Failing 12V battery causing deep sleep and eventually a P061A code and a tow

[adjayhawk]

Thought I would share my recent experience with my 2023 Maverick Lariat. I have had no major issues to this point other than the common deep sleep issues. This had been going on for many months. Maybe as long as a year. I just thought it was annoying not to have interior lights come on when I got in the truck after dark. I kept putting off setting up a service appointment. Soooo, the other day I was leaving the Costco parking lot under battery power, going slow, then the engine kicked on and immediately started to race up to high RPMs. That caused the truck to speed up a bit so I hit the brakes. The truck kinda lurched and then the check engine light came on. I pulled out of the lot and noticed I had almost no drive power. I pulled over, turned everything off and then restarted. Check engine light still on and no electric drive power. Pushing the accelerator down kicked on the engine, but I could get maybe 8 or 10 mph tops. It appeared to be in full limp mode. Unfortunately, getting back to my house required going up a long, steep hill. I tried, but just couldn't get there. I called the dealership and they put me in touch with Ford Roadside Assistance.

While I was waiting on the tow, I plugged in my Blue Driver and saw that it was a permanent code - P061A ("Internal Control Module Torque Performance"). I typed that code here on the search of the forum and nothing popped up. When I got to the dealership I told them about the long-running deep sleep problem.

Fast forward - the dealership replaced the 12V battery under warranty and told me that was the root cause of the check engine light and the resultant limp mode. As an old-school car guy I was reluctant to fully believe that, but I guess it makes sense considering how many computers are in this car, and everything runs off that 12V battery when the engine isn't running. If my battery was in really sorry shape, I could see how a module might brown out and send crap data to the others, possibly causing them to freak out.

I have a new battery now, but it's probably not any better than the original one that came with the car (though I haven't taken a look yet to see what they put in). Next time I see any hint of deep sleep mode, I'm probably going to get an AGM battery to replace it with.

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[Glen Baker LLC]

Thought I would share my recent experience with my 2023 Maverick Lariat. I have had no major issues to this point other than the common deep sleep issues. This had been going on for many months. Maybe as long as a year. I just thought it was annoying not to have interior lights come on when I got in the truck after dark. I kept putting off setting up a service appointment. Soooo, the other day I was leaving the Costco parking lot under battery power, going slow, then the engine kicked on and immediately started to race up to high RPMs. That caused the truck to speed up a bit so I hit the brakes. The truck kinda lurched and then the check engine light came on. I pulled out of the lot and noticed I had almost no drive power. I pulled over, turned everything off and then restarted. Check engine light still on and no electric drive power. Pushing the accelerator down kicked on the engine, but I could get maybe 8 or 10 mph tops. It appeared to be in full limp mode. Unfortunately, getting back to my house required going up a long, steep hill. I tried, but just couldn't get there. I called the dealership and they put me in touch with Ford Roadside Assistance.

While I was waiting on the tow, I plugged in my Blue Driver and saw that it was a permanent code - P061A ("Internal Control Module Torque Performance"). I typed that code here on the search of the forum and nothing popped up. When I got to the dealership I told them about the long-running deep sleep problem.

Fast forward - the dealership replaced the 12V battery under warranty and told me that was the root cause of the check engine light and the resultant limp mode. As an old-school car guy I was reluctant to fully believe that, but I guess it makes sense considering how many computers are in this car, and everything runs off that 12V battery when the engine isn't running. If my battery was in really sorry shape, I could see how a module might brown out and send crap data to the others, possibly causing them to freak out.

I have a new battery now, but it's probably not any better than the original one that came with the car (though I haven't taken a look yet to see what they put in). Next time I see any hint of deep sleep mode, I'm probably going to get an AGM battery to replace it with.

The dealership should have given you a copy of the work order.
That work order would list the type of battery they installed.

It's probably easier to look on the worksheet, than it is walk out to your truck, unlock it, open the rear passenger door, lift up the rear seat, then unsnap and lift up the plastic cover on top of the battery.

 

[SafetyGuy]

Good day @adjayhawk

If you haven't done a search yet here on MTC, about 12 volt topics...lots to see!

Begin with this very long thread (read the beginning and skim for pertinent 12 volt questions and answers).

Long story short, till you read up on it, turn your headlights or park lights on when driving...day AND night...somehow tells the truck to charge the battery more fully.

Lots of contributors (including myself) and the OP who found this help for our batteries and have been trying to help others.

You should also take time (maybe check your work order or ask your dealership) to find out if the dealership fully charged (not a quick surface charge) and did a full BMS battery reset wtc...the truck has to go through a process to realize you have a new battery and its charge parameters.

Do you have a good smart battery charger that is AGM appropriate? If they changed your battery, I would think it should be an AGM now. As Glen said, should be in your paperwork...

Anyways, lots of threads here regarding these issues.

Gotta run, going camping.

I hope this helps,

Andy

 

[HeyBales]

You almost assuredly did get an AGM - just look under the back seat cover.

Actually - the 12V system once it starts (or On even) runs off the DCDC Converter & the HVBattery - NOT the 12V battery.
(unless your battery is new and reached max charge deemed by the strategy - but that wasn't yours in battery saving mode)

You can prove this to yourself if you wish. Really easy to see if you have a Voltage reading power port USB adapter. Or multimeter.
Car to On (not started in Ready) only - so HVB is connected and powering everything. 14.x V reading on power port.
Eventually HVB will reach 30% lower limit. It will be disconnected from powering everything - you'll be informed to start truck. 12.x V reading.
Eventually the 12V battery will reach 9.5 V and you'll be informed the truck is turning off.

