2019 XLT SCAB, 302A, 3.3L-6 spd, 145” WB, 13,700mi.

I have searched this forum intermittently over several days and not found any discussion the Engine Hours subject.

Could someone enlighten an old man on the intended function of the ‘Engine Hours meter’ on these trucks?

Over the years, I have owned and/or operated and maintained a wide variety of light and heavy equipment including aircraft, fire apparatus, lifts, cranes, yard machines, etc. and have never seen an hour meter that records time on an engine that is not running. WT…? I understand how one can do this, tying the meter just after the ignition instead of the oil pressure sensor; I just don’t understand WHY they would do that?? It is not recording engine hours, it is recording ‘Ignition ON’ hours. Sorta defeats the purpose of recording Engine Hours (engine/driveline maintenance).

Could someone ‘splain what function this data point is expected to serve?

 

The only thing I can think of off hand is that would allow time logging of any module programming changes.

 

I would venture a guess that the vast majority of "engine hours" are logged while the engine is running and not when the ignition is on but the engine not running.

This info is especially useful when a vehicle sees a lot of idle time (e.g., police cars, taxis, utility maintenance vehicles, etc.).

 

My guess, it is tied with the oil change monitor. Although many of us oldtimers still prefer to change oil at intervals with mileage, not the best idea to the contractor that lets his truck idle all day.

 

Nope, not the best idea, but for some applications it is: Police vehicles ... ours ran damn near 24x7.

 

I know when the key is on the timer runs when viewing the trip meter. Out of curiosity I left my key on for a couple hours connected to the a charger to see if the "idle hours" would increase. They did not. I would suspect engine hours would be the same result but I did not pay attention to it.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52merc

The only thing I can think of off hand is that would allow time logging of any module programming changes.

Not sure I understand your reasoning here. Are you suggesting a ‘Power ON’ record? If so, why not call it that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadPilot

I would venture a guess that the vast majority of "engine hours" are logged while the engine is running and not when the ignition is on but the engine not running.

Agreed, the vast majority of hours will be recorded with the engine running. Still, it ain’t the fact of what is actually recorded. More on idling, below.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpencerPJ

My guess, it is tied with the oil change monitor. Although many of us oldtimers still prefer to change oil at intervals with mileage, not the best idea to the contractor that lets his truck idle all day.

OK, I could imagine that but why record time the engine is not turning? As for idling time, you and roadPilot mention, Ford also records ‘Idling Hours’, a subset of the Engine Hours. I totally understand the importance and that is my dilemma. Some applications (police, fire, service contractors, etc.) will be using engine hours as a maintenance interval in lieu of miles. A very good reason for Ford to include that meter. I just fail to understand the implementation.

 

rbuck,
You are gonna make me look…

 

I don't know why you think accessory mode hours are being counted as engine hours. It does not appear to be doing that, to me.

If you're looking at the trip odometer timer, that's a different function.

Not that it really makes much difference; how often do you leave your vehicle in accessory mode for very long? I rarely do, since the radio can be played without it. I don't worry about it messing up any of my timers to any significant degree.