Cold Storage Advice for new Hybrid

[Fubar]

So I have been reading all about my new Maverick, with particular interest to the battery systems.

And I get how the 12v battery can be quite small as it's passed off the starter power function to the high voltage traction battery. Makes good sense.

So I am hoping someone has some advice here about cold storing your maverick and if there's something more I can do.

My situation is I am just about to receive my 2023 Maverick (Hybrid XLT) and I will then be storing it in my garage for about 4 months as I return to warmer climes for the balance of winter. My garage is insulated but it can get below freezing. Hell, it was -38 c here one morning this week so I bet it was pretty well frozen in my garage.

My normal routine is to leave small battery maintainers on my cars when I leave for any extended time, but in this case I am not sure if it will help. Whether I connect directly to the 12v battery or to the boosting points under the hood, I think I will only be maintaining the 12v battery. Will it do anything for my hv traction battery? If not, will I be able to start my maverick when I return in April?

I will certainly ask my Service Advisor at my dealer but I'd really welcome the thoughts here as it seems many of you are better informed than our dealer representatives (no offense meant to anyone).

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[jsus]

Here's the relevant section of the manual, but there may be others here who have gone through similar situations with better advice. Note the section regarding hybrids.

One option to consider is to have someone periodically take the vehicle out to warm it up and get all the fluids circulated, charge the batteries, etc. Not everyone has someone available or is comfortable with this option, of course.

Storing Your Vehicle - Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage
PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE FOR STORAGE

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

• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to protect against rust and weather damage.
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under your vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every 15 days to lubricate working parts and prevent corrosion.
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.

Engine

• Change the engine oil and filter prior to storage because used engine oil contains contaminants which could cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a minimum of 15 minutes.Run at fast idle with the climate controls set to defrost until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine is running.

Body

• Wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housings and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration.Re-wax as necessary when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage compartment hinges and latches with a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.

Hybrid Battery Systems
We recommend the following actions for your vehicle:

• When storing your vehicle for greater than 30 days the state of charge should be approximately 50%. Additionally we recommend disconnecting the 12V battery which reduces system loads on the HV battery.

12 Volt Battery

• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.

Note: It is necessary to reset memory features if you disconnect the battery cables.
Tires

• Maintain recommended air pressure.

Brakes
Make sure the brakes and parking brake release fully.
Note: If you intend on parking your vehicle for an extended period after washing your vehicle or cleaning the wheels, drive your vehicle for a few minutes before doing so to reduce the risk of increased corrosion of the brake discs, brake pads and linings.

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...ingEnabled=False&userMarket=usa&buildtype=web

 

[Fubar]

Thank you, Jsus! Great information.

Yes, I really don't have someone to move it every couple weeks. That's a lot of trust.

So basically I will use my battery tender to maintain my 12v, but I will disconnect it from the traction battery. I will hope the hv battery holds enough charge to be able to start it in the months or so. If I can just get it started once......

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