Changing to AGM

[paneubert]

Yep the battery is sealed for shipment.
It will be interesting if "Skot5272" post pictures of his battery.

Perhaps sticking the vent tube into the battery pierces the seal. But I would expect the same from the "plug" they give you for the other side. Seems like as soon as you plug one side, it may open the seal? Like I said, did not want to plug mine when I had it out of the box since I could not recall which side needed the vent tube attached when installed in the truck. The plug did on a quick glace look like it might be longer than the recessed hole. So maybe it does pierce it if you really shove it in there......

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[Glen Baker LLC]

Perhaps sticking the vent tube into the battery pierces the seal. But I would expect the same from the "plug" they give you for the other side. Seems like as soon as you plug one side, it may open the seal? Like I said, did not want to plug mine when I had it out of the box since I could not recall which side needed the vent tube attached when installed in the truck. The plug did on a quick glace look like it might be longer than the recessed hole. So maybe it does pierce it if you really shove it in there......

 

[paneubert]

Got me thinking though. Do AGM need to vent? Do we need to even attach the vent tube when switching to AGM? Internet says.....


"AGMs usually use a pressure regulated vent so it will build up some pressure before venting".

" Note that AGM batteries are sealed and only vent under serious overcharging or short-circuit conditions. "

" Unlike conventional lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries do not require external ventilation. However, it is still essential to provide adequate space and ventilation around the battery to ensure efficient heat dissipation and maintain optimal performance. "

" AGM batteries vent at ~1% of other non-sealed batteries. The AGM batteries have a glass mat to wick electrolyte. They are also called Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA), because they are "sealed" with a valve that opens if and only if the internal pressure (from overvoltages due to high rate/high voltage charging, electrolyzing the water in there) goes too high. Otherwise it stays shut to allow the H2/O2 to recombine. "

 

[uga]

You might be correct and they do not require a vent.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

You might be correct and they do not require a vent.

Let's add something else to the equation. Our batteries are contained within the truck's cab and not under the hood.
I feel more comfortable with it being vented to the outside.

Before you all go off on your tangent about everybody surviving their Volkswagens having flooded 6-12V batteries venting underneath the seat
We've learned a lot of stuff since the days of Volkswagens with batteries under the rear seat.

 

[HeyBales]

Got me thinking though. Do AGM need to vent? Do we need to even attach the vent tube when switching to AGM? Internet says.....


"AGMs usually use a pressure regulated vent so it will build up some pressure before venting".

" Note that AGM batteries are sealed and only vent under serious overcharging or short-circuit conditions. "

" Unlike conventional lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries do not require external ventilation. However, it is still essential to provide adequate space and ventilation around the battery to ensure efficient heat dissipation and maintain optimal performance. "

" AGM batteries vent at ~1% of other non-sealed batteries. The AGM batteries have a glass mat to wick electrolyte. They are also called Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA), because they are "sealed" with a valve that opens if and only if the internal pressure (from overvoltages due to high rate/high voltage charging, electrolyzing the water in there) goes too high. Otherwise it stays shut to allow the H2/O2 to recombine. "

Due to being in cab - the vent is probably failsafe.
And that upper part could have a pressure valve under it.

Almost makes me laugh to say it - just in case the battery is overcharged!

 

[Dad]

@JimInWI

The Hybrid technically doesn't care about CCA (cold cranking amps) as that is really only important for the Ecoboost models with a starter motor that is powered from the 12V battery.

For the Hybrid you really only care about RC (Reserve Capacity) as the systems onboard (key fob receiver, Fordpass cellular connection, etc.) draw a good amount of power when the truck is parked. The more RC, the longer the battery will last before you get a Deep Sleep which turns some of these systems off to save battery power.

Here's a link specific to the Hybrid:

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...t-is-2024-mav-lariat-hybrid.53345/post-911171

For the Hybrid: Group 140R AGM (H4) drops right in, without modifications.

H5 is too large: it can be made to fit but supposedly you need to cut some brackets under the seat. I didn't like that idea even though an H5 offers a bit more RC capacity than the H4 Group 140R AGM.

I put in an H4 / Group 140R AGM 16k miles ago, and the random deep sleeps are completely gone. Zero issues. Charging works as expected. And there's no need to make modifications in Forscan, it works fine with the stock settings.

Cheers!

You are correct. The H4 fits perfectly and as you mentioned, no need to up the CCA in the hybrid. I don't see any advantage of the slightly higher reserve capacity of the H5 that would warrant cutting up the battery compartment. Very happy with the AGM replacement . . . no deep sleep issues and no need for any Forscan modifications. Battery Management System recognized the AGM automatically. You mentioned in another post about topping off the new battery to its fullest voltage capacity before resetting the BMS and I second that.

 

[Skot5272]

Both vent holes are sealed. The plug that comes with it is very tight fitting and has barbs on it. I didn't want to try to put the plug in since I was afraid I could not get it back out. Inside each hole are two little semi circle indentations. You can see them in the photos. But I shined a light in there and I see no open vent. It appears sealed. Maybe the semi circles are meant to bust open at a set pressure? It may be that the vent is a pressure release situation where it is sealed until needed.

This is EXACTLY how mine looks as well.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Due to being in cab - the vent is probably failsafe.
And that upper part could have a pressure valve under it.

Almost makes me laugh to say it - just in case the battery is overcharged!

Vent is mostly to prevent damage from over pressure. At some point it could pop the case. I like my vent tube! Found this
An "AGM regulated valve pressure" refers to the preset pressure at which a valve in an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery will open to release excess pressure, typically ranging from 0.2 to 5.0 pounds per square inch (psi) depending on the battery design and application, acting as a safety mechanism to prevent overpressure within the sealed battery casing.

