Deep Sleep temporary fix using trickle charger

[First Sergeant]

This whole thread is ridiculous. To expect an owner of a Maverick Hybrid to go out and have to buy a charger and plug their vehicle in at night is rediculous. We didn't buy a stupid plug in EV. That is just a bandaid approach to a bleeding artery. Ford has known about this problem since the 2022 model year and is just getting around to supposedly doing something about it? I suspect they were ignoring it, saying publicly we "weren't driving enough. Please drive more", until the shear number of people having this problem (basically every owner of a hybrid Maverick) grew so large and vocal that they had to finally do something about it so sales weren't affected. This is the next "back up camera defect" P.R. disaster for the company. The recall for this will be so huge that the impact to future sales will yet to be seen. Also, someone pointed out that other vehicles like Subaru's have this issue. Who cares? That's not our problem. That is deflection. That is Subaru's problem. This is Ford's problem to solve, and the clock is quickly ticking on this for a solution to be announced by March 30th, as they have publicly promised.

I agree. Shouldn't have to have a charger on it. But we (some of us) do. I don't drive my truck for 2-3 weeks at times and leave it plugged in. I do the same for wife's 4Runner (2014) and a UTV and ATV and a diesel motorhome with 6 batteries. The wheelers sometimes don't get started for months in the winter, but all my vehicles are in a shop that stays about 40 degrees, winter 70-75 in the summer. I'm guessing here, but most vehicles will lose a substantial charge sitting that long. I get about 6-9 years on my batteries, but pay close attention, especially to the motorhome. On the motorhome, I installed a watering system with small rubber tubes and caps that replace the stock ones. There is a pump connector that fills all 4 of the house batteries at once with a few pumps on a bulb, about every 6 weeks. I know a guy with a million dollar coach, who still has to to the same thing. Just like tires, they wear out and you have to stay on top of maintenance. I do agree that Ford can and will do anything to avoid this problem, as do most big companies. A friend told me about 50 years ago about the "politicians mantra" when it comes to an issue that is causing major problems. "Deny, Deflect, Deceive". This seems to be the preferred method to deal with a problem that has become a PR nightmare. I have since applied this wisdom to include corporations (not all), but most. I don't like having to monitor out electrical systems like we do, but it is not that bad and I do like my Maverick! Being retired helps in this regard, if I were still working much more of a pain the ass. Cheers!

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[JoeTime]

I do the same thing

For those looking for a Deep Sleep temporary fix, I came up with a trickle charger solution.

Because the battery is under the backseat and not under the hood, the solution is a little more cumbersome.

I bought a 1.5 amp charger/trickle charger from Menards. It has two leads to connect to the battery cable tightening nuts (after cutting a small notch out of them first). The cord on the charger I got is VERY short but that doesn't matter.

I connected the leads and did a quick check to make sure the charger was working. When I went to close the battery cover, I realized that I'd have to cut a couple notches in the case so it would close.

Now when I get home and if the truck will be sitting for a few days, I roll down the rear window about half way and run an extension cord in to plug in the charger.

It's a little inconvenient but it works great. I haven't gotten any Deep Sleep messages since it was installed.

My next steps will involve a multi meter and pulling fuses. The idea being that there is something (or things) in the truck's electrical system that's drawing down the battery when the truck is shut off and I'd like to tell Ford what it is.

A side note: I have heard that the Deep Sleep problem is not just Mavericks but other vehicles including other Ford models and Subarus.

I put mine on the charger once in a while but I don't attach it to the battery directly. I use the + and - posts under the hood.

 

[ZABSMAV]

Good comments, I share the opinion. But the deep sleep/battery saver hybrid problem has been corrected for 2025 models? Don’t they come with AGM batteries? No idea if there are software or other changes.

No, it has NOT been "fixed" in 2025 models. The AGM is somewhat less susceptable to low discharge damage, but not immune. There are those with 2025 hybrids having the deep sleep problem as reported on several Facebook Maverick groups.

 

[HeyBales]

I've heard of people wrapping their key fobs in foil to stop deep sleep problems. Really??

Not going to do a thing.

The keyless entry key fobs that are always sending out info without a button press needed - stop when they stop moving.
Non-keyless only send a signal when a button is pressed.

The receiver of any vehicle with key fobs, keyless or not, are always on listening for a command.

So wrapping the fob does nothing unless your cat likes playing with it constantly - then the fob will just lose battery life quicker.

