2012 6.2L Eats Batteries?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
For what it's worth, Deka makes all the automotive batteries for Duracell. So next time you need a battery for any vehicle, stop by Sam's Club and see if they have one of their AGM batteries in stock. It's going to be the sweet spot of the lowest price for the highest quality battery you'll find.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
My truck charges at 14.7volts...Much above that is prob no good. I have an ambulance regulator...cause I have a winch a plow and elec sander and too many lights lol.
Sounds to me like you have a draw somewhere killing the batteries...test the amperage with the truck sitting a while...20 to 50 ma..no hood light and after 15 mins of not touching the truck. I use a clamp on dc amp meter or a direct connect.
Oh I use the biggest deka I can get... they are great.
Sounds to me like you have a draw somewhere killing the batteries...test the amperage with the truck sitting a while...20 to 50 ma..no hood light and after 15 mins of not touching the truck. I use a clamp on dc amp meter or a direct connect.
Oh I use the biggest deka I can get... they are great.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Here's an aside about battery manufacturing. When our number one son decided to devote his first year of college to chasing girls and playing the guitar, an "education" for which we were paying, we decided his time could be better spent working - on the night shift at a local battery plant.
Since they made batteries for under a number of names and in a variety of price ranges, I asked him what the difference was. He said they had to check the voltage of all the batteries as they came down the line. The highest end batteries had to show 12.7 VDC on the meter. Other batteries might show just 12.5 or 12.6 VDC. I thought that was interesting.
And having his clothes literally turn to taters from his work convinced him a college education was a worthwhile endeavor, after which he became a highly successful computer programmer.
Steve
Since they made batteries for under a number of names and in a variety of price ranges, I asked him what the difference was. He said they had to check the voltage of all the batteries as they came down the line. The highest end batteries had to show 12.7 VDC on the meter. Other batteries might show just 12.5 or 12.6 VDC. I thought that was interesting.
And having his clothes literally turn to taters from his work convinced him a college education was a worthwhile endeavor, after which he became a highly successful computer programmer.
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 397
Likes: 7
I've been running either Schumacher automatic onboard battery chargers or the genius marine type that I wire in with my block heater. Up until I sold my jeep 2 years ago I had at least 10+ years on a blue top optima and 7 or 8 years on 2 red tops. I just plug in and come out to a fully charged battery. I suppose that could cause problems but i've never really had much in the way of battery issues that some do.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I am not sure how many folks actually have battery problems. I think the folks who have bad luck post and the folks who have good luck are more likely to post. All the folks who have no strong feelings either way just go about their business. In terms of problem children, batteries would never make it onto my list, regardless of brand.
Steve
Steve
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 670
Likes: 6
I had the same problems with my batteries draining down on my 14' F350. After the first 2 batteries failed in the first year I put a battery tender on and have not had anymore problems. At least Ford covered them under warranty so I was thankful for that. So I guess I said all of that to say this.... Battery Tenders are your friend.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Nothing against battery tenders, but I don't think the majority of owners require them to guard against battery failure. I am guessing repetitive failures have more to do with battery quality overall. Just my opinion.
Steve
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Here's an aside about battery manufacturing. When our number one son decided to devote his first year of college to chasing girls and playing the guitar, an "education" for which we were paying, we decided his time could be better spent working - on the night shift at a local battery plant.
Since they made batteries for under a number of names and in a variety of price ranges, I asked him what the difference was. He said they had to check the voltage of all the batteries as they came down the line. The highest end batteries had to show 12.7 VDC on the meter. Other batteries might show just 12.5 or 12.6 VDC. I thought that was interesting.
And having his clothes literally turn to taters from his work convinced him a college education was a worthwhile endeavor, after which he became a highly successful computer programmer.
Steve
Since they made batteries for under a number of names and in a variety of price ranges, I asked him what the difference was. He said they had to check the voltage of all the batteries as they came down the line. The highest end batteries had to show 12.7 VDC on the meter. Other batteries might show just 12.5 or 12.6 VDC. I thought that was interesting.
And having his clothes literally turn to taters from his work convinced him a college education was a worthwhile endeavor, after which he became a highly successful computer programmer.
Steve
I have a friend in the battery industry. He says the same thing.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
I've been running either Schumacher automatic onboard battery chargers or the genius marine type that I wire in with my block heater. Up until I sold my jeep 2 years ago I had at least 10+ years on a blue top optima and 7 or 8 years on 2 red tops. I just plug in and come out to a fully charged battery. I suppose that could cause problems but i've never really had much in the way of battery issues that some do.
It sounds like you had them when they were a good product.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
I had an 05 Expedition (5.4L) that would eat batteries every 2 years..
I just noticed this week my 2016 6.2L SD is cranking a little slow.
Perhaps the cool weather is exposing a weakness. I should get it tested tomorrow.
I just noticed this week my 2016 6.2L SD is cranking a little slow.
Perhaps the cool weather is exposing a weakness. I should get it tested tomorrow.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
As far as my understanding of the intelligent battery monitoring system for 2011+ vehicles goes they don't like batteries that are not lead acid. You actually need to pull up the battery health and history using the IDS and reset for a new battery. This is where you will see the in service time , charge, discharge rate and temperature. The system is not setup to monitor the temperature of AGM batteries. I believe there is mention of this in the service guide. Also a deep cycle battery is a bad choice as a primary battery. You would have been better off with a red top. The alternator is trying to charge the yellow top faster then the AGM can take it and the Intelligent Battery system can't judge battery temperature and is probably cooking the battery.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
I change mine out every three years. For $100, gives me peace of mind that it will start when it's cold or storming out.
Forgot to do that in my 2011 last year, and sure enough it died on me (about 40 months old).
Forgot to do that in my 2011 last year, and sure enough it died on me (about 40 months old).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
This will be in the repair guides.