Low battery warning message received in app!

[GyroGearloose]

I have an XL with about 4,000 miles driven, delivered in late March, 2022. I started having this issue a few weeks ago: Deep Sleep Alert via the Ford Pass app. The issue has progressed such that when I open a vehicle door, NO cab lights or anything else activates. It's totally dark and quiet. Yet, the machine, so far, does start. I don't drive it every day and when I do, usually only 20 miles or less. We do live in an area with somewhat sporadic cell phone connectivity.

I deleted the Fordpass apps from my iPhone and iPad. I also turned off all Fordpass connectivity using the console in the vehicle cab. This action has not remedied the cab lights issue.

I have not contacted my dealership with this issue. But, it does seem to be a fairly widespread problem. I'm at your service to try recommended remedies.

For me, this issue was resolved by turning OFF all FordPass features via the console in the truck cab and deleting the FordPass apps on my iPhone/iPad. After disabling FordPass I drove the truck for 30 minutes and then parked it in the garage - to recharge the battery. It has not moved in two days and the interior / exterior lights now engage as expected with use of the key fob.

I'm no expert in these matters but here's what I surmise is the problem. With FordPass activated, the status reporting system is continually pinging for a cell service so it can report truck status. For me, a retired gentleman who does NOT typically use his truck but once or twice a week, this continual pinging is a slow and steady power drain on the battery. Finally, the battery reaches a point where it can no longer support other power demands and stops most services, and sends an alert - which is exactly what it should do.

This is one of those 'one size fits all' types of systems. Ford never thought that people would let their trucks sit idle for days to weeks at a time. I think a software upgrade would solve the issue - cell pinging and status reporting halted after a certain time of idleness, not eating for the battery to drain. That way truck owners could leave the FordPass system operational without fear of it eroding battery charge levels.

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[Maverick2023]

For me, this issue was resolved by turning OFF all FordPass features via the console in the truck cab and deleting the FordPass apps on my iPhone/iPad. After disabling FordPass I drove the truck for 30 minutes and then parked it in the garage - to recharge the battery. It has not moved in two days and the interior / exterior lights now engage as expected with use of the key fob.

I'm no expert in these matters but here's what I surmise is the problem. With FordPass activated, the status reporting system is continually pinging for a cell service so it can report truck status. For me, a retired gentleman who does NOT typically use his truck but once or twice a week, this continual pinging is a slow and steady power drain on the battery. Finally, the battery reaches a point where it can no longer support other power demands and stops most services, and sends an alert - which is exactly what it should do.

This is one of those 'one size fits all' types of systems. Ford never thought that people would let their trucks sit idle for days to weeks at a time. I think a software upgrade would solve the issue - cell pinging and status reporting halted after a certain time of idleness, not eating for the battery to drain. That way truck owners could leave the FordPass system operational without fear of it eroding battery charge levels.

Would this be resolved with a better battery than oem?

 

[Scupking]

For me, this issue was resolved by turning OFF all FordPass features via the console in the truck cab and deleting the FordPass apps on my iPhone/iPad. After disabling FordPass I drove the truck for 30 minutes and then parked it in the garage - to recharge the battery. It has not moved in two days and the interior / exterior lights now engage as expected with use of the key fob.

I'm no expert in these matters but here's what I surmise is the problem. With FordPass activated, the status reporting system is continually pinging for a cell service so it can report truck status. For me, a retired gentleman who does NOT typically use his truck but once or twice a week, this continual pinging is a slow and steady power drain on the battery. Finally, the battery reaches a point where it can no longer support other power demands and stops most services, and sends an alert - which is exactly what it should do.

This is one of those 'one size fits all' types of systems. Ford never thought that people would let their trucks sit idle for days to weeks at a time. I think a software upgrade would solve the issue - cell pinging and status reporting halted after a certain time of idleness, not eating for the battery to drain. That way truck owners could leave the FordPass system operational without fear of it eroding battery charge levels.

I will need to look into doing this. I don't drive my truck much and I have very bad cell services at my house. I'm always getting the deep sleep warning. I think turning off cell and wifi should fix the issue. I would still like FordPass to connect to my phone when the truck is on but not when it's off.

 

[GyroGearloose]

Would this be resolved with a better battery than oem?

