12v battery issue not looking good

[MetalsGeek]

In the olden days, clamp-on ammeters only worked for AC, but many now use a Hall Effect sensor and will work for DC as well. (I bought a $40 one here) You might want to put one on the battery cable and watch what happens when you close and lock the truck. It sounds like you have a persistent drain of more than a couple amps, which should be traceable. This is often done by measuring the millivolt drop across each of the fuses, but may not be so easy in the Maverick. In my hybrid, the underhood fuse block is mounted with the connectors on the top so you cannot access the fuses for such testing. They must have had some reason for this egregious design choice and I would love to hear it.

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[boe757]

I do not disagree, but I remain stubborn in my conviction that this should be resolved by the dealership and not on my dime. Yes it is an inconvenience, for some more than others. But if everyone just replaces theirs with a non factory battery then Ford will be quite happy to divest itself from any responsibility in resolving this. We have to shove this in their face. In addition, I am concerned that the installation of a non factory (non approved) battery by an owner could create sufficient cause for them to deny warranty coverage for anything related to an electrical issue.

Same, I have an appointment scheduled with North Country Ford on Sept 10


cancelled

 

[EddieC]

As I have posted numerous times before in response to similar issues regarding the hybrid's 12v battery, my problem persists. Only the mystery deepens and the solution remains elusive. It has now been 5 days that my "24 Lariat hybrid has been sitting in the service bay at my dealership, with no answers or even a workable theory that I know of. A brief history involves deep sleep mode continuously with daily voltage readings prior to driving of 11.3-11.5 volts and a no start condition. Eventually they replaced the battery and it wasn't the fix. And no amount of driving makes a difference. So back to the dealership for the third time. Basically, the battery will charge up to maybe 12.3 v and then drop overnight. So parasitic draw right? But the SOC ( state of charge) that is stuck at around 20% is the weird problem. An overnight 2 amp trickle charge does nothing. So I thought that it would be a fairly simple problem to solve but alas, not even close. I'm driving their loaner so I'm not desperate but I sure would like my truck back. I would also like to hear from anyone who has experienced a similar issue and if and how it was resolved. Thanks
One last note: the service advisor did say that Ford support has been contacted.

I have to charge the 12v every 3 or 4 weeks. I guess I shouldn't complain. Hope your problem is solved soon.

 

[uga]

Most ecoboost Mavericks came with AGM batteries with the correct settings according
to FORScan. However, all Hybrids came with flooded batteries and according to FORScan the settings are set for a AGM battery.

 

[Matso]

That's what I keep hearing but my service advisor isn't spilling.

 

[Bruce W]

The 12v battery issue in hybrids can become a very personal choice. I also get the warranty issue and Ford’s responsibility but, they have been largely unable to solve this issue for three years now with no end in sight. I also purchased the AC Delco LN1 AGM from Rock Auto and I could swear that the hybrid Mav just operates better and more consistently with an AGM which is consistent with the hybrid software setting. All my deep sleep/ dome/ courtesy light issues disappeared. The AGM charges at 14.6 to 14.8v and consistently rests at 12.8v to 13.0v ….. right where it should be. I just don’t have the time and patience to deal with the dealership on an unsupported issue. Hope the OP finds the path that works best for them to resolve this frustrating problem.

What battery did you buy? There is a lot of argument about hybrid, lead acid and AGM batteries. Does your battery have a vent tube? Necessary as the battery compartment is inside the truck. A would assume the AGM is a vented battery also? My 22 came with a lead acid. Replaced it on my dime with a good brand. Still I need to charge it weekly to stay above 12.4 volts. The dealer assured me the battery type is correct. There is no good reason I should need to disable features just to keep the system at a good voltage!

 

[Trainlover]

I have had my Maverick hybrid for five months. Battery started going into deep sleep after two months. The truck always started, but would not connect to Ford Pass app monitoring. My dealership (kudos to Reineke Ford in Findlay, Ohio) agreed to test the battery. It tested at 25% of capacity. They replaced the battery as a warranty issue. There have been no issues with the new battery.

 

[Builder]

What battery did you buy? There is a lot of argument about hybrid, lead acid and AGM batteries. Does your battery have a vent tube? Necessary as the battery compartment is inside the truck. A would assume the AGM is a vented battery also? My 22 came with a lead acid. Replaced it on my dime with a good brand. Still I need to charge it weekly to stay above 12.4 volts. The dealer assured me the battery type is correct. There is no good reason I should need to disable features just to keep the system at a good voltage!

