Mav outside in single digit temp's. Got check engine light and car wont start

[whitef]

You could run to any of the big auto parts chains and either borrow or buy a modest OBDII scanner and clear the codes that have the light on. I would note what they are before clearing.

Alternatively, you can download Forscan, which will also read / clear the codes, but will require a cable that you'll almost certainly need to order, so you'll be in the romantic glow of the CEL while that is in transit.

My hope would be that the battery either wasn't charged or is weak, and that it doesn't have enough juice to power up the fuel pump. A faulty, brand new battery is more common that you might think. Of course, that's up the dealer to remedy.

One last thing, I would grab a 10mm wrench and make sure both battery terminals are secure and tight. Something as simple as a loose connection at the battery can cause this, too.

Best of luck!

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[gte105u]

The check engine light is still on. Can I do anything for it to go away ?

Yes, take it to the dealer and have them look at it under warranty. Don't just drive your vehicle with a check engine line that you don't know what it's for. Could cause more serious damage you will then have to fight to be covered.

 

[Daveo89]

A failing battery can cause all sorts of electrical codes to populate, you're asking the system to operate and it's trying but parameters can't be met. As most have suggested, since it's under warranty use the dealer. Have them look at the codes and check the battery under load, they may warranty change the battery based on circumstances too. There was a spat of the 12v batteries that failed last winter (2022 model) reported in the forum as well, seemed to be a bad batch. A good cold snap will kill off a weak battery quickly.

 

[ShadowChas]

Lariat AWD.

Brand New, parked outside in single digit temp's for 2 days. Got check engine light and car wont start.
Looks like battery is giving the ignition(click sounds) but car won't start.

Any ideas please. I see these messages in the ford pass app

I have heard a few members having battery problem even in the ecoboost, so definitely recommend the dealership 1st and the main reason to buy a NEW vehicle is warranty with free towing if/when needed. They should be able to determine if there are any other problems, but the battery itself can cause many codes since all the sensors need proper voltage to work correctly. Good luck, sorry for your problems so soon.

 

[Timaysz]

I am fully weatherized in North Pole AK. I keep mine plugged in, and have zero issues starting. Block heater, trickle charger, oil pan heater, and transmission heater. Good luck.

I use to live in fairbanks area back in the 80's

 

[Dudley]

You got me a little concerned. I have a hybrid and that big Polar Vortex is coming down Thursday Friday and Saturday 0 to 5 degrees??. Well I guess I will find out

I would say this should not be happening in "just" above zero temps. Maybe start harder? Sure, but with the thin viscosity of oil now used instead of 20/40 like in the past the engine getting lubed on a start in such temps should not be the issue it was in the past. Lack of fuel I would say it shouldn't be because the pressure should still be there. Hopefully not frozen moisture in fuel line! Had that happen before!
Is it then all based on sensors that in this case sapped over half of the batteries power in those temps? We are retired so this is not an issue for us, but what if those who like us garage their Mav at home have to let it be outside 8 or more hours in these or colder temps while at work, especially if working at night? This is VERY worrisome!

 

[Dudley]

Lariat AWD.

Brand New, parked outside in single digit temp's for 2 days. Got check engine light and car wont start.
Looks like battery is giving the ignition(click sounds) but car won't start.

Any ideas please. I see these messages in the ford pass ap

This I VERY worrisome as I said in my other post!
I would say IF you need to leave it outside your only option is a trickle charger to keep battery power up. For you to loose over 50 percent of battery power in two days is NOT good and would think SHOULD not happen in above zero temps.
OR; make room for it in your garage. The final thing that made us get a Mav was it fit in our garage and leaves enough room, after rearranging things, for the passenger to walk normally around the front of it.

 

[Jonny44]

You got me a little concerned. I have a hybrid and that big Polar Vortex is coming down Thursday Friday and Saturday 0 to 5 degrees??. Well I guess I will find out

-10F this morning with no problem, and it's not garaged. I think you'll be fine.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Thanks guys.

I tried again now, is started after few attempts by itself.
So I went for a drive (20 miles) and came back(hoping that would charge the battery).

The check engine light is still on. Can I do anything for it to go away ?

Hi there! Will you send us a message with your VIN and your local Ford dealer? I can look into things on my end.

 

[Waterick]

Good to see Ford being pro-active on this. However, I don't believe we're looking at a widespread problem here for those who are worried.

 

[kkgg]

Hi there! Will you send us a message with your VIN and your local Ford dealer? I can look into things on my end.

done, thanks ford

 

[IdahoDirtFarmer]

I am fully weatherized in North Pole AK. I keep mine plugged in, and have zero issues starting. Block heater, trickle charger, oil pan heater, and transmission heater. Good luck.

Out of curiosity where did you get your transmission heater and oil pan heater? I ordered the block heater on mine because we do get some below zero stuff here. Always like to plug stuff in when it starts getting close to 0.

 

[Gooberhamm]

At the very least, need an engine block heater and likely a battery with more Cold Cranking Amps.

 

[kkgg]

I just started the car now(in the morning) it starts but the check engine light is still ON. May be will just goto a dealership

 

[RonRythm]

Typically the check engine light will not go by itself once it’s come on. Have get someone to plug a reader into the OBD port and reset it.

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