Battery problems

JoergH

Cool, I have a NOCO GENIUS5 and it keeps my battery nicely topped up even when the Bronco sits in my garage for a couple of weeks or more.

I am gonna have to take a look at these. I have the Battery Tender brand, can’t remember the model.

TK1215

I am gonna have to take a look at these. I have the Battery Tender brand, can’t remember the model.

I got mine from Amazon. https://a.co/d/gBiDqw0 it's compatible with the AGM style battery in the Bronco. The Genius 5 automatically detects AGM chemistry and switches to the correct charging profile. The Genius 5 also has built-in temperature compensation and auto-reconditioning, which keeps AGM plates healthy during long storage.

I also got this wiring harness so I didn't have to use the clamps: https://a.co/d/b7JiJym

I drive my 22 Bronco outbanks every day and had a discharged battery. Took it to the dealer they charged it for 20 minutes and tested it and said it passed and said they could not replace the battery. It was a Saturday and last day of warranty. Could not tell me why it was discharged but that the battery was still good ? 😒 I think they should have replaced it and I'm thinking they just didn't want to as its already 3 years old. got a Noco genius 10 and let it charge it for the whole charge cycle. let's see if it lasts. disappointed with the dealer..plus said I could not replace the battery myself as the BMS needs to be reset and can only be done with a scanner, which is not true.

I'm sorry you've had to replace your battery three times in the short time you've had your Bronco, @Dakotagirl.

My Bronco has been in and out of a coma for the past few months. 😵

I'm bringing it into the dealer this Friday for an oil change, wiper refills and to check for power drains. It's annoying to get repeated "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" warnings from the Ford Pass app. The app recommends taking the Bronco for a ride to help recharge the battery. However, I sometimes get the same message right after I've taken it for a drive!

All but one of my accessories are powered through the upfitter switches. The only accessory that is "always on" is my dash cam, which monitors its surroundings while parked. I've adjusted the settings to reduce the sensitivity so it wouldn't record unnecessarily. Still, I doubt the motion detection sensors are drawing that much current.

At this point, I'd be willing to spring for a battery that has more current on demand. Does anyone know if there is an upgrade available?

BuckYeah

I'm sorry you've had to replace your battery three times in the short time you've had your Bronco, @Dakotagirl.

My Bronco has been in and out of a coma for the past few months. 😵

I'm bringing it into the dealer this Friday for an oil change, wiper refills and to check for power drains. It's annoying to get repeated "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" warnings from the Ford Pass app. The app recommends taking the Bronco for a ride to help recharge the battery. However, I sometimes get the same message right after I've taken it for a drive!

All but one of my accessories are powered through the upfitter switches. The only accessory that is "always on" is my dash cam, which monitors its surroundings while parked. I've adjusted the settings to reduce the sensitivity so it wouldn't record unnecessarily. Still, I doubt the motion detection sensors are drawing that much current.

At this point, I'd be willing to spring for a battery that has more current on demand. Does anyone know if there is an upgrade available?

I've heard that some folks replace their AGM batteries with a lithium one. There's a TON of caveats and limits on which batteries, etc. you can use. The nice thing about going lithium is that it handles winching better than the AGM battery that comes with the Bronco.

Rlujan90

I drive my 22 Bronco outbanks every day and had a discharged battery. Took it to the dealer they charged it for 20 minutes and tested it and said it passed and said they could not replace the battery. It was a Saturday and last day of warranty. Could not tell me why it was discharged but that the battery was still good ? 😒 I think they should have replaced it and I'm thinking they just didn't want to as its already 3 years old. got a Noco genius 10 and let it charge it for the whole charge cycle. let's see if it lasts. disappointed with the dealer..plus said I could not replace the battery myself as the BMS needs to be reset and can only be done with a scanner, which is not true.

