It's time for new batteries in my 2020 Super Duty. I ordered the truck with dual batteries and the 400 amp alt (to help run the 12v refrigerator in my Lance truck camper while traveling). I have the 7.3 gas. Does this community have any suggestions on how to keep the computer and radio settings alive while I have both batteries out to take them as cores to the battery store? I have one of those 9v battery plug in device that you stick into the cigarette lighter plug in the cab, but I am pretty sure the computer turns them off after certain amount of time???

Andrew

 

Something like this might work and on sale now; afterwards you would have a nice jump starter on-hand.
Jump starter Sams

 

I replaced both of my batteries at the same time and didn't loose any settings.

 

Buy the new batteries first. Install one at a time. Be sure to wrap a towel around the positive cable as it will still be hot. Once done, take the old batteries back for the core charges.

 

I was going to suggest this, but wasn’t sure if he wanted to make 2 trips!

 

Do this or connect 12v to the system from another source. I made a 12v battery maintainer based on the A23 battery that plugs into the cigarette plug. They sell a bunch of inexpensive battery maintainers that run off of a 9v battery online or at auto parts stores.

Bob

 

Pay the core charge on the new batteries, then get it back afterward, then leave one battery hooked up while you swap the other.
This also keeps all your presets.

 

EZ-PZ

 

Change the batteries in the store parking lot.

 

Yeah, I was hoping to avoid having to go back to Costco to get my core charge back. I think I have a new plan. I forgot that I had an old automotive battery in the barn. It doesn't have a charge on it but I'm going to hook up a charger to it and see if I can wake it up enough to use as a spare while I have both batteries out to take to Costco. I was surprised at Costco prices for the batteries I need. The same group number but 800 CCA instead of 700 that came new in the truck. $130.00 each. Not bad and they are Interstate Battery.
Thanks to all who chimed in with suggestions.
Side note: My truck is in the steering column recall. Took it to dealer to get the recall taken care of. Just to find out it needs the part but they don't have it and I have to come back again when it is available. Good grief. So far, four recalls since I bought this truck in August of 2020. 1) Windshield wiper arms replaced. 2) Crash recorder software update. 3) Steering column recall. 4) Rear view camera software update.
Another side note: Just in case anyone is following this thread and owns a 7.3 gas, I recommend the 5 Star Tuning upgrade that fixes the sluggish transmission shifting when in Normal mode (or whatever it's called). Skipping every other gear wasn't cutting it for me. I little bit of extra HP tune to the engine, too. Big time improvement. Shifting is perfect. Woke up this bad boy 7.3

That's all,
Andrew

 

Pull them out go get the new ones and trade the cores. Take the new ones home and put them in. Mine sat all day I didn’t lose any settings.

 

Finally had to replace both my batteries, went with the Interstates from Costco and no issues.

What setting do you run your 5 Star at? I have one with 87 Performance, 87 Tow and 93 Performance. I ran 87 Performance and the down shift lag/slam was still there from 5/6 down - worked fine from dead stop or highway cruising, but turning to get on highway and having to hit the gas no.

Switched to 87 Tow and the shifting is better, just slows everything down a bit from the Performance one.

 

I'm running the 87 Tow. I think I have the same tune you have. I didn't want anything aggressive. Just wanted the transmission to wake up when not in tow/haul mode. Did the trick. I've never experienced any unusual shifting with the truck. Maybe because it doesn't have a lot of miles on it. Currently at 28,900 miles.

 

Thanks. The 87 Tow seems to be good, it was just the 87 Performance that would give me the occassional issue. Now, straight line from dead stop, it would chirp the tires 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 😁 Tow seems to be the win though for day to day.