So some of what the dealer said doesn't make sense - maybe 12VB finally had a short and that could mess up the 12V system - ok then.

Or their computer reset ("have you tried turning it off and back on again?") on battery swap fixed whatever caused limp mode in a glitching sensor or module.

Ditto to advice to find that thread and take the actions to keep your new AGM charged up.
Or maybe you don't drive much and just easier to throw a charger on it.

 

[Dad]

Get the AGM battery and your deep sleep issues will be nothing more than a memory soon forgotten. Replaced the OEM wet cell with the AGM and have not looked back. Many others here have had the same experience.
Replacing the Hybrid's OEM 12v. Battery | MaverickTruckClub - 2022+ Ford Maverick Pickup Forum, News, Owners, Discussions

 

[adjayhawk]

Thanks for the info. I will read that thread when I have a chance.

Looking at the paperwork, it looks like they did put in an AGM battery. It also said they reset the battery management system. They apparently found intermittent high power draw from both the ABS module and ACCM module, so they did an update on both of those to bring them back into spec. Guess they were blaming those for draining the battery.

 

[SafetyGuy]

Thanks for the info. I will read that thread when I have a chance.

Looking at the paperwork, it looks like they did put in an AGM battery. It also said they reset the battery management system. They apparently found intermittent high power draw from both the ABS module and ACCM module, so they did an update on both of those to bring them back into spec. Guess they were blaming those for draining the battery.

Yes, those modules have been an issue as seen in earlier threads, relating to sudden battery drain.

I am glad they did the updates to your modules!

I myself would err on the side of caution and do a deep battery recharge and then do the BMS RESET, just to make sure you get the best possible battery life/charging...that is the whole flashing lights, etc as per your Maverick Manual.

But, that is me...either way, I am hoping their work has sorted out your parasitic drain issues.

I suggest still turning your headlights or park lights on when driving...I do and for me it works, easy-peasy.

Thanks for letting us know what they did, we appreciate it!

Andy

 

[HeyBales]

Thanks for the info. I will read that thread when I have a chance.

Looking at the paperwork, it looks like they did put in an AGM battery. It also said they reset the battery management system. They apparently found intermittent high power draw from both the ABS module and ACCM module, so they did an update on both of those to bring them back into spec. Guess they were blaming those for draining the battery.

Wow - the double.

I think yours is the first post they said they found those drains, so did the update.

Some of us fight to proactively have the updates, without the drains. And don't get them.

So the problem may have actually happened on turnoff and after as the battery drained.
Of course no HVB online then, code was set, decision was made to be in limp mode from then on.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Thanks for the info. I will read that thread when I have a chance.

Looking at the paperwork, it looks like they did put in an AGM battery. It also said they reset the battery management system. They apparently found intermittent high power draw from both the ABS module and ACCM module, so they did an update on both of those to bring them back into spec. Guess they were blaming those for draining the battery.

Thank you for checking the paperwork and verifying that the dealership installed an AGM battery. Hopefully the AGM and updates take care of the problem.
Please keep us updated.
Take care.

 

[Ponyprez]

Thought I would share my recent experience with my 2023 Maverick Lariat. I have had no major issues to this point other than the common deep sleep issues. This had been going on for many months. Maybe as long as a year. I just thought it was annoying not to have interior lights come on when I got in the truck after dark. I kept putting off setting up a service appointment. Soooo, the other day I was leaving the Costco parking lot under battery power, going slow, then the engine kicked on and immediately started to race up to high RPMs. That caused the truck to speed up a bit so I hit the brakes. The truck kinda lurched and then the check engine light came on. I pulled out of the lot and noticed I had almost no drive power. I pulled over, turned everything off and then restarted. Check engine light still on and no electric drive power. Pushing the accelerator down kicked on the engine, but I could get maybe 8 or 10 mph tops. It appeared to be in full limp mode. Unfortunately, getting back to my house required going up a long, steep hill. I tried, but just couldn't get there. I called the dealership and they put me in touch with Ford Roadside Assistance.

While I was waiting on the tow, I plugged in my Blue Driver and saw that it was a permanent code - P061A ("Internal Control Module Torque Performance"). I typed that code here on the search of the forum and nothing popped up. When I got to the dealership I told them about the long-running deep sleep problem.

Fast forward - the dealership replaced the 12V battery under warranty and told me that was the root cause of the check engine light and the resultant limp mode. As an old-school car guy I was reluctant to fully believe that, but I guess it makes sense considering how many computers are in this car, and everything runs off that 12V battery when the engine isn't running. If my battery was in really sorry shape, I could see how a module might brown out and send crap data to the others, possibly causing them to freak out.

I have a new battery now, but it's probably not any better than the original one that came with the car (though I haven't taken a look yet to see what they put in). Next time I see any hint of deep sleep mode, I'm probably going to get an AGM battery to replace it with.

I had a similar problem with my 2023 Lariat Lux but in my case it went directly into brick mode. After being stuck in the middle of my street I opened and closed my door with the vehicle off, I turned it back on and it unfroze so I went directly to my dealership. They found my 12 volt battery failed and replaced it with a new AGM battery under warranty and everything has been good since.

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