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Dec 22, 2016 | 05:14 PM

bigdaddyII

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From: Southern Louisiana

New Battery

Had a cold snap in the Deep South a few days ago. One morning I auto started the truck and noticed it cranked funny. Not like a weak battery, slow crank, but more like it took longer then usual to crank....enough for me to notice. It cranked normal after that, of course it warmed up as well, so I didn't pay much attention. Had the truck in to the dealer for an oil change and they tested the battery and it was showing around 500 cranking amps. I went and looked, as the eye was green. Had them use another tester and it showed the same. Oh well, $134 for a new BXT-65-750 to assure that next time the temp dips I can get started isn't too bad I guess. I'd always heard that Motorcraft batteries are tough to beat but only 2 years on a factory battery doesn't sound great to me. I also pulled the blanket off when I reinstalled the new one, I have a suspicion that it holds heat, which is plentiful around here.

On a sode note they wanted $30 to install a new battery. I paid for my oil change, walked to the parking lot, pulled the old battery and brought it in to buy the new one. Whole process took 5 minutes to get back on the road. Easiest $30 I've ever saved.

Dec 22, 2016 | 05:22 PM

AlaskanEx

Bleed Ford Blue

Joined: Apr 2009

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From: Anchorage Alaska

I'm still on my factory 2011 battery and it's seen temps to -20F and never been extra slow to crank or anything.

I know heat kills them more then anything, which is something you guys in the south get a lot of.

Dec 22, 2016 | 10:00 PM

cb_13

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From: St James, Missouri

The blanket is actually there to insulate the battery from the heat of the engine. Whether it works or not I don't know but that is what it's suppose to do.

Dec 23, 2016 | 05:05 AM

hammer65

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From: Morehead, Ky.

I remember reading something, about having to do a computer update, so the computer knows you have a new battery. Can't remember the reason exactly.
this may be where the $30.00 came in.

Dec 23, 2016 | 05:48 AM

tseekins

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From: Maine, Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammer65

I remember reading something, about having to do a computer update, so the computer knows you have a new battery. Can't remember the reason exactly.
this may be where the $30.00 came in.

I don't think the dealer did that to mine, I watched the tech pull out the old battery and install the new one and back it out of the bay. I could be wrong.

Dec 23, 2016 | 06:23 AM

hammer65

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Joined: Jul 2008

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From: Morehead, Ky.

This might help.

Replacing a battery - the new way - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

Dec 23, 2016 | 07:01 AM

bigdaddyII

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From: Southern Louisiana

I'm aware of the BMS, and the truck as sat and completed the 8 hour turn around since I've gotten it home yesterday afternoon. Still not worth the $30 to me.

I'm thinking that blanket is suspect. My brother has a similar 2 year life span on his truck that had the blanket. This is absurd to me, and he didn't replace with Motorcraft batteries so I don't think it's the brand in particular. The blanket was removed on his with the most recent replacement. That was only a couple months ago though so we will have to wait and see.