Recalls Improved Truck/ No More Battery Saver Mode

[OneAlienBoi]

Has anyone else had this experience? I don't want to jinx it, but near the beginning of November, I started to get battery saver notifications on my phone. The truck would start right up, but things like the interior lights wouldn't come on until you put the key in. Took it to the dealership, asked if they could check the battery while doing an oil change. They said it came back fine, and that the symptoms I was experiencing were software issues addressed by the recalls.

Scheduled the recalls for a few weeks later. The battery saver notification was really inconsistent during that time. It would go away, I'd think I was fine, then it would come back again. Sometimes driving it for a hour on the highway would do nothing about the notifications, but driving it for 5 minutes over the course of 2 days, and it notifications would disappear for a few more days. So driving distance didn't seem to make much of a difference.

Took in in for the software recalls, asks politely again if they could just double check the battery since the truck was gonna be there for half a day. Battery comes back fine again. Now the notifications have been gone for 3 days. Part of me is hopeful getting all the recalls done has indeed fixed whatever was causing that. Part of me is worried right as I think it's fixed, the notifications will come back again.

Have any other hybrid owners been in this situation? Getting the notifications but your dealer saying the battery was fine? If so, did the software recalls help long term, or was it just a brief source of relief?

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[Bluebeard22]

So here is a question. Do you close the app on your phone after connecting to the truck, or do you leave it open in the background? I wonder if the constant app connection is part of the reason for the battery drain. It would keep the telematics on line and sending updates to your app. Just a thought.

 

[CurtisB]

Also, what specificly where the recalls that were done? I know that Ford is supposed to have a software fix for this during the first quarter of next year (2025) so I don't know what recalls you are referring to.

 

[icegradner]

The dealerships often put the truck on a trickle charger while doing services, it's just a short term fix that lasts for a while, depends on how much you drive. I've experienced this a few times, and I've had all the recalls done other than the backup camera (10 in total so far).

 

[A Sturdy Beast]

Has anyone else had this experience? I don't want to jinx it, but near the beginning of November, I started to get battery saver notifications on my phone. The truck would start right up, but things like the interior lights wouldn't come on until you put the key in. Took it to the dealership, asked if they could check the battery while doing an oil change. They said it came back fine, and that the symptoms I was experiencing were software issues addressed by the recalls.

Scheduled the recalls for a few weeks later. The battery saver notification was really inconsistent during that time. It would go away, I'd think I was fine, then it would come back again. Sometimes driving it for a hour on the highway would do nothing about the notifications, but driving it for 5 minutes over the course of 2 days, and it notifications would disappear for a few more days. So driving distance didn't seem to make much of a difference.

Took in in for the software recalls, asks politely again if they could just double check the battery since the truck was gonna be there for half a day. Battery comes back fine again. Now the notifications have been gone for 3 days. Part of me is hopeful getting all the recalls done has indeed fixed whatever was causing that. Part of me is worried right as I think it's fixed, the notifications will come back again.

Have any other hybrid owners been in this situation? Getting the notifications but your dealer saying the battery was fine? If so, did the software recalls help long term, or was it just a brief source of relief?

I had two of the software recalls done last September by mobile service on my ‘23 hybrid. The tech hooked up a battery charger and it was not of the trickle variety. He attached the charger directly to the battery, not the under hood jumper points. After the software flash, I had dome lights and the 12v outlet in the bed stayed on for 20 or so minutes removing the key.

I was ecstatic, as after a few months of ownership my truck stays in deep sleep mode and the 12v outlets power down the moment I exit the truck. The improvement lasted about three days and then it was back to deep sleep.

I have fuse 11 pulled, I have never installed the Ford pass app, never paired a phone, never used the truck’s wi-fi or bluetooth.

I drive the truck about 3,000 miles a year. I use a trickle charger, but it only charges for 10 or 15 minutes and then says it is full.

In November of ‘23 I put in a new Duralast Gold battery, which is what the forum was recommending at the time. That cured the deep sleep for about three months.

The big annoyance for me is the 12v bed outlet needing the key on to air up my bike tires. I dread forgetting the keys in the ignition and locking them in at the trail head.

Now I’m contemplating putting in an AGM battery.

 

[CurtisB]

I had two of the software recalls done last September by mobile service on my ‘23 hybrid. The tech hooked up a battery charger and it was not of the trickle variety. He attached the charger directly to the battery, not the under hood jumper points. After the software flash, I had dome lights and the 12v outlet in the bed stayed on for 20 or so minutes removing the key.

I was ecstatic, as after a few months of ownership my truck stays in deep sleep mode and the 12v outlets power down the moment I exit the truck. The improvement lasted about three days and then it was back to deep sleep.

I have fuse 11 pulled, I have never installed the Ford pass app, never paired a phone, never used the truck’s wi-fi or bluetooth.

I drive the truck about 3,000 miles a year. I use a trickle charger, but it only charges for 10 or 15 minutes and then says it is full.

In November of ‘23 I put in a new Duralast Gold battery, which is what the forum was recommending at the time. That cured the deep sleep for about three months.

The big annoyance for me is the 12v bed outlet needing the key on to air up my bike tires. I dread forgetting the keys in the ignition and locking them in at the trail head.

Now I’m contemplating putting in an AGM battery.

Get the AGM Battery. You will always get sleep messages and no dome lights because our trucks always draw from our batteries long after you shut it down, BUT, the AGM battery will recharge faster and stay charged longer. The AGM battery is more compatible to the software our trucks run on.

I've had an AGM battery since May of this year. I get sleep messages, but not as often and my battery always gets fully charged. The flooded battery would sulfate and be dead with 2 months due to how the software charges the battery.

