Weak battery but Ford won't replace

[Srptdi]

I had problems with my ‘21 where the system would go to sleep all the time. Last winter I wasn’t going to have any issues and I put a Everstart from Walmart in . It has been perfect ever since . The truck is even getting updates where before it didn’t.

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[Risky Bizness]

When FORD/Motorcraft dropped their warranty from 100 months to the 36 month warranty, IMO the batteries started going down hill. Instead of "improving their batteries", they lowered the warranty time.

I have personally went to the Odyssey AGM batteries. YES, they are more expensive. YES, they are heavy. BUT, I've not had a problem with them, and have been running them for 6 years now.

4 trucks, a SUV, and 2 in my boat.

Motorcraft/BAD !!!
Odyssey/GOOD !!!

Just my $0.02

 

[digitaltrucker]

Only a few more months? Put a battery tender on it and forget about it.

 

[roadPilot]

I have a friend at my local dealer. The battery problem is real and he says they have a way of making it fail the test. He said it is a constant problem. They replaced mine with a H6 stock size battery and everything has been fine ever since. But, yeah mine passed twice even though the interior lights wouldn't come on at times, would never do OTA updates, disabled features, etc.

I'd call Ford customer service if your dealer won't replace it and complain about it being a safety issue to you. Maybe remind the dealer that the lease is coming up and they have no chance of leasing you another truck if they can't even fix a simple battery issue.

A dead battery is not a "safety issue".

 

[m_bt54]

Just go buy a new battery and get on with your life. That’s what I did before even wasting a second with my dealer. My Walmart everstart platinum has been going strong for years now

 

[JCsTruck]

The H6 size battery is just too small to be able to handle all the electrical needs these trucks have and if the truck isn't driven enough then in my non scientific opinion the discharging rate exceeds the recharge rate. This doesn't mean the battery is no good, just that it is undersized and therefore inadequate. Last time I went to WallMart I looked and compared the size of their H6 to the H7 and H8 batteries. There is a very noticeable difference in physical size. Each size up from H6 battery adds about 6 lbs of weight too.

An Ai search came up with this.

The H6, H7, and H8 battery sizes, part of the DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standard, differ in physical dimensions, capacity, and intended purpose. Below is a breakdown of their differences based on typical specifications for lead-acid or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries:

### **1. H6 Battery**
- **Dimensions (L x W x H)**: Approx. 278 x 175 x 190 mm (10.94 x 6.89 x 7.48 inches)
- **Capacity**: Typically 60–70 Ah (Amp-hours)
- **Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)**: ~600–800 CCA
- **Intended Purpose**:
- Designed for **mid-size vehicles** such as compact SUVs, sedans, and smaller trucks.
- Suited for vehicles with **moderate electrical demands**, including standard electronics, smaller engines (4–6 cylinders), and average accessory loads (e.g., basic infotainment, lights).
- Common in European and some domestic vehicles requiring a compact yet reliable battery.
- **Use Case Examples**: Mid-size cars like Honda Accord, VW Golf, or smaller SUVs like Toyota RAV4.

### **2. H7 Battery**
- **Dimensions (L x W x H)**: Approx. 315 x 175 x 190 mm (12.40 x 6.89 x 7.48 inches)
- **Capacity**: Typically 70–80 Ah
- **Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)**: ~700–900 CCA
- **Intended Purpose**:
- Designed for **larger vehicles** or those with **higher electrical demands**, such as midsize to full-size SUVs, larger sedans, and light-duty trucks.
- Suitable for vehicles with **more powerful engines** (6–8 cylinders) or additional electrical accessories (e.g., advanced infotainment, heated seats, or towing packages).
- Offers a balance between size and performance for vehicles needing more power than H6 but not as much as H8.
- **Use Case Examples**: Vehicles like BMW 5-Series, Dodge Charger, or midsize SUVs like Jeep Grand Cherokee.

### **3. H8 Battery**
- **Dimensions (L x W x H)**: Approx. 353 x 175 x 190 mm (13.90 x 6.89 x 7.48 inches)
- **Capacity**: Typically 80–100 Ah
- **Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)**: ~800–1000 CCA
- **Intended Purpose**:
- Designed for **large vehicles** with **high electrical demands**, such as full-size trucks, luxury SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
- Ideal for **high-performance engines** or vehicles with extensive electrical systems (e.g., premium audio, multiple onboard computers, or heavy-duty towing).
- Provides maximum power and capacity for demanding applications where reliability is critical.
- **Use Case Examples**: Heavy-duty trucks like Ford F-150, luxury SUVs like Cadillac Escalade, or vehicles with significant aftermarket electrical modifications.

### **Key Differences**
1. **Physical Size**:
- H6 is the smallest, H7 is mid-sized, and H8 is the largest. This impacts fitment in vehicle battery compartments.
- Always check the vehicle’s battery tray to ensure compatibility.

2. **Capacity and Power**:
- **H6**: 60–70 Ah, ~600–800 CCA (smallest capacity, suited for lighter loads).
- **H7**: 70–80 Ah, ~700–900 CCA (moderate capacity, versatile for many vehicles).
- **H8**: 80–100 Ah, ~800–1000 CCA (highest capacity, for heavy-duty applications).

