status indicator is next to the charging port behind the charge port door. It indicates the charge status of the high-voltage battery in your vehicle.
Divided into five zones, the charge status indicator displays the state of charge in 20 percent increments.
The charge status indicator displays how far along the charge is.
- When zone A is pulsing, the charge is between 0-20 percent.
- When zone A illuminates, and zone B is pulsing, the charge is between 20-40 percent.
- When zones A and B illuminate and zone C is pulsing, the charge is between 40-60 percent.
- When zones A, B, and C illuminate, and zone D is pulsing, the charge is between 60-80 percent.
- When zones A, B, C, and D illuminate, and zone E is pulsing, the charge is between 80-100 percent.
- When all zones illuminate, the charge is 100 percent.
Note: When charging stops, the charge status indicator illuminates all completed zones in a solid blue for 30 seconds before turning off. For example, if charging stops at 70 percent, then A, B and C illuminate a solid blue to indicate a battery charge level of at least 60 percent but less than 80 percent. Charging stops when complete or when paused due to charge settings or charge station actions.
Note: If the charge status indicator does not illuminate or pulse after plugging in, verify that the charge port light setting is on. If you do not wish to have the charge status indicator illuminate at all while charging, you can turn it off. Locate the charge port light under the vehicle settings on your in-vehicle touchscreen. There are four charge port indicator light colors that indicate a specific action: White is used as a courtesy light to help with plugging in and to acknowledge actions such as plugging and unplugging.
Blue indicates when the vehicle is plugged in and is either charging or waiting to charge.
Green indicates power transfer using the intelligent backup power system.
Amber indicates charge faults.
Note: Charging faults are identified by the color amber on the charge status indicator. Faults can occur within the vehicle charging system or outside the vehicle, such as with the mobile power cord, charge station or electrical supply.
Note: If the system detects a fault in the vehicle charging system at any point in a charge cycle, the entire charge status indicator illuminates a solid amber color for 30 seconds and then turns off. If this happens, unplug the charge coupler and plug it back into the charge port receptacle. If the problem persists, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Note: If the system detects a fault outside the vehicle, such as with the charge station or mobile power cord, the entire charge status indicator flashes amber continuously for 30 seconds and then turns off. If this happens check the mobile power cord, charge station or electrical supply.
Charging Using the Mobile Power Cord
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE- The plug must be properly grounded. Use a dedicated circuit. If you do not use a dedicated circuit, the circuit breaker could trip or open. If you do not have a dedicated circuit, contact a licensed professional electrician for proper installation.
To charge the high-voltage battery:
You must unwrap the mobile power cord completely before charging.
1. Put your vehicle in park (P).
Note: Your vehicle must be in park (P) to charge.
2. Plug the connector into the charger control box.
Note: To insert the connector, firmly grasp the connector by the cable or plug and push it into the charger control box until an audible click is heard. Make sure the connector is fully inserted and flush with the charger control box before inserting it into the outlet. Improper insertion will cause a longer charge session or faults.
- Plug the connector into the wall outlet.
- Confirm that the mobile power cord indicator lights illuminate.
- Press and release the center right-hand edge of the charge port door to open.
6. Plug the charge coupler into the charge port receptacle on your vehicle.
Note: Make sure the button clicks confirming that you have completely engaged the coupler. When you plug in your vehicle, it starts charging to 100% by default unless scheduled charging has been set up for this location. See Setting the Charging Schedule and Preferences (page 213).
Note: Plug the connector into the wall outlet before connecting the charge coupler handle to your vehicle’s charge port.
Note: When the handle is properly engaged the light ring illuminates. This indicates the beginning of a normal charge cycle
Note: There could be a delay in light ring illumination due to vehicle internal communications.
Note: If charging for your vehicle fails, please contact the Customer Relationship Center, or click on Live chat. To ensure superior service, please take note of your serial number located on the back of the mobile power cord control box when contacting customer support.
Charging At a Charge Station
1. Put your vehicle in park (P).
Note: Your vehicle must be in park (P) to charge.
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2. Press and release the center right-hand edge of the charge port door to open.
3. Select the appropriate charge station coupler.
4. Plug the charge coupler handle into the charge port receptacle on your vehicle.
Note: Make sure the button clicks confirming that you have completely engaged the coupler. When you plug in your vehicle, it starts charging to 100% by default unless scheduled charging has been set up for this location. See Setting the Charging Schedule and Preferences (page 213).
Note: When the handle is properly engaged the light ring illuminates. This indicates the beginning of a normal charge cycle.
Note: There could be a delay in light ring illumination due to vehicle internal communications.
Information about public charge stations, pricing, power levels, and real-time availability can be accessed through the in-vehicle touchscreen or the FordPass app. Rates for charging vary by power level, provider, location, and time of day.
