Exhaust Mode Selection Unavailable on Startup

[FresnoGiant]

I've been having this issue for a while now, and it seems to be getting worse recently. When I first start my 2019 GT350, I get the "Exhaust Mode Selection Not Available" notification. I can change drive modes, but not exhaust. I've researched it and scoured the forums, but nobody seems to be experiencing quite the same thing as I am. Let me explain...

This only happens on a cold start, and it goes away after a couple of minutes of driving or idling. It doesn't happen on subsequent startups, unless the car sits long enough to completely cool. For example, when I drive to work it will happen in the morning, then again in the evening when I go home. However, if I'm out running errands with multiple stops, it only happens on first startup.

I just can't figure what would cause it to malfunction this way. I've inspected the actuators (stock) and all looks good. No wiring breakdown or anything out of the norm. I don't know what else could be happening. If anyone has any thoughts, please share. Thanks, and Happy New Year!

Sponsored

 

[BlkMach10510]

I've been having this issue for a while now, and it seems to be getting worse recently. When I first start my 2019 GT350, I get the "Exhaust Mode Selection Not Available" notification. I can change drive modes, but not exhaust. I've researched it and scoured the forums, but nobody seems to be experiencing quite the same thing as I am. Let me explain...

This only happens on a cold start, and it goes away after a couple of minutes of driving or idling. It doesn't happen on subsequent startups, unless the car sits long enough to completely cool. For example, when I drive to work it will happen in the morning, then again in the evening when I go home. However, if I'm out running errands with multiple stops, it only happens on first startup.

I just can't figure what would cause it to malfunction this way. I've inspected the actuators (stock) and all looks good. No wiring breakdown or anything out of the norm. I don't know what else could be happening. If anyone has any thoughts, please share. Thanks, and Happy New Year!

Per Ai " The "Exhaust Mode Selection Unavailable on Startup" error, common in Ford Shelby GT500s (2020-2022) and other performance Mustangs with active exhaust, usually means heat or movement caused wiring to chafe and short, blowing a fuse (like #34) or damaging the harness connected to the exhaust valve actuators, requiring inspection, harness repair/replacement, fuse check, and potentially rerouting wires away from hot/sharp body panels to fix."

Maybe this can help.

 

[FresnoGiant]

Per Ai " The "Exhaust Mode Selection Unavailable on Startup" error, common in Ford Shelby GT500s (2020-2022) and other performance Mustangs with active exhaust, usually means heat or movement caused wiring to chafe and short, blowing a fuse (like #34) or damaging the harness connected to the exhaust valve actuators, requiring inspection, harness repair/replacement, fuse check, and potentially rerouting wires away from hot/sharp body panels to fix."

Maybe this can help.

Thanks for the response, but yeah I checked wiring and fuses. Nothing there. That's what's frustrating about it. Also can't explain how it corrects itself after a couple minutes each time.

 

[Postal Bob]

A shot in the dark; How old is your battery? I had the notification come on at a time when my battery was nearing replacement. The warning only lasted a few seconds after the car was started. Once I replaced the battery, no warning notification. If there's not sufficient voltage available, these cars will not let you select exhaust mode. After a few minutes, the battery is charged sufficiently for exhaust mode operation.

 

[FresnoGiant]

A shot in the dark; How old is your battery? I had the notification come on at a time when my battery was nearing replacement. The warning only lasted a few seconds after the car was started. Once I replaced the battery, no warning notification. If there's not sufficient voltage available, these cars will not let you select exhaust mode. After a few minutes, the battery is charged sufficiently for exhaust mode operation.

That's a great point. I was sure that was the issue, since the battery is 2 years old. I did have the battery tested (checked out fine) after the first few times this happened. It was just intermittent then, but now it's every time. Maybe time to re-test.

 

[BlkMach10510]

Yes, our cars need to just come with a battery tender.

 

[BlkMach10510]

That's a great point. I was sure that was the issue, since the battery is 2 years old. I did have the battery tested (checked out fine) after the first few times this happened. It was just intermittent then, but now it's every time. Maybe time to re-test.

I just bought a new battery for mine, my battery was having issues only about five months after I bought the car new. Our cars love draining power. I have a battery tender on the new battery and now it seems fine. We prob should have a more powerful battery for all the electronics that comes with these cars.

 

[Sajin]

To prevent battery drain on these cars make sure you lock the car with your key fob when not being used. Otherwise the car will keep sensors active that will cause a parasitic draw. Oh, and make sure you keep your key fob out of range as well.

 

[FresnoGiant]

I just bought a new battery for mine, my battery was having issues only about five months after I bought the car new. Our cars love draining power. I have a battery tender on the new battery and now it seems fine. We prob should have a more powerful battery for all the electronics that comes with these cars.

You're right about that. I replaced the stock battery in under a year/5k miles. Went with a higher CCA (590) since I run a dash-cam that drains it constantly. That lasted almost 3 years. Current battery (also 590CCA) is only 2 years old, so I had hoped it would get another year. I'll have to get it tested and I'll report results.

Thanks guys, for the feedback.

 

[FresnoGiant]

To prevent battery drain on these cars make sure you lock the car with your key fob when not being used. Otherwise the car will keep sensors active that will cause a parasitic draw. Oh, and make sure you keep your key fob out of range as well.

Are you saying to lock with the fob as opposed to the door handle sensor? Or just that keeping it locked in general prevents the battery drain? Also what about keeping the fob out of range? What does that do? Not sure I can feasibly do that when home. The furthest point in my house from my car/garage is probably still within range.

 

[BlkMach10510]

Are you saying to lock with the fob as opposed to the door handle sensor? Or just that keeping it locked in general prevents the battery drain? Also what about keeping the fob out of range? What does that do? Not sure I can feasibly do that when home. The furthest point in my house from my car/garage is probably still within range.

Yes, use the fob to lock. And to block the fob's signal get a faraday bag.

 

[TEAsGrabber]

Yes, use the fob to lock. And to block the fob's signal get a faraday bag.

Weird.......I don't have a GT350, but don't have any battery issues. My 22 still has the OEM battery and I leave the key fob inside the car unlocked with the windows down in my garage. The only time I get a mode unavailable is when I try to change while the car is in reverse.

 

[galaxy]

A shot of WD40 inside the exhaust tip to hit both ends of the valve where it pivots. That’s all. I do this with every wash.

 

[TonyNJ]

Actuators go bad. If it's not the harness or the fuse, it's the actuator. I've chased this gremlin before. Go get a replacement, even a used one from a reputable source will probably provide the cure. If you hook up an OBD reader, it will tell you which side is bad, if not both. If it's just one side, switch them and see if the code moves to the other side with it. Then you'll know what's up.

 

[FISH22]

A shot of WD40 inside the exhaust tip to hit both ends of the valve where it pivots. That’s all. I do this with every wash.

Great reminder. I’ve neglected this over the last couple years.

Been watching my buddies GT350 for the last few months while he’s deployed and I’ve noticed his valves have become very noisy and slow to move. Need to lubricate those valves.

Sponsored