Question about something a ford tech told me

[newfrank]

So I had my truck ('23 f150 xlt with 3.5 eb) in for its first oil change and because the start stop randomly stopped working. They said they replaced the battery, cleared some "bcm codes" and disconnected the power wire for my amp&sub, which I installed as soon as I got the truck.

He told me the issue was the power wire from the battery to the amp&sub that caused the start-stop to quit so that is why they left it disconnected after replacing the battery. They wouldn't have replaced the battery if the wire was the problem. My guess is low-voltage in the battery.

He's just straight up wrong here, right?

I made a few changes in forscan when I got the truck (bambi mode, seatbelt chime, double honk disable, unreal theme). I guess the codes are from that, can't see how the sub power wire would cause that.

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[rugedraw]

I have an amp and subs in my truck for almost 2 years with no issues. Assuming it is correctly installed, the amp is powered off while the truck is off, so it should not be drawing any juice from the 12v when parked.

 

[newfrank]

Yeah it’s grounded correctly and just power to amp with an inline fuse. No draw when off.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Motorcraft batteries are not known to be great in these trucks as seen in many threads here. That combined with undersized batteries for all the onboard electronics will leave you with a weak battery. Several of us have upgraded to aftermarket batteries of the largest size that will fit on tray. H8 for non-Powerboost and H7 for Powerboost.

I really doubt your amp was any issue at all as long as you are not doing weird things like bypassing the BMS.

 

[Sparkybrent]

So I had my truck ('23 f150 xlt with 3.5 eb) in for its first oil change and because the start stop randomly stopped working. They said they replaced the battery, cleared some "bcm codes" and disconnected the power wire for my amp&sub, which I installed as soon as I got the truck.

He told me the issue was the power wire from the battery to the amp&sub that caused the start-stop to quit so that is why they left it disconnected after replacing the battery. They wouldn't have replaced the battery if the wire was the problem. My guess is low-voltage in the battery.

He's just straight up wrong here, right?

I made a few changes in forscan when I got the truck (bambi mode, seatbelt chime, double honk disable, unreal theme). I guess the codes are from that, can't see how the sub power wire would cause that.

Short answer, your tec is wrong. I installed Amp running boards when new which hook directly to the battery. When my stop/start quit working my battery was replaced without questions. It has since been replaced again and without questions. 21 Lariat. The problem is in the charging scenario. The truck uses a lot of power when idle and parked. The charging system takes a lot of miles to replenish the charge, so if you don't drive a lot, power will never be replenished at a rate sufficient to keep the battery at full charge. Many of us have put trickle chargers on our trucks to help offset this deficiency.

 

[newfrank]

Yeah I figured he was wrong, I just wanted some validation lol

I reinstalled my power wire and everything has been fine and works as it should. The only thing I have left is the dashcam reboots when the engine starts (from start-stop). It stays on when stopped but restarts when the engine fires up again. I'm wired in do the mirror with a dongar adapter. I figure the voltage dips too low for the camera when the engine turns over.

 

[Thor’s Stormboost]

Motorcraft batteries are not known to be great in these trucks as seen in many threads here. That combined with undersized batteries for all the onboard electronics will leave you with a weak battery. Several of us have upgraded to aftermarket batteries of the largest size that will fit on tray. H8 for non-Powerboost and H7 for Powerboost.

I really doubt your amp was any issue at all as long as you are not doing weird things like bypassing the BMS.

for the H8, any specific version? Interstate has an H8 with non-AGM and AGM. IIRC I’ve seen posts on here talking about how the OEM is an AGM so just want to make sure if I get one it’s not going to cause problems with the warranty or the vehicle itself. Thanks!

 

[Gord0]

You need an AGM. An h8 will fit in a regular Ecoboost, and an h7 will fit in a powerboost. Many get theirs from either Costco or Walmart due to the huge cost savings.

 

[KingDavid]

for the H8, any specific version? Interstate has an H8 with non-AGM and AGM. IIRC I’ve seen posts on here talking about how the OEM is an AGM so just want to make sure if I get one it’s not going to cause problems with the warranty or the vehicle itself. Thanks!

AGM H8, it fits all f150s except the Powerboost. Those need AGM H7s. Doubt it'll happen, but if your Costco asks for a make/model to select the right battery, tell them it's a 2021 F150 Diesel.

I have the interstate AGM H8 and I have a NOCO 2D installed on the truck that I always plug in. Zero issues compared to that H6 motorcrap battery.

 

[vaeyedoc]

Is this what is recommended for a 2022 Powerboost?

 

[DcnPat]

Is your amp power hooked up to the small battery under the rear passenger seat?

 

[newfrank]

Is your amp power hooked up to the small battery under the rear passenger seat?

No, power for the amp goes along passenger side, through the firewall and to the battery.

I've been running around all weekend and its been fine. I think I just had a bad battery. If it happens again I will pick up an H8 agm battery and (hopefully) never worry about it again.

 

[Rinn69]

Some of the delays for delivery of the 2024's is a result of the engineers discovering numerous points of battery usage while the truck is off. It wouldn't surprise me one bit that this is the real problem for ALL Fords with the BMS and/or ASS. It's been an issue for a lot of Ranger owners since they were brought back in 2019. Charging is delayed once the truck is started and even then, it's only up to 70%..... (insert sarcasm) BUT, they did save .010 mpg.....

 

[EricR]

You could have a problem if your audio gear has parasitic draw.

There are numerous YT videos on how to check for this.

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