Maybe a better battery would help. Again, I'm no expert, but it seems to me that this is a software issue rather than a hardware issue. FordPass is like a rechargeable flashlight that is always on. Eventually, regardless of the quality of battery, the flashlight will turn off as the battery depletes with no recharge cycle. If, however, there were software installed to turn the flashlight off, if it was on for more than, say, a few hours, then the battery would deplete slower between recharge cycles.

 

[GyroGearloose]

I will need to look into doing this. I don't drive my truck much and I have very bad cell services at my house. I'm always getting the deep sleep warning. I think turning off cell and wifi should fix the issue. I would still like FordPass to connect to my phone when the truck is on but not when it's off.

I too would like the FordPass system to be active. But, having Deep Sleep mode continually activating with alerts and basic truck systems deactivated due to a depleted battery is not a good thing. And, having to drive the truck just to recharge the battery is not a solution.

For now, I will leave FordPass off. Hopefully, Ford engineers are monitoring this thread and will respond. Minimally, Ford should have a published workaround that Maverick owners and Ford service personnel can reference.

 

[Chris_G]

Install a small trickle charger and see if the problem goes away. If it does, you know it's indeed a drain issue. Otherwise, it's probably something else.
Be sure to bill @Ford Motor Company for R&D time.

 

[Maverick2023]

I turned off Ford Pass. Got no use for it so it doesn’t bother me being off.

 

[mdt123]

Maybe coincidentally but since I started getting these battery warnings, the average mpg has started way down. It reached a peak of 43.9 after 6 months and now down to 42.5 in just a month. This started with the onset of real cold here in MA. Could it be the battery is drained low and so the truck is running on gas most of the time...that is my surmise. In that case the warnings are more than just a nuisance.

 

[Darnon]

Maybe coincidentally but since I started getting these battery warnings, the average mpg has started way down. It reached a peak of 43.9 after 6 months and now down to 42.5 in just a month. This started with the onset of real cold here in MA. Could it be the battery is drained low and so the truck is running on gas most of the time...that is my surmise. In that case the warnings are more than just a nuisance.

The reduction is mileage is more from needing to run the engine more to generate heat. Also tire pressures may have lowered due to the cooler air, producing more rolling resistance.

 

[Andy704]

The reduction is mileage is more from needing to run the engine more to generate heat. Also tire pressures may have lowered due to the cooler air, producing more rolling resistance.

The above answer is correct, plus if you live in or near a large metro area, your probably using winter blend gas which contributes to poor fuel econ0my

 

[D Janke]

I'm at just under 4k miles on my Hybrid Maverick, and I just this week received the low battery warning for the first time. I too am lucky to drive it a couple times a week and rarely far.
I think I'll try the shut down ford pass app method and see what comes of that.

 

[uga]

Try turning off wireless and auto updates, this has been working for us.

 

[TedTX]

Well to those who used the information here to help protect ourselves. There are other possible bad ( confusion) outcomes. I figured with the worst temperature drop expected today/afternoon I’d weatherize the cars and Truck. Starting with the problem child first I put the battery charger on the hybrid Maverick. Wow it was drained taking 15amps for hours and almost all sunlight hours to reach float stage. Leaving no time to charge the Prius 12v
Took a night trip to pickup groceries for the Holidays family and friends expected so I truck was packed. Left the back door open to carry load after load into the house. During that time all lights turned off, and using the dome light switches didn’t work. Truck completely dead, freshly topped off of battery a few hours before.
Super frustrating! hope truck runs to get a full tank before the arctic blast arrives in about 3 hours. Looks like the poor old Prius is going to have to ride this out unprotected.

 

[Johnkn]

Left the back door open to carry load after load into the house. During that time all lights turned off, and using the dome light switches didn’t work. Truck completely dead, freshly topped off of battery a few hours before.

Hi, what do you mean 'completely dead'?

Does the dash and center stack illuminate when you insert the key and turn the key to 'start' then back to 'run' ?

With the door left open the interior lights (and switch) may have just timed out...

good luck

.

 

[TedTX]

Utter disaster! The freshly charged battery yesterday and now showing 11.7v battery protection mode activated so can’t even flash my highbeems to begin the BMS reset process.
That is such a stupid design. The battery is toast, BMS is confused and can’t be reset. Truck is on its death throws and a massive deep cold blast should finish 12v battery off. Merry frick’n Christmas thanks Ford for the gift that keeps taking my time and efforts.

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