3. **Intended Applications**:
- H6: Compact to mid-size vehicles with standard electrical needs.
- H7: Larger vehicles or those with moderate to high electrical demands.
- H8: Heavy-duty or high-performance vehicles with significant power requirements.

4. **Weight** (as previously discussed):
- H6: ~45–54 lbs
- H7: ~51–57 lbs
- H8: ~57–66 lbs
- Larger size and capacity correlate with increased weight.

### **Additional Notes**
- **Compatibility**: Always verify your vehicle’s battery group size (H6, H7, or H8) in the owner’s manual or by checking the existing battery. Using the wrong size can lead to fitment issues or insufficient power.
- **AGM vs. Flooded**: AGM versions of H6, H7, or H8 batteries are common for vehicles with start-stop technology or higher electrical demands due to better durability and vibration resistance.
- **Lithium Alternatives**: As mentioned in your prior question, a Dakota Lithium DL+ (e.g., 60Ah, ~17 lbs) can replace H6, H7, or H8 in some cases, offering lighter weight and longer lifespan but requiring a compatible LiFePO4 charging system.

If you need help selecting a battery for a specific vehicle or want to explore lithium options further, let me know the vehicle make/model or specific requirements!

 

[Aim64]

I had my 2021 Platty changed 3 times in 4 years until they found the parasitic drain coming from the Battery module.
I would find another dealer to replace your battery if it’s still under 3/36

You're missing the point. I shouldn't have to spend $330 (CAD) of my own money on a part Ford should be replacing for free, because the one I have is defective by any measure but seemingly their own.

 

[Chappy133]

As others have said put in the H8 AGM battery and your issue will go away. I did and haven’t had an issue since then. Yeah it sucks you have to pay to fix what Ford should have done.

 

[jewc75]

Unfortunately Ford doesn't deem a battery bad based off voltage. They use a battery code reader to determine if the battery is bad. Also there is a setting in the BMS programming for the percentage a battery will charge up to. Ive seen some Fords set as low as 60% from the factory, should be at least 85%. Most people will adjust the setting to 95% thru FORSCAN. Also in the BCM there is a setting for what type of battery is in the truck. Some trucks come with EFL and some with AGM. The type of battery in the truck needs to match the programming.

 

[Bucknut22]

Yep. Been there. They say my battery is fine. Charged it up and sent me on my way. Yet I'm constantly getting push notifications about trying to save battery life so some features are disabled. Their testers are made to save them money ?

 

[Bluegrass]

I've had my truck in for numerous electrical gremlins and I'm positive some (like chimes defaulting to the IPC rather than the speakers) are related to low voltage. My battery sits at like 11.7-11.9V which is far too low, but every time I take it in, they put it on their "special tester" and somehow or keeps passing the god damn thing.

I only have the truck for another year and few months before the lease is up. I don't think I'll be keeping it cause the residual is too high. I know I could take a new battery with me, but I don't think this expense should be on me.

Any suggestions?

.
It's not the Battery but the load Drain the truck options is putting on it.
Everything takes power to operate and be ready to operate when addressed.
.
The Battery is an AGM type.
Normal good voltage range is 12 to about 12.4 if the last drive cycle was long enough to recharge from the last Crank Start and Drive cycle.
The Alternator has to supply both the recharge current and what is needed by the vehicle while in use and is under control of the Battery Mangement Module (BCM) located in the Body Control board. What makes this somewhat a problem is the Battery can't be charged above 14.8 due to being an AGM type by its design. This causes the longer recharge drive cycle time, unfortunately.
The very min. to test for is what the vehicle drain is in sleep mode.
Sleep mode usually is entered in about 30 to 45 minutes after shutdown.
And should be in the 50 to 60 ma. range, (not) many amperes or it take the Battery down way to soon.
If not looked at and accounting for, you get what you get.
Everyone wants to blame the Battery for the low voltage. Now and then it may be, but not always
Good luck.

 

[Robbie Racer]

Great information in this thread. Will a H8 size battery fit in a '22 Powerboost? Or, is the H7 the largest that will fit when I replace the OEM battery?

 

[EcoBeastCA]

Great information in this thread. Will a H8 size battery fit in a '22 Powerboost? Or, is the H7 the largest that will fit when I replace the OEM battery?

H7 is largest for PB as far as I've seen.

 

[Kodiak]

Great information in this thread. Will a H8 size battery fit in a '22 Powerboost? Or, is the H7 the largest that will fit when I replace the OEM battery?

H7 for the 2022. I have a 2022 and replaced the Ford battery with a Walmart EverStart Platinum H7 and it is a tight fit. No way for the H8.

There are a number of threads on this H7 battery and the 12v AGM Aux battery if you are interested in some reading. IMO you should swap both at the same time. Good luck.

 

[Calson]

You are lucky that you chose to lease your truck and can walk away at the end of the term. I replaced the battery 3 times in my 2022 F-150 and ended up selling the truck and taking a $7,000 loss in the deal.

The problem is that the Ford BMS as designed does not shut off all devices and so parasitic draws can occur and starter type batteries are easily damaged if the SOC falls below 50%. My truck's batteries would be at 0 SOC in the morning.

It is a complicated and time consuming process to locate which component is causing the high amp draw and youtube videos that illustrate the process. It is something that an independent garage my do but good luck finding a dealer that will do this.

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