New battery; H7 or H8?

[SALEEN961]

I had looked into making this change on my truck back in January. But I was told that these settings really have to do with the size of the alternator that the vehicle was equipped with. Apparently you have found out some new information here. Can you confirm that these changes relate to battery size and not alternator size?

My 3.5 XLT came with a H6 AGM battery, a ML3Z-10346-B alternator, and XXXX-1C1C-XXXX at 726-04-01. I found a 3.5 Lariat with a H7 AGM battery, the same ML3Z-10346-B alternator, and XXXX-1E1E-XXXX at 726-04-01. Based on this it doesn't look like this line indicates a difference in the alternator, but I'm completely open to being wrong about this.

I also found the VIN for a XLT 3.0 diesel with a H8 AGM battery, a ML3Z-10346-E alternator, and XXXX-2020-XXXX at 726-04-01. The 3.0 diesel has different alternator from the other two trucks, but it also has a different engine so that's not surprising.

In forscan, line 726-04-01 XXXX-**XX-XXXX has the description BatteryTypeFactory_Cfg (BTFC) • Undefined / Not Used = Hex2Dec(**). Line 726-04-01 XXXX-XX**-XXXX has the description BatteryTypeNormal_Cfg (BTNC) • Undefined / Not Used = Hex2Dec(**).

I just bought and installed a H8 on my 21 3.5eb. Can you explain what this forscan process is? I don’t know what the SOC is and why it’s important to modify?

SOC is the state of charge. From the factory my truck was set to charge the battery up to 80% capacity as this helps extended battery life. I increased this to 90% with the understanding that I may shorten the life of my battery a little bit. I don't drive my truck very much and it may only get driven 4,500 miles some years, so I want to charge the battery a little more aggressively to avoid low battery messages from extended periods of sitting.

I wound recommend reading through the thread linked below to get a better understanding of what forscan is and how it can be used. I updated my targeted SOC using one of the predefined settings found under the BCM.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2021-f-150-forscan-list-database-spreadsheet.1578/

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[fordtruckman2003]

FWIW / FYI, here's what I found when installing my Everstart H8 battery ...

In order for the battery to fit under / into the molded plastic tab (on the 'engine side' of the tray) one must completely remove this long bolt with the corresponding metal battery retaining bracket on the 'fender' side of the tray:

With ^that^ bolt and its captive metal bracket completely removed my H8 Everstart replacement could be 'tipped' into the tray with the bottom sitting flat in the tray and the plastic tab on the 'engine side' fitted into the corresponding 'notch' of the battery case.

Then, the pictured 'fender side' bolt and its captive metal retaining bracket can be reinstalled, fitting the metal bracket into the 'notch' on the 'fender side' of the battery case.

No modification of the battery tray or 'plastic tab' required at all; the Everstart H8 sits flat in the tray and is retained at the base on both sides (by the plastic tab on the 'engine side' and the bolt with metal bracket on the 'fender side'). Finally, the OE webbing strap over the top.

Methinks the 'key' is completely removing the 'fender side' bolt and captive metal bracket to allow the H8 battery to go into its proper place in the tray with the 'engine side' plastic tab intact (just as the OE H8 battery does in the diesel F150 having the same battery tray and retaining hardware).

Yep pull the bolt out and battery lip is held down on opposite side. It's a nice design so battery is very secure.

 

[gooby]

So I bought a Walmart h8 to put in my 2.7 '22 XL. But the problem is I can't find part #KL3Z10A687C which is the shroud cover for the h8 size battery. I tried two vendors, lakelandford and another, and both cancelled my order saying there was no expected restock date. Maybe discontinued since the 3.0L was discontinued?

Now I wonder if I need to try and return this h8 and get an h7. Thoughts?

 

[Buyer2021]

Maybe discontinued since the 3.0L was discontinued?

Not likely, IMO, probably just a demand / supply chain / batch production issue.

Were I you, already having the H8, I'd install it and when the 'insulator' eventually comes available add it later (it can be installed with the battery in-situ by just removing the cables and strap, slip on from above).

 

[notabot]

SOC is the state of charge. From the factory my truck was set to charge the battery up to 80% capacity as this helps extended battery life. I increased this to 90% with the understanding that I may shorten the life of my battery a little bit. I don't drive my truck very much and it may only get driven 4,500 miles some years, so I want to charge the battery a little more aggressively to avoid low battery messages from extended periods of sitting.