When charging your vehicle at a BlueOval Charging Network station, use the FordPass App to activate and pay for charging. You can also just plug in to activate charging at Plug & Charge capable stations. If the charging station is not in the BlueOval Charging Network, use the directions on the charging station to activate the charger.
STOPPING CHARGING
Using the mobile power cord
- Press the latch on the charge coupler and remove it from the vehicle charge port.
- Remove the connector plug from the wall outlet.
- Press the center right-hand edge of the charge port door to close.
WARNING: To safely discontinue charging at any time, follow the disconnect instructions in stopping charging. Charging will automatically and safely come to a stop. The BLUE STATUS indicator remains ON solid when the coupler is removed.
Note: Do not pull the connector plug from the wall outlet or the connector from the mobile power cord control box while your vehicle is charging. Doing so could damage the outlet and the cord.
Note: You cannot shift your vehicle out of park (P) until you remove the charge coupler.
DC Charging Guide
1. Put your vehicle in park (P).
Note: Your vehicle must be in park (P) to charge and for the charge status indicator to illuminate.
2. Press and release the center right-hand edge of the charge port door to open the door.
3. Open the additional dust cap on the charge port to expose the lower connectors.
4. Plug the charge coupler into the charge port receptacle on your vehicle.
Note: Make sure the button clicks confirming that you have completely engaged the coupler. Your vehicle locks to the charge coupler.
Note: When the handle is properly engaged, the light ring illuminates. This indicates the beginning of a normal charge cycle.
Note: The vehicle monitors battery health and may take actions including, but not limited to, reducing the DC fast charge rate to protect the battery hardware from damage, and to maintain battery health.
Information about public charge stations, pricing, power levels and real-time availability can be accessed through the in-vehicle touchscreen or the FordPass app. Rates for charging vary by power level, provider, location and time of day.
Note: When charging your vehicle at a public charge station, follow the directions on the charge station.
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STOPPING CHARGING
- Push the coupler unlock button on the light ring.
2. Press the latch on the charge coupler and remove it from the vehicle charge port.
3. Close the dust cap for the lower connectors.
4. Press the center right-hand edge of the charge port door to close.
4. Press the center right-hand edge of the charge port door to close.
Charge Coupler Manual Release
In the event that your vehicle does not unlock the charge coupler, you can manually release it.
- Switch your vehicle off.
- Open the frunk.
- Remove the outer luggage compartment covers.
- Locate the low-voltage service disconnect on the left-hand fender apron.
5. Press the latch and pull the low voltage service disconnect to the off position.
6. Locate the manual release ring.
7. Pull the manual release ring upward to detach it from the grommet.
- Pull the manual release ring firmly in the direction shown.
- Press the latch on the charge coupler and remove it from the vehicle charge port.
- Reinstall the manual release ring to the grommet.
- Push the low voltage service disconnect to on.
- Reinstall the outer luggage compartment covers.
- Close the frunk.
Charging Cord Specifications
| Specification Type | Specification Value |
| Charger Model | SAE |
| Voltage | 120-240 VAC |
| Maximum Current | 32 Amps max continuous |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Power draw when idle | less than 2 Watts |
| Cable Length | Approximately 20 feet or 6.1 meters |
| Weight | 8.6 lb or 3.9 kg |
| Operating Temperature | -22°F (-30°C) to 122°F (50°C) |
| Storage Temperature | -22°F (-30°C) to 185°F (85°C) |
| CCID Environmental | IP67 |
| Ventilation | Not Required |
MOVING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Make sure you wrap the mobile power cord after charging. Store the mobile power cord in the storage bag supplied with the mobile power cord.
When charging is complete, replace the mobile power cord under the passenger seat.
Note: Do not hold the mobile power cord by the power cable. Hold the complete unit and carefully place it back in the storage bag.
Note: To remove the connector, firmly grasp the connector by the cable or plug and pull away from the control box.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Do not use cleaners or solvents as this could damage your mobile power cord. Do not place stress on the charger cables. If the unit overheats, remove the mobile power cord from direct sunlight.
SAFETY FEATURES
The charger includes the following safety features to protect against the risk of electric shock:
Service Ground Check: The charger constantly checks for the presence of a service ground connection. If the service ground ever fails, the charger red indicator turns ON and shuts down power to the vehicle.
Thermal Event Sensor: The charger module senses out-of-ordinary thermal events and decreases the charging current or shuts the unit down if required.
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) Protection: The charger has a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) reaction system to protect against electric shock. If the charger module detects an output ground fault, it shuts down power to the output cable and illuminates the red indicator.
Insulation: The charger module, connector, cable assembly, and charge coupler are completely insulated. There are no exposed live parts, to protect against electric shock.
Unintentional Disconnection: The charge coupler is designed to minimize unintentional disconnection. A pilot signal wire in the cable and charge coupler eliminates the possibility of electric shock when not connected to a vehicle or if an unintended disconnect occurs during a charge. Disconnection during charging is safe.