 

[2020 GT500]

Wow, ever have seen this on my 22 ecoboost. Sounds like another hybrid related issue?

 

[jewc75]

They have to fully charge your battery to test it. Give it a few days and you will get the notice again.

 

[Mbundi2023]

I have a 2023 Hybrid that has gone through a new battery, recalls, software updates, etc. It has been to the dealership 4 times since June for the same battery saver mode issue. Every time they think they have it resolved it has only worked for a short time. I took it in last week and they have now ordered some part that worked to fix an F-150 that was having the same issues. I really don’t think they know what to do so they will try this part. I don’t know what the part is but I’ll post again once they install it and let you know if it fixes the issue.

 

[HeyBales]

So here is a question. Do you close the app on your phone after connecting to the truck, or do you leave it open in the background? I wonder if the constant app connection is part of the reason for the battery drain. It would keep the telematics on line and sending updates to your app. Just a thought.

Won't make a difference.

The app isn't connected directly to the truck, doesn't talk to and request constant updates from the truck just because it's open.

The app talks to and requests updates from the Ford app server.
App server doesn't request an update from the truck if last status was parked, or on a time frequency after that.
And there seems to be a timeout for info, truck will report an updated tire pressure after so much time, but not constantly, if you keep checking the app you get whatever the server received last.

Not sure it does moving either very frequently, but at least then it does more, updated info sent when started and fresh sensor readings (like tire pressure).

The TCU is just like in cell phone since that's what it is. It doesn't have a constant open channel like open phone call, or like streaming data.
If app server needs to get truck to respond on unlock or start request the app sent - a code is sent over the control channel that is maintained with the network, modem connects in a way to send data and reports in, gets instructions, you'll get an update then.

 

[HeyBales]

Since it was the BCM that had the update for the taillight issue, and a prior issue was in the BCM too, wouldn't be surprised if finally getting those made a change to the alert levels for you.

Not that the levels changed - you just stopped getting alerts about it.

Battery saver is when things start turning off early.

Deep sleep is when the TCU is powered down and the last fling is the warning you'll get in the app about no access to truck remotely.

I've yet to see that, despite hitting several days of below 50% SOC by it's own BCM PID value, which is supposedly one of the ways to get deep sleep.
I'm thinking they've changed that now for what's required.

 

[HeyBales]

I have a 2023 Hybrid that has gone through a new battery, recalls, software updates, etc. It has been to the dealership 4 times since June for the same battery saver mode issue. Every time they think they have it resolved it has only worked for a short time. I took it in last week and they have now ordered some part that worked to fix an F-150 that was having the same issues. I really don’t think they know what to do so they will try this part. I don’t know what the part is but I’ll post again once they install it and let you know if it fixes the issue.

Be glad they were willing to look at it - if they did.

Most the posts you'll see about going to the dealer for battery saver occurring or deep sleep messages is they'll check the battery and that's it - drive more maybe thrown out.

Then again - depends on what they are actually doing - got some work orders with info as to what they did?

I'm guessing new BMS is the part.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Wow, ever have seen this on my 22 ecoboost. Sounds like another hybrid related issue?

EB owners have also had battery issues. Do a search.

 

[Mareys]

3rd battery here in 6 months had it to dealer on Friday they just charged it and said the battery is fine.... Started well over the week end with interior dome light on but i have lost faith and told the service guy i would see him in 2 weeks. i have wifi off, fordap off, auto updates off , keep keys in 2 separate faraday pouches and NEVER drive less than 10 miles after start up, even if it means driving around my neighborhood for an extra 15min. A simple quick run to post office requires 10 miles to the PO (or i take the chance and leave it running)then 10 miles back home so approx 45min for a 12 min trip. Willing to wait for up date this spring and if that doesnt help i guess AGM is next step or trade her in for dreaded reliable SUV. I have resisted SUV/mom Van for 50yrs hate to think it will come to that

 

[MaverickUSA]

Has anyone else had this experience? I don't want to jinx it, but near the beginning of November, I started to get battery saver notifications on my phone. The truck would start right up, but things like the interior lights wouldn't come on until you put the key in. Took it to the dealership, asked if they could check the battery while doing an oil change. They said it came back fine, and that the symptoms I was experiencing were software issues addressed by the recalls.

Scheduled the recalls for a few weeks later. The battery saver notification was really inconsistent during that time. It would go away, I'd think I was fine, then it would come back again. Sometimes driving it for a hour on the highway would do nothing about the notifications, but driving it for 5 minutes over the course of 2 days, and it notifications would disappear for a few more days. So driving distance didn't seem to make much of a difference.

Took in in for the software recalls, asks politely again if they could just double check the battery since the truck was gonna be there for half a day. Battery comes back fine again. Now the notifications have been gone for 3 days. Part of me is hopeful getting all the recalls done has indeed fixed whatever was causing that. Part of me is worried right as I think it's fixed, the notifications will come back again.

Have any other hybrid owners been in this situation? Getting the notifications but your dealer saying the battery was fine? If so, did the software recalls help long term, or was it just a brief source of relief?

My 24 XL Hybrid started to also have battery warning issues. In the beginning of November sometimes it would say something along the lines of "Your vehicle has not been driven in a while so we are disabling remote fetures." This was strange since I literally finished driving about 100 miles a few hours before.
Fast forward to last weekend it had happened a few more times. When I went in for the 20,000mile check up I asked them to also look at the battery. Luckily for me they said it was defective and replaced it at no cost. I used the Ford dealership in Oxnard CA.

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