 

[HeyBales]

Vent is mostly to prevent damage from over pressure. At some point it could pop the case. I like my vent tube! Found this
An "AGM regulated valve pressure" refers to the preset pressure at which a valve in an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery will open to release excess pressure, typically ranging from 0.2 to 5.0 pounds per square inch (psi) depending on the battery design and application, acting as a safety mechanism to prevent overpressure within the sealed battery casing.

That's why I'm concerned the vent hole is plugged.

Perhaps it pops if pressure builds?
Perhaps they figured AGM who cares not needed?
Perhaps they had misunderstanding at factory and forgot to include instructions to pop it out?

Doesn't look like airtight plastic touching around it though, could be from inside view I guess.
And underneath those covers is probably normal caps - I'd bet that pressure relief is under there, if needed. Same and more so for FLA.

The vent hose going outside would need a venturi effect draw on tube, or pump, and with negative pressure on tube, just suck in air around non-airtight plastic cap on top.

Next time I'm at Walmart I'm checking the H4 they have, or some others. See if AGM's or FLA's have those caps with open vent holes. If course I've meant to stop by since last fillup check, to get more coolant since mine ran down to minimum somehow. Forgotten for about a week so far, so ...

 

[MakinDoForNow]

That's why I'm concerned the vent hole is plugged.

Perhaps it pops if pressure builds?
Perhaps they figured AGM who cares not needed?
Perhaps they had misunderstanding at factory and forgot to include instructions to pop it out?

Doesn't look like airtight plastic touching around it though, could be from inside view I guess.
And underneath those covers is probably normal caps - I'd bet that pressure relief is under there, if needed. Same and more so for FLA.

The vent hose going outside would need a venturi effect draw on tube, or pump, and with negative pressure on tube, just suck in air around non-airtight plastic cap on top.

Next time I'm at Walmart I'm checking the H4 they have, or some others. See if AGM's or FLA's have those caps with open vent holes. If course I've meant to stop by since last fillup check, to get more coolant since mine ran down to minimum somehow. Forgotten for about a week so far, so ...

I have not seen the maverick hybrid up close and did not look at the agm in my Tremor when. I had it. The vents are shipped open, just like the flooded battery caps of years past. The top cap is to collect the gas and let it out one or both holes depending on manufacturer specs. Ford requires one vent to collect the hydrogen. Installation under hood can be installed without vent tube because there will not be enough ever to not be dissipated. You plug one vent with the tube and the other with the provided cap. If there are no vent holes the battery case is reinforced and should swell and not pop. (That's the reason sealed batteries should have 1" clearance all around.). Attached pic is of a popped 6 volt 400 AH $700 MSRP AGM weighing 123#.
It was one of eight wired for a 48 volt solar battery.

 

[BlueSpec1]

As for the End Vent Ports on the automotive AGM batteries, I couldn't find info on what the internal valve looks like how it connects to the central venting channel for the battery.

It does look like AGMs a sealed from outside air normally and use one way valve(s) to vent if pressure is more that 1.5 PSI inside the battery.

VRLA AGM AND GEL BATTERIES > How do VRLA batteries work?

A VRLA battery utilizes a one-way, pressure-relief valve system to achieve a “recombinant” technology. This means that the oxygen normally produced on the positive plate is absorbed by the negative plate. This suppresses the production of hydrogen at the negative plate. Water (H2O) is produced instead, retaining the moisture within the battery. It never needs watering, and should never be opened as this would expose the battery to excess oxygen from the air. In addition to damaging the battery, opening it also voids the warranty.

ACDelco Proper Installation of Battery Vent Plugs
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and Flooded Lead Acid batteries can produce a number of potentially dangerous gases. For vehicle applications that have the battery installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, it is imperative the battery be vented properly.

For those applications that have a single vent tube, the opposing vent opening on the battery cover must be plugged with the included vent hole plug.

Attached to batteries, that require venting, is a red terminal cover (pictured below) that has a removable vent plug for insertion into the vent hole that is opposite of the vent hose that leads to the outside of the vehicle. Instructions are included to advise of the proper assembly.

Technicians must:
A) Twist off the vent plug from the positive terminal cap.
B) Insert plug into the non-vent tube port.
C) A press fit should be used to properly secure the vent plug into the battery to ensure proper seating into the vent port.
D) Re-install battery and affix vent tube to the open vent port.

NEVER PLUG BOTH VENT PORTS

 

[Skot5272]

I had contacted the seller and here is their response.

Q: There are two (2) possible ports, one (1) on each side of the battery. Neither are open for venting. Are these supposed to be punched open? (Attached picture of the positive and negative ports previously attached in thread)

A: Your car battery, if it has a hose connection before. You can continue to use the Vent Plug. Please see the attached picture. Regards

This is how my battery looks. Don’t mind the water drops in the port. Things got a little wet the other day.

 

[Skot5272]

Installed the battery this morning. I had a vent plug in my plastic bag which I did not see until I took the bag off the battery.

Once the vent plug is in, it seems difficult to remove again. I used a mallet to tap it in fully.

I started to remove the plastic trim around the battery but was having some difficulty in getting the larger section out so I stopped and opted to replace without removing it.

It wasn’t difficult to do the swap but there are some tighter areas to work around. I haven’t done an in-vehicle battery before. Using a magnet pick up tool helped remove and locate the bracket and bracket bolt.

All equipment worked as it should after installation. Did the BSM reset after install. Battery came delivered at around 12.7 volts.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Congratulations
Considering three or four people have already replaced their flooded motorcraft batteries with agms bought online, and did not have any problems. I would have found it strange for you to be the odd one out where something was different and didn't work.
Here is a Everstart platinum AGM at Walmart with sealed vents.
No it is not a H4.

I wonder if the worried warranty folks have a problem with replacing a motorcraft battery with a off brand.

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