 

[Rcrew]

No, it has NOT been "fixed" in 2025 models. There are those with 2025 hybrids having the deep sleep problem as reported on several Facebook Maverick groups.

Just zero here on this Maverick SOAK (Source Of All Knowledge)?

 

[PlantMan]

In addition to putting trickle chargers on all my vehicles, I also put BM2 battery monitors directly across the battery terminals. They connect via bluetooth to a smartphone app. The device itself logs battery voltage for 30 days, every 5 or 15 minutes I think. The app has multiple test features and syncs it data with the BS2 devices. The starting test, for example, shows the voltage drop when cranking the engine (in an Ecoboost). Every few days I let the app sync with my 3 vehicles. It's comforting knowing the battery charge state (and also if the trickle chargers are working).
BS2 battery monitors are around $25 on Amazon.

 

[ZABSMAV]

I agree. Shouldn't have to have a charger on it. But we (some of us) do. I don't drive my truck for 2-3 weeks at times and leave it plugged in. I do the same for wife's 4Runner (2014) and a UTV and ATV and a diesel motorhome with 6 batteries. The wheelers sometimes don't get started for months in the winter, but all my vehicles are in a shop that stays about 40 degrees, winter 70-75 in the summer. I'm guessing here, but most vehicles will lose a substantial charge sitting that long. I get about 6-9 years on my batteries, but pay close attention, especially to the motorhome. On the motorhome, I installed a watering system with small rubber tubes and caps that replace the stock ones. There is a pump connector that fills all 4 of the house batteries at once with a few pumps on a bulb, about every 6 weeks. I know a guy with a million dollar coach, who still has to to the same thing. Just like tires, they wear out and you have to stay on top of maintenance. I do agree that Ford can and will do anything to avoid this problem, as do most big companies. A friend told me about 50 years ago about the "politicians mantra" when it comes to an issue that is causing major problems. "Deny, Deflect, Deceive". This seems to be the preferred method to deal with a problem that has become a PR nightmare. I have since applied this wisdom to include corporations (not all), but most. I don't like having to monitor out electrical systems like we do, but it is not that bad and I do like my Maverick! Being retired helps in this regard, if I were still working much more of a pain the ass. Cheers!

It completely disables our ability to remote start the vehicle (2023 models don't have a key fob remote start button), lock and unlock remotely via FordPass, and track where the vehicle is, and honk the horn and flash the lights with FordPass. Also, there are no lights when trying to enter the vehicle when it is dark, the proximity feature is shut off so we can't just grab the door handle and have it unlock automatically. We paid for these extra features with the more lux Lariat model.

 

[ZABSMAV]

Not going to do a thing.

The keyless entry key fobs that are always sending out info without a button press needed - stop when they stop moving.
Non-keyless only send a signal when a button is pressed.

The receiver of any vehicle with key fobs, keyless or not, are always on listening for a command.

So wrapping the fob does nothing unless your cat likes playing with it constantly - then the fob will just lose battery life quicker.

That makes no sense whatsover. Are you telling me that carrying the key with me all day in my pocket away from the vehicle it is sensing it is moving and keeps transmitting? I highly doubt there is a gismo in the fob detecting motion. It is more likely that similar to bluetooth, when the keyfob gets near the vehicle the two communicate and becomes active. But the vehicle must initiate the connection. Otherwise a fob's battery life would be woefully short.

 

[ZABSMAV]

In addition to putting trickle chargers on all my vehicles, I also put BM2 battery monitors directly across the battery terminals. They connect via bluetooth to a smartphone app. The device itself logs battery voltage for 30 days, every 5 or 15 minutes I think. The app has multiple test features and syncs it data with the BS2 devices. The starting test, for example, shows the voltage drop when cranking the engine (in an Ecoboost). Every few days I let the app sync with my 3 vehicles. It's comforting knowing the battery charge state (and also if the trickle chargers are working).
BS2 battery monitors are around $25 on Amazon.

The deep sleep problem is ONLY on the hybrids. Our small 12v battery under the back seat does not start the vehicle.

 

[HeyBales]

That makes no sense whatsover. Are you telling me that carrying the key with me all day in my pocket away from the vehicle it is sensing it is moving and keeps transmitting? I highly doubt there is a gismo in the fob detecting motion. It is more likely that similar to bluetooth, when the keyfob gets near the vehicle the two communicate and becomes active. But the vehicle must initiate the connection. Otherwise a fob's battery life would be woefully short.