I bought the AC Delco LN1 AGM. A few places carry it but Rock Auto had the best price when I bought it. It’s the same fitment as the OEM flooded battery. Has the vent holes on both sides and came with the vent plug to use on the side opposite the vent tube insert. It’s a perfect drop in replacement. I also turned off all the telematics in the Mav but did not pull fuse #11.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

In the olden days, clamp-on ammeters only worked for AC, but many now use a Hall Effect sensor and will work for DC as well. (I bought a $40 one here) You might want to put one on the battery cable and watch what happens when you close and lock the truck. It sounds like you have a persistent drain of more than a couple amps, which should be traceable. This is often done by measuring the millivolt drop across each of the fuses, but may not be so easy in the Maverick. In my hybrid, the underhood fuse block is mounted with the connectors on the top so you cannot access the fuses for such testing. They must have had some reason for this egregious design choice and I would love to hear it.

When I lock the truck I can hear what I believe to be (from perceived near HVB but who knows) a pump running probably to continue to move HVB coolant until I put output coolant temps are balanced on HVB. If I double lock with fob or keypad that pump does not run (that I hear?). Please check with your sensor to see if double lock shuts down ALL of that 2 amp after ne or two seconds. Note that some have recommended a 4 amp minimum 12v maintainer be used because of the intermittent 12v draws.

 

[Matso]

To Trainlover, happy to hear they replaced your battery under warranty as that can be a battle. Best of luck to you. My experience with that has not been very good.

 

[PNWMaverick]

I do not disagree, but I remain stubborn in my conviction that this should be resolved by the dealership and not on my dime.

While understandable, sometimes life doesn't work out that way.

Under Ford's warranty they are only obligated to replace the (terrible) battery with another (terrible) battery. In doing so they can kick the can down the road until your warranty is expired, without actually fixing the issue. As fixing the issue would require they acknowledge they have a poor battery and it has caused wide spread issue.

They won't do that without being forced.

Yes it is an inconvenience, for some more than others. But if everyone just replaces theirs with a non factory battery then Ford will be quite happy to divest itself from any responsibility in resolving this. We have to shove this in their face.

The only face shoving Ford is going to understand is the legal kind.

In addition, I am concerned that the installation of a non factory (non approved) battery by an owner could create sufficient cause for them to deny warranty coverage for anything related to an electrical issue.

Replacing your battery can not void your warranty. Short of you reversing polarity and it going south that way. However, simply installing non-factory parts does not void a warranty. We don't have to use their chosen battery, their chosen tire, their audio equipment.

Start cracking blocks and cases? Yea, void a warranty. "Bolt on" mods do not.

This is kind of like the misbelief that the "Void if Removed" or "Void if Broken" stickers are legitimate. They aren't, never have been. Here in the U.S. that specific scenario has been litigated.

I completely understand all of that and I have no doubt the AGM solved your problem. So much so I called my service advisor earlier today to suggest we find a way to lobby for a deal to actually get an AMG installed, at least in part with assistance from Ford. I know that sounds crazy but you never know until you try.

That doesn't sound crazy. I know for a fact Ford has done partial coverage on warranty/customer issues - it happened with me years ago.

As I understand it the new Ecoboosts are coming with AGM batteries, maybe they can get one of those for you.

 

[Matso]

Appreciate the input. I was going to negotiate for an AGM replacement until they said that the battery checks out good. So that discussion never got off the ground.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

While understandable, sometimes life doesn't work out that way.

Under Ford's warranty they are only obligated to replace the (terrible) battery with another (terrible) battery. In doing so they can kick the can down the road until your warranty is expired, without actually fixing the issue. As fixing the issue would require they acknowledge they have a poor battery and it has caused wide spread issue.

They won't do that without being forced.



The only face shoving Ford is going to understand is the legal kind.



Replacing your battery can not void your warranty. Short of you reversing polarity and it going south that way. However, simply installing non-factory parts does not void a warranty. We don't have to use their chosen battery, their chosen tire, their audio equipment.

Start cracking blocks and cases? Yea, void a warranty. "Bolt on" mods do not.

This is kind of like the misbelief that the "Void if Removed" or "Void if Broken" stickers are legitimate. They aren't, never have been. Here in the U.S. that specific scenario has been litigated.



That doesn't sound crazy. I know for a fact Ford has done partial coverage on warranty/customer issues - it happened with me years ago.

As I understand it the new Ecoboosts are coming with AGM batteries, maybe they can get one of those for you.

I had a Tremor for awhile and one of "Those AGM" are way bigger and won't fit under seat!

 

[Deano777]

I am supposed to get my hybrid on Friday. I have been planning to do this on my own dime for some time: I am going to buy an AGM battery on day one. I agree that I should not have to do this, but I have already added it into my costs.

 

[icegradner]

There is a software update recall that is suppose to solve the battery problem . Don't hold your breath . There were some mavericks that came with AGM batteries .

That recall is for EB Mavericks, not hybrids.

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