Starting problem - 24 XLT Hybrid, 5,200 miles

[Jim_S]

I picked up my new Maverick in July, 2024. Messages from FordPass about the Remote Features unavailable, etc., started arriving in November. I ignored them since whatever the problem was didn't cause me any starting issues - until now.

Last week on Wednesday, 1/15 the truck would not start. The driver side door was unlocked, which I found strange, since I rarely leave it open. When I put the key in the ignition there were no dash lights either. Turned the key - nothing.

I used my battery charger to charge it from the posts in the engine compartment and left it on for about 7 hours. Got my dome lights and dash lights back and it started no problem. Scheduled an appointment with the dealer.

Two days later on Friday I drove about 20 miles. The next day, dead again.

I decided to replace the battery with the AGM battery I bought over the holidays (Uplus AGM-L50-UP from Amazon). The truck ran great Sunday and then again on Tuesday. It sat until today (Friday) and now the new battery is dead too.

I plan on putting the original battery back in and scheduling mobile service on Monday.

So why am I starting another battery thread? I just wanted to warn other owners that the AGM battery might not solve the problem. Something is draining the battery, at least in my case. Maybe it has something to do with the cold. It has been between 0 and 20 degrees here in Buffalo for a week. Or maybe I just got two bad batteries.

FWIW, I have not made any electrical mods or FORScan changes yet. The trailer hitch was installed at the factory and the door entry keypad by the dealer before I picked it up.

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[710-oil-614]

Bummer to hear that.

I will say that in my 2025 I get 0 clicking after exiting the vehicle so I wonder if they didn't put the fix in the 25s already.

 

[ZABSMAV]

I picked up my new Maverick in July, 2024. Messages from FordPass about the Remote Features unavailable, etc., started arriving in November. I ignored them since whatever the problem was didn't cause me any starting issues - until now.

Last week on Wednesday, 1/15 the truck would not start. The driver side door was unlocked, which I found strange, since I rarely leave it open. When I put the key in the ignition there were no dash lights either. Turned the key - nothing.

I used my battery charger to charge it from the posts in the engine compartment and left it on for about 7 hours. Got my dome lights and dash lights back and it started no problem. Scheduled an appointment with the dealer.

Two days later on Friday I drove about 20 miles. The next day, dead again.

I decided to replace the battery with the AGM battery I bought over the holidays (Uplus AGM-L50-UP from Amazon). The truck ran great Sunday and then again on Tuesday. It sat until today (Friday) and now the new battery is dead too.

I plan on putting the original battery back in and scheduling mobile service on Monday.

So why am I starting another battery thread? I just wanted to warn other owners that the AGM battery might not solve the problem. Something is draining the battery, at least in my case. Maybe it has something to do with the cold. It has been between 0 and 20 degrees here in Buffalo for a week. Or maybe I just got two bad batteries.

FWIW, I have not made any electrical mods or FORScan changes yet. The trailer hitch was installed at the factory and the door entry keypad by the dealer before I picked it up.

The deep sleep defect. I don't understand why people are spending their own money thinking replacing the flooded lead acid battery with an AGM battery would solve the cars improperly designed charging circuit. Until Ford finds a way to get some competent engineers on board to redesign the charging circuit, tests it to confirm it works, and then recalls all of our hybrids, no amount of replacing of batteries is going to do squat to stop this madness.

 

[Jim_S]

I agree that this is Ford's problem. When I called for a service appointment they were 9 days out. Since this is my only vehicle I needed a plan B. $120 for the more robust battery on sale gave me what I thought was a little insurance.

Now I know that, at least in my case, the battery is not the problem. You seem to know that too. Thanks for your input.

 

[Jim_S]

My Mav was dead again on Tuesday so I scheduled a tow through FordPass. It was dropped off in the early afternoon.

I did not hear anything until today when the service writer said it was being worked on by a technician. An hour later the tech said the battery failed and it was replaced by a Motorcraft Max BXT99RT4A. It is a standard flooded battery.

According to O'Reilly Auto the battery " is made using state-of-the-art technology, which enhances battery longevity and reduces recharging time."

I feel better now.

 

[lonewoof]

My Mav was dead again on Tuesday so I scheduled a tow through FordPass. It was dropped off in the early afternoon.

I did not hear anything until today when the service writer said it was being worked on by a technician. An hour later the tech said the battery failed and it was replaced by a Motorcraft Max BXT99RT4A. It is a standard flooded battery.

According to O'Reilly Auto the battery " is made using state-of-the-art technology, which enhances battery longevity and reduces recharging time."

I feel better now.

Hope you didn't have issues, but knowing that the problem is in the vehicle circuitry and not the battery itself, wanted to warn you that this might happen again, and maybe soon. The real fix is when it comes from Ford as a SW and possible battery recall.

 

[Jim_S]

Hope you didn't have issues, but knowing that the problem is in the vehicle circuitry and not the battery itself, wanted to warn you that this might happen again, and maybe soon. The real fix is when it comes from Ford as a SW and possible battery recall.

I probably should have finished with, "to be continued..."

One other thing I must mention, using FordPass for the first time left me impressed. Scheduling a tow was super simple and I received a phone call from Ford in Dearborn today. The rep was with the Roadside Proactive Program and seemed genuinely concerned. She gave me options about a rental car (emphasizing it had to be a Ford), and promised to follow up on Monday. She also gave me a direct number to call if I needed anything.

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