Expand your knowledge - makes perfect sense.

Your dirt cheapest little $15 step tracker has an accelerometer in it for years now and it transmits BT - the programming available in the chip itself decides how much movement will send out data to be acted on. So the fob could be programmed that a certain amount of movement in pocket/purse is still considered "not moving". But keep reading.

If you think the truck initiates the conversation - guess which receiver is on constantly listening for it?

Except the fob is a transmitter, not receiver.

And you get out of your keyless-entry vehicle with fob in pocket/purse, it's sending signal so the truck can decide if fob inside our outside the cabin when the door shuts.
So it's actually on enough. I'm assuming if fob has been sitting unmoving on chair, and you get out and truck doesn't see signal coming from a fob, fail-safe would be to assume it's still in cabin. This could probably be tested with the good old "truck locked the door by itself" tests.

If you had BT on, just like WiFi, it's always looking for another device, unless the device requires a button push or such to "wake-up" and start listening for a connection attempt, or data received. That's constant power usage from both sides then, since no button presses required to wake anything up with fob/truck.
No it's not BT.

Look in the back of your manual at the frequency licenses if you want proof. Other posts have already showed the proof though.

Oh, and the manual.

REMOTE CONTROL LIMITATIONS

Make sure a valid remote control is within 3 ft (1 m) from the front door handles and rear of vehicle.
The system may not function if:

• The remote control remains stationary for about a minute.

KEYLESS ENTRY LIMITATIONS

Make sure your remote control is within 3 ft (1 m) from the front door handles and the tailgate.
The system could not function if:

• The remote control remains stationary for about a minute.

 

[Krys]

You can save yourself under the seat connection by going directly under the good to jumper posts. "+" is hidden under an orange cover. Check location in truck's manual.
Also, direct charge to the battery confuses truck's charging sensors, the cleaner way is to go from the jumper posts.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

‍ Confused charging sensors‍ Really
In October I hooked my charger right to the terminals. There's little nuts on top quick and easy connection. What should have happened??

 

[Jimmac]

For those looking for a Deep Sleep temporary fix, I came up with a trickle charger solution.

Because the battery is under the backseat and not under the hood, the solution is a little more cumbersome.

I bought a 1.5 amp charger/trickle charger from Menards. It has two leads to connect to the battery cable tightening nuts (after cutting a small notch out of them first). The cord on the charger I got is VERY short but that doesn't matter.

I connected the leads and did a quick check to make sure the charger was working. When I went to close the battery cover, I realized that I'd have to cut a couple notches in the case so it would close.

Now when I get home and if the truck will be sitting for a few days, I roll down the rear window about half way and run an extension cord in to plug in the charger.

It's a little inconvenient but it works great. I haven't gotten any Deep Sleep messages since it was installed.

My next steps will involve a multi meter and pulling fuses. The idea being that there is something (or things) in the truck's electrical system that's drawing down the battery when the truck is shut off and I'd like to tell Ford what it is.

A side note: I have heard that the Deep Sleep problem is not just Mavericks but other vehicles including other Ford models and Subarus.

Yes a trickle charger will hold the battery voltage high enough that it will not sense low battery and go into deep sleep. Yes this is not specific to Ford but to all connected cars using a lead acid 12v battery. Always connected means always using lots of power for which a 12v battery cannot sustain more than 12-24 hours or so and still have reserve to bring the car back to life when the customer so desires.

 

[inline_five]

FWIW I let the key fob sit in a faraday pouch for several days, then went out to my locked hybrid XLT and walked all around it with the fob in my pocket and there was zero additional draw on the vehicle battery.

This tells me the truck did not "wake up" just because the fob was jiggling around in my pocket or being waved in the air right next to the doors.

It's possible that the push to start models might see additional draw on them but I did not test that. I'd imagine not - it's an RFID of some sort and I'd guess it just activates the door locks.

I don't know how Ford designed their system but in Toyotas, once you open the door the systems start booting up and brake pressure increases.

 

[Tbone289]

Are any of you trickle charging an AGM ?

I am, sort of. My charger detects VRLM, AGM, gel and flooded and adjusts charge rate accordingly. It's more than a trickle charger though, it's a multistage charger/maintainer with float stage, so it's safe to use indefinitely. Simple "trickle" chargers should not be used indefinitely, but I think what most folks in this thread are referring to are float chargers, not trickle chargers.

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