Troubleshoot Intermotive Wheelchair Lockout for Ford Vehicles

Symptoms

On Ford vehicles, the Vehicle Gateway (VG) presence prevents the Intermotive wheelchair lift from operating.

Causes

All wheelchair lifts require an interlock device per FMCSA safety standards. The interlock device ensures that the vehicle is in park and that the emergency/parking brake is set before the wheelchair lift can be operated. The FMCSA standard also requires that if a scan tool is used, the interlock device must prevent the wheelchair from being used and keep the vehicle in park. Due to the nature of how the VG sends and receives request, the vehicle network identifies the VG as a scan tool (as is the case with any ELD device). This issue will persist until diagnostics are turned off, the VG is disconnected, or the firmware on the interlock device is updated to allow for the VG to function without locking the vehicle in park and prevention of wheelchair operation.

Solution

Intermotive has addressed the issue of the wheelchair lift/parking lockout when the VG is connected and has delivered the fix in firmware update version 4.63. This version has been tested, validated, and confirmed to work with a VG as intended. To resolve the issue upgrade the firmware on the interlock device.

1. Gather the following hardware and tools:

   • Hardware

     • PC

     • InterMotive Programming Utility Kit Power Supply & Download Cable for Level 1 mini, micro, microR platforms (A-IPU-B). Purchase from Intermotive.

     • Mini/Micro Download Cable (S-H37AX). Purchase from Intermotive.

   • Software:

     • Intermotive Download Manager (ZIP)

     • Interlock FW Version 4.63 (See GTWY505_HL510_4p63_071018_xAx.hex)

2. Install Intermotive Download Manager.

3. Follow the Download Manager Instructions to update the firmware.

For issues with this workflow, contact Intermotive Support: 1-800-969-6080, x159