I have a 2004 HD E-350 van with 6.0 power stroke diesel. The batteries are mounted on the frame under the running board. A real bear to get down and check. I did this several weeks ago to check water.
My problem is they go dead in 2-3 days. If I start and run it every day, no problem.

This is an on going problem. Last year under warantee Ford replaced one battery.? They told me that my Cobra CB was drawing it down. Duh! I removed the CB and the problem has been with me ever since.
I put water in them 2 weeks ago and drove 800+ miles and the batteries were charged up. 48 hours later the van would not start.

I have been told that they may be the wrong batteries. They should be BXT65-850 sealed maintanance free. BUT, both are able to put in water. Only one was replaced and the other is supposed to be original.

I have no add-ons other than a charger for a cell phone and alarm/remote start.

I have no idea if there is a drain or the older battery may be bad and is pulling down the new one. Even so it is only 3 years old.

Appreciate any info that can be tossed at me. I have an appointment with Ford For Tuesday. I am debating whether to try to replace both by myself but it's a bitch laying on your back lifting heavy batteries. Are the BXT65-850 the best to put in it.

Thanks,

Bruce S.

 

Bruce, everything I've read on the site says when you have a bad battery you must replace both batteries. If they replaced just one, I'll bet that's your problem.

Do a search on batteries and you'll find some of the other posts that explain the problem.

Joe

 

I'm sure others will chime in here also, but I have seen posts in the past were the Alarm/Remote start was actually draining the battery. May be something to check or disconnect to see if it helps.. Just a thought from reading past posts.

 

Bruce S,

As previously stated, you need to replace dual batteries in pairs. If you only replace one the old battery will quickly damage the new battery.

Also since the batteries seem to hold a charge for 2-3 days you may also have a short to ground somewhere draining down the batteries.

 

Replacing just one battery is bad news, within a short time the "new" battery will be no better than the used battery.
However our 2004 E450 also will have batteries too discharged to start the van if it sits for a couple of weeks or so, it did it with the originals and now it is doing it with the replacement Delcos. No alarms or remote starts on this unit either.
Your right, its a real pita changing those batteries. However the battery trays have cables on them and the bolt holes are slotted so the trays can be lowered and hold the batteries in such a position as to facilitate cable hookup. One will still find a light duty floor jack to be helpful.

 

alternator maybe?? i just had to replace mine....i started off by replacing the 4yr old batteries...they drained in 2 days, took to the dealer $482.27 later w/ a new alternator everything is working fine. good luck!

 

Tomorrow I am going to a battery only shop. They will check the charging system free. They will charge to drop the batteries to check them. If bad they will charge me $69.95 each for BXT65-850 batteries. plus $20. each for installation. Bet Ford's bill would be twice that. It still charges so I think the alternator is good.

I will report back the problem solved!
Thanks for the replies, Bruce

 

Here is what I came up with. I bought a new hydrometer. Put the van up 6 inches on blocks. Removed the original battery, 3 years old. What a beech!@#$%^&*( on a van. It has a bad cell on the positive end. Put it back and pulled the 1 year old battery down. It too has a bad cell on the positive end.

Charging systen putting out 13.6 volts. After being shut down for an hour I have 12.72 volts. 3 hours later 12.66 volts.

I went to the dealer and manager was on vacation. Figures! Talked to the 2 service clerks and a diesel mechanic. If a battery tests ok they cannot replace it as Ford Co will not pay them for a battery that tests good and under warrantee. DUH! I'll bet that if the customer was paying they would replace both.

I was told since I bought the van there I should talk to the manager Monday and he may cut me some slack. I am willing to pay half. If not I will go to the battery warehouse and pay them to replace them.

Thanks for all the replys.

Bruce

 

Update on my E-350SD van with 6.0 diesel and bad batteries.

I took notes from stating that you never change out one battery in a 2 battery system. SErvice manager said they never did both if one was good. Never had a complaint in the past. I said "I'm here"! I also said the others may have gone elsewhere to get their problem solved.

He told me that if both were bad he would replace the newer one free and no labor charge. He would replace the older original one at cost and no labor charge. They also checked the charging system.

I dropped it off Tuesday am and picked it up in the evening. 2 new batteries, system checked, additive added to coolant system, PA. state inspection. Cost $140. I am a happy camper.

Thanks to all that replied.

Bruce