I updated my targeted SOC using one of the predefined settings found under the BCM.

Saleen has the info!!!

I have a 21 PB with 8k miles on it. One of the first things I did was update the SOC parameter in forscan. I have never had a deep-sleep warning and always see 14.x volt charge whenever the truck is running. If I have a long trip, the charging value will drop to lower numbers as one would expect.

IMHO, don't buy a new battery unless yours is FUBAR'd. Just update the SOC...

 

[fordtruckman2003]

So I bought a Walmart h8 to put in my 2.7 '22 XL. But the problem is I can't find part #KL3Z10A687C which is the shroud cover for the h8 size battery. I tried two vendors, lakelandford and another, and both cancelled my order saying there was no expected restock date. Maybe discontinued since the 3.0L was discontinued?

Now I wonder if I need to try and return this h8 and get an h7. Thoughts?

It was on backorder much of summer then started showing available again recently. Might have run out again since the secret is out and we all want H8 batteries now.

 

[Blue22]

So I bought a Walmart h8 to put in my 2.7 '22 XL. But the problem is I can't find part #KL3Z10A687C which is the shroud cover for the h8 size battery. I tried two vendors, lakelandford and another, and both cancelled my order saying there was no expected restock date. Maybe discontinued since the 3.0L was discontinued?

Now I wonder if I need to try and return this h8 and get an h7. Thoughts?

I wouldn't worry about it. I would just install the H8 battery and when the insulating blanket comes back in stock, install it then. Not sure where you live, but being cold in most parts of the country right now, you won't really need it until it gets warmer.

 

[Brad34]

So I bought a Walmart h8 to put in my 2.7 '22 XL. But the problem is I can't find part #KL3Z10A687C which is the shroud cover for the h8 size battery. I tried two vendors, lakelandford and another, and both cancelled my order saying there was no expected restock date. Maybe discontinued since the 3.0L was discontinued?

Now I wonder if I need to try and return this h8 and get an h7. Thoughts?

I just ordered one yesterday from Autonation Ford White Bear Lake on Fordparts.com. $22.75 plus tax with free FedEx Ground shipping. It's already on its way to me.

 

[gooby]

I just ordered one yesterday from Autonation Ford White Bear Lake on Fordparts.com. $22.75 plus tax with free FedEx Ground shipping. It's already on its way to me.

Thanks, ordered.

 

[TXGREEK]

Have observed these discussions on batteries. People seem to be trying to solve what I believe to be the wrong problem. I believe that Ford either received a bad batch of batteries or they let a whole bunch of batteries sit idle for months during the chip shortage. In either case the fix is to just go get a new battery and be done with it. I had some odd warnings some 4 months after delivery while traveling for Thanksgiving famiiy dinners. So I just stopped into a nearby NAPA store and bought their off the shelf, drop in, AGM battery for the 21 F-150. Not a peep since through two Wyoming winters. Unless you're doing something heavy duty, like winching, I just don't believe that the larger battery will fix the real problem. I guess it will if it's a new battery... but the discussion on H7 vs H8 is really moot.

As being that guy that buys new vehicles every 3-4 years and I’ve always replaced the factory tires and batteries soon after any new vehicle purchase. And since I’ve been doing this I’ve never EVER had any flats or battery issues. I’m also big on rather have it and not need it than not have it and need it.

 

[gooby]

I still can’t find the h8 battery blanket KL3Z10A687C

Even fordparts doesn’t have it. I’m in FL so worried about installing without it. My truck entered deep sleep today again so I need to replace it pronto. H8 without cover or just exchange for h7 and be done with it. Hmm. Not good for a guy with OCD ?

 

[Gros Ventre]

I've always thought those blankets a nice, but unnecessary, add on. If you drive long distance, everything comes into equilibium.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Blanket is to protect against heat more than cold. I ordered one with no clue when it will ever arrive at dealer.

 

[Brad34]

I still can’t find the h8 battery blanket KL3Z10A687C

Even fordparts doesn’t have it. I’m in FL so worried about installing without it. My truck entered deep sleep today again so I need to replace it pronto. H8 without cover or just exchange for h7 and be done with it. Hmm. Not good for a guy with OCD ?

You said before you ordered it. What happened? I received the one I ordered on Tuesday.

 

[gooby]

You said before you ordered it. What happened? I received the one I ordered on Tuesday.

They said it’s backordered and it never shipped.

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