Here is What Happens When Your Battery Dies!

[thompsdw]

So I had a dead battery cell on our 23 Wildtrak with 5000 miles. Holy crap! In some ways I would like to go back to the days of rurr-rurr-click-click-click. First thing was a park brake failure message. I put a jump pack on it and tried to start it - things got worse. . Steering failure message. Lights flashing. Brake pedal anti-lock pulsing. Engine electronics making all kinds of weird sounds. Then I put a charger on it and let it charge for 30 minutes or so and then I put the jump pack back on it. It finally started and I was able to get to the dealership. Was pleasantly surprised that is was fully covered in 3/36 and not pro-rated. What was interesting is that the Bronco didn't seem to go into battery preservation mode. When it does that I get a message in my FordPass app. Nothing.

Just thought it was worth sharing what can happen. I keep a jump pack on all 3 of my Fords. I would certainly recommend you do the same.

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[JT58Bronc]

Is the Bronco so complicated with electronics that the battery must be replaced by the dealer? Can one be bought at NAPA or other parts store and be self installed? I can only imagine what the dealer would charge for a new battery and installation- $500 maybe?

 

[Desertmountains]

Broken batteries can really put everything on the fritz. Only thing comparable would be driving in a dust storm with modern sensors freaking out and being broken down on a freeway at night with low visibility. That was special, was a CR-V and paid for a tow but was fine the next day.

 

[thompsdw]

Is the Bronco so complicated with electronics that the battery must be replaced by the dealer? Can one be bought at NAPA or other parts store and be self installed? I can only imagine what the dealer would charge for a new battery and installation- $500 maybe?

No, it's easy to do yourself. I changed the battery in my Expedition recently and installed an Odyssey battery. You just have to remember to reset the BMS system after you change the battery. Google and you can find the procedure.

 

[adam1991]

So I had a dead battery cell on our 23 Wildtrak with 5000 miles.

Yup. My 3 day old OBX had a bad battery, per the dealer who was tracking down my 4A problems.

 

[adam1991]

You just have to remember to reset the BMS system after you change the battery. Google and you can find the procedure.

with the battery icon on the dash, flash the brights 5 times and press/release the brake pedal 5 times?

 

[Ford Motor Company]

So I had a dead battery cell on our 23 Wildtrak with 5000 miles. Holy crap! In some ways I would like to go back to the days of rurr-rurr-click-click-click. First thing was a park brake failure message. I put a jump pack on it and tried to start it - things got worse. . Steering failure message. Lights flashing. Brake pedal anti-lock pulsing. Engine electronics making all kinds of weird sounds. Then I put a charger on it and let it charge for 30 minutes or so and then I put the jump pack back on it. It finally started and I was able to get to the dealership. Was pleasantly surprised that is was fully covered in 3/36 and not pro-rated. What was interesting is that the Bronco didn't seem to go into battery preservation mode. When it does that I get a message in my FordPass app. Nothing.

Just thought it was worth sharing what can happen. I keep a jump pack on all 3 of my Fords. I would certainly recommend you do the same.

Good afternoon! If you'd like additional assistance, feel free to send us a private message with your VIN and dealer info and we’ll look into this battery concern further. Thanks!

 

[HighVelocity]

Is the Bronco so complicated with electronics that the battery must be replaced by the dealer? Can one be bought at NAPA or other parts store and be self installed? I can only imagine what the dealer would charge for a new battery and installation- $500 maybe?

The battery is simple enough to replace, just like any other vehicle.

If you want it covered by warranty, however, you must make a visit to an Imperial Outpost.

 

[[DELETED MEMBER 27901]]

So I had a dead battery cell on our 23 Wildtrak with 5000 miles. Holy crap! In some ways I would like to go back to the days of rurr-rurr-click-click-click. First thing was a park brake failure message. I put a jump pack on it and tried to start it - things got worse. . Steering failure message. Lights flashing. Brake pedal anti-lock pulsing. Engine electronics making all kinds of weird sounds. Then I put a charger on it and let it charge for 30 minutes or so and then I put the jump pack back on it. It finally started and I was able to get to the dealership. Was pleasantly surprised that is was fully covered in 3/36 and not pro-rated. What was interesting is that the Bronco didn't seem to go into battery preservation mode. When it does that I get a message in my FordPass app. Nothing.

Just thought it was worth sharing what can happen. I keep a jump pack on all 3 of my Fords. I would certainly recommend you do the same.

It was so ridiculous when the battery died I'm surprised my Bronco didn't detonate.

Crazy amount of error codes and flashing messages, the anti-lock spazzing was a nice surprise too. What ever happened to just not turning the engine over?

 

[thompsdw]

Yea, I agree. You would think with all these electronics you couldn't devise a "Hey your battery is dead dumbXXX" display message.

 

[thompsdw]

Good afternoon! If you'd like additional assistance, feel free to send us a private message with your VIN and dealer info and we’ll look into this battery concern further. Thanks!

I don't know what assistance you could provide. The dealer resolved the issue with a new battery. How about working on the defective APIM software update. That one worries much more significantly.

 

[SoDak1623]

I suspect there has been a decline in car battery quality control over the last few years since the supply chain shortages. My 22 badlands had its battery replaced under warranty last year or early this year in the dead of winter. My 1996 F150 had a battery that I bought new a few years ago and completely dropped a cell sometime this year and they warrantied that battery for me as well.

 

[thompsdw]

Yea, you are probably right. That is why I was asking the dealer about how much it would cost to replace (assuming it was pro-rated) versus buying a premium AGM battery. But when it is free it's kind of hard to pass up!

 

[Scott R Nelson]

Is the Bronco so complicated with electronics that the battery must be replaced by the dealer? Can one be bought at NAPA or other parts store and be self installed?

The last time I needed a new battery - for my Mustang - the Motorcraft batteries at the Ford dealer were a slightly lower price than at the local auto parts stores. So that's what I got.

It has to be totally easy to replace the battery in the Bronco, since everything is right out in the open at the front of the engine compartment. The Mustang is pretty easy too. The one in my 2014 Escape is extremely difficult and I let the Ford dealer deal with that the last time I needed one. They complained about it too.

Which reminds me, the battery for my Mustang died after about ten months with a dead cell. Showed 5.6 volts when checked. The dealer gave me a new one to replace it at no cost to me.

In any case, don't assume that you'll get a better deal at an auto parts store than at your local Ford dealer.

 

[dgorsett]

I'm not impressed with AGM batteries. I haven't noticed them performing any better than regular lead acid and when they give you trouble they can't be nursed along as easily.

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