long term storage of hybrid

[Don in FL]

Hello, I am new to this forum. I am impressed with the knowledge of those who post. I purchased a new 2024 Lariat hybrid when I couldn't take possession of the XL due to the recall. I don't know much about the hybrid system. I have an important question. We will be gone all summer and will be storing the Maverick for nearly 4 months. I have a small (motorcycle) charger that I planned to leave plugged in while gone like of done in the past with other vehicles. That worked well. I thought that I could just connect to the positive and ground posts under the hood. I don't fully understand the sleep mode and don't want to harm the batteries or have problems when we return in the fall. The dealership was no help and on the Ford website, I couldn't find anything on the subject. Can anyone here advise me on the correct action to protect the battery electrical / electronic system of the truck? Thanks in advance for your help.

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[Ohhappy]

I left my 24 Lariet Hybrid for three months last summer. Used a battery maintainer and all was good when I got home. Conected the maintainer/trickle charger, to the pos battery post and to a ground point close to the battery behind the rear seat. Quick, easy and if at some point you get into the sleep thing you can conect you charger to give a quick boost.

 

[HeyBales]

Despite being wisely on a charger - Fordpass app should inform you after 14 days of non-starting that it's gone into Deep sleep mode, to preserve the battery for when you do want to start it.
It won't know you are charging it.

Since you only need a float charge for that long - got a solar panel putting out say 0.6 amp perhaps?

Might confirm what your charger can go down to.

Then there's the sitting in one spot on the floor - max tire pressure or up on stands.

Find this in your manual.

PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE FOR STORAGE

If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30 days or more, the following maintenance recommendations makes sure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
Under various conditions, long-term storage may lead to degraded engine performance or failure unless you use specific precautions to preserve your vehicle.

 

[Don in FL]

Thank you for your help. I'll revisit the manual. By the way, I love how my truck drives. It has been problem free in the three months that I've owned it. Don

 

[Steve Wolf]

Mine has sat in the garage with a trickle charger on it. I ran a socket out the back door and plugged it in when I was not using it for a few days. It worked great.

There are a dozen or so rabbit holes so big that even Alice wouldn't fall in. I have managed to avoid them. For example, my tires are fine after a four-month sit. The idea of jackstands is silly. No, I don't remove the spark plugs and spray oil in the cylinders. No, I don't lather on gas additives. Many companies would be thrilled if some internet wanna-be would set those hooks and reel you in.

 

[ZABSMAV]

Hello, I am new to this forum. I am impressed with the knowledge of those who post. I purchased a new 2024 Lariat hybrid when I couldn't take possession of the XL due to the recall. I don't know much about the hybrid system. I have an important question. We will be gone all summer and will be storing the Maverick for nearly 4 months. I have a small (motorcycle) charger that I planned to leave plugged in while gone like of done in the past with other vehicles. That worked well. I thought that I could just connect to the positive and ground posts under the hood. I don't fully understand the sleep mode and don't want to harm the batteries or have problems when we return in the fall. The dealership was no help and on the Ford website, I couldn't find anything on the subject. Can anyone here advise me on the correct action to protect the battery electrical / electronic system of the truck? Thanks in advance for your help.

There is supposed to be a recall announcement by the end of this month regarding the deep sleep battery charging issue. This should eliminate the problem of the vehicle self-discharging. I have had other older vehicles sit for 6 months and they started on the first turn of the key. There is no reason the Maverick should be any different since it is a modern vehicle.

 

[MetalsGeek]

In connecting a charger, be sure to not bypass the Hall FX sensor on the battery negative terminal. The battery terminal under the hood behind the red plastic cap (along with with engine for ground) is WAY easier to access than the battery under the rear seat. I put a charger on it now and then to top off the battery (and prevent deep sleeps). I think keeping it close to fully charged should prolong its life to some extent, but I've never had the serious issues other club members have.

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