Battery problems anyone?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 16
From: Arizona/Texas
Battery problems anyone?
I've had to jump start my truck 3 times now. The first time I thought it was my fault for playing the tunes to long while cleaning up the truck.
The second time, I let the timer shut everything down after the first cycle, thinking it would save the battery. Nope had to jump it.
Then I'm at my son's place doing some work, no stereo at all. Just going in and out of the truck several times over the course of 4 hours. Had to jump it.
I know that the computer shuts down the alternator to save fuel, as I watch the volt meter fluctuate between 12.7 and 14.3 volts.
Has any one else had this issue? I'm thinking I'll just put in a stronger battery and get rid of the factory 610 amp.
Thoughts?
The second time, I let the timer shut everything down after the first cycle, thinking it would save the battery. Nope had to jump it.
Then I'm at my son's place doing some work, no stereo at all. Just going in and out of the truck several times over the course of 4 hours. Had to jump it.
I know that the computer shuts down the alternator to save fuel, as I watch the volt meter fluctuate between 12.7 and 14.3 volts.
Has any one else had this issue? I'm thinking I'll just put in a stronger battery and get rid of the factory 610 amp.
Thoughts?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
If the battery is fluctuating like that while the engine is running, there is some kind of fault in the charging system; either battery or regulator. The running voltage should not drop below approximately 13.5 volts.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 16
From: Arizona/Texas
I wonder if its the voltage regulator, or the system shutting down the alternator to save gas. I read an article that stated the number one complaint on the newer vehicles with all of the technology is the battery.
The same thing happened with my Super duty and I had a new battery installed with no more problems.
Trip to the dealer tomorrow.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
A resting battery with no load is going to be in the area of 12.7 to 13 volts depending on how long it has been since disconnected from a charger (after a day or two it might go lower).
If the battery is in a charging circuit, I would never expect the voltage to go below "about" 13.5 volts, which would be the approximate "float" voltage. I have numerous solar installations (nothing to do with trucks or cars I grant), and the lowest a solar charge controller will let a 12V battery get (as long as there is sun), is about that 13.5 float voltage.
Given any kind of discharge from full, a charge system will go up to what's called the absorption voltage of "about" 14.5 volts. The exact voltage is dependent on the charge system, and the battery chemistry, but that's a good ballpark.
If the battery is in a charging circuit, I would never expect the voltage to go below "about" 13.5 volts, which would be the approximate "float" voltage. I have numerous solar installations (nothing to do with trucks or cars I grant), and the lowest a solar charge controller will let a 12V battery get (as long as there is sun), is about that 13.5 float voltage.
Given any kind of discharge from full, a charge system will go up to what's called the absorption voltage of "about" 14.5 volts. The exact voltage is dependent on the charge system, and the battery chemistry, but that's a good ballpark.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 59
I cannot say I have continuously watched the voltage while running Dashboss, but the voltage has always been 14+ volts in my truck.
You need to visit the dealer for a systems check.
Josh
You need to visit the dealer for a systems check.
Josh
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 16
From: Arizona/Texas
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
I agree with Tom. Either your driving habit is too short to fully charge, or you may have something drawing down the battery when the truck is "off" (which it never really is).
I don't know what the typical parasitic is, but I would expect it to be in the low milliamp range.
I don't know what the typical parasitic is, but I would expect it to be in the low milliamp range.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 155
Likes: 4
From: Tennessee USA
New 2016
I've had this new truck for a week and I've seen some symptoms of a battery problem. Auto stop/start don't work, Sync 3 screen shuts down, some stuff like radio don't remember what was showing when I turned motor off. But, the biggie is at one time I saw on the Sync 3 screen a battery gauge that showed the battery about 1/2 full. Unfortunately, I cannot find that gauge again.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 16
From: Arizona/Texas
I unplugged my maglight charger, removed the headlight delay and turned off the DRLs. I think the culprit is a combination of the maglight charger and weak 610 CCA battery. It doesn't drain while parked overnight, just if I play the tunes with the engine off, or just going in and out of the truck while working. It should at least have the same battery as the lariat, considering all of the power requirements.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
I play the radio/bluetooth with the engine off all the time. Drive with headlights and foglights on most of the time. I leave the doors open for extended periods with the truck all lit up like it was Christmas. I am not having any battery/charge issues at all.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
I unplugged my maglight charger, removed the headlight delay and turned off the DRLs. I think the culprit is a combination of the maglight charger and weak 610 CCA battery. It doesn't drain while parked overnight, just if I play the tunes with the engine off, or just going in and out of the truck while working. It should at least have the same battery as the lariat, considering all of the power requirements.
My '15 has the largest factory battery of anything I've ever had save for my diesel Super Duties, and I've never killed a battery unless leaving something plugged in for a week.