My Badlands that was delivered in May of '23 has always given the "Systems shutting down to conserve battery" mssg since the first week of ownership. I drive the Bronco most every day but on my 3 day weekends off every other week , it may sit for a couple days in a row. I have always put it on a battery tender when I know it may sit for a day or two but the last few months I just about have to hook it up if it is going to sit for even 1 day. When I carried it in to have the rear shock and backup camera recall done I asked them to look at the battery. I even told them to go ahead and perform an oil change even though it was early just to give them a little $$ to make up for their time. When they called to say it was ready they said the battery checked out fine. After I asked why I was getting all the messages and remote start would not work etc they said they would keep it a little longer and check some other things. At the end of the day right before closing time I had to call to check as they had not called back. They said the battery did only show a SOC of 30% and did show a drain from something but I had aftermarket accessories that would have to be disconnected to evaluate further and since they did not install them originally, they could not guarantee everything would work when they reconnected. I told them all my lights went through the factory upfitter switches, the winch has a disconnect at the battery and anything ese had a fuse right at the battery with clearly marked labels as to what it was for. Mind you that I owned an accessory business for 20 years and everything aftermarket on my Bronco is wired neater and better than anything they would ever do. I ended up telling them that I just need to come pick it up because I needed it for work the next morning and I would hate to confuse the tech with having to pull a few fuses.

As long as I put it on the battery tender when it's not going to be driven for a couple of days it has been ok. I installed a small digital voltage meter in the console where Ford should have put the Park Brake switch and it stays on for a few minutes after parking and closing the last door. I can see it easily from outside the window and it generally shows 13.7-14 volts when running and 12.7 when shutting down the engine. Within the few minutes it stays on the voltage drops down to 12.4V. I verified it to within .1V with a couple of Fluke multimeters so the little gauge is accurate as one can expect. When getting in the Bronco the next morning it reads 12.2 when I open the door and goes to 15.1 when I crank the engine. I have disconnected all my accessories and it does the same. I will probably just research what battery most other Bronco owners have had good luck with and go buy a new battery myself. I just keep procrastinating and have many other things to do. This is classic car dealership "It's your aftermarket accessories" causing the issue and we are not going to bother trying to warranty anything B.S. that will probably still be an issue down the road negating the extended warranty that I wasted money on.

I bought a tender when I started planning to perform the 2.7 performance tune but still haven’t used it. In fact, I’m not even sure if I have a place to plug it in. I live in an apartment building and I’m not sure they’re so accommodating. 😜

I did some poking around because I too get that message when the Bronco has sat for more than a couple of days, and if you want to go Lithium the "best" (not cheapest) replacement battery for the Bronco seems to be the Antigravity H7/Group-94R. The main advantages to going Lithium are:

• Stronger cranking
• Lighter front end
• Better winching performance
• Longer sitting time with lights on
• No need to change alternator
• Perfect Start/Stop support

One thing to note is that if you live in a cold climate is that Lithium batteries don't charge below 32 degrees. There is a thermal battery wrap available for those of you who like it cold. Something like the Heatshield Products Lava Battery Shield — Part # 502015 works to keep your battery warmish in the winter, and coolish in the summer for when you go to hot places like Moab.

Stangchasr

My 2023 Badlands has 11K miles and I keep getting a "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" message and it enters deep sleep upon turning off. I don't drive far daily, so I went on an hour-long drive thinking maybe it would help, but it didn't. I have an appointment on Monday and I'm sure it will have to be replaced.

I’ve had this same issue for a few months now.

***UPDATE***

I got my battery replaced under warranty today. They tested my original battery and it failed, so out it came...

My service advisor said that they've been told to recommend battery tenders if people are not driving their vehicles very often. I've got one but no where to plug it in. 😝

Between the cold weather and my infrequent use, the battery simply lost its charge. It never quit. I never got stranded. The charge just dropped to the point where it couldn't perform remote functions and I needed to use the key fob to unlock it. No biggie, but I like having full functionality, and the ability to monitor its status whenever I like.

I got the oil changed and replaced the wiper blades while it was at the dealership. It's good as new now!

BuckYeah

***UPDATE***

I got my battery replaced under warranty today. They tested my original battery and it failed, so out it came...

My service advisor said that they've been told to recommend battery tenders if people are not driving their vehicles very often. I've got one but no where to plug it in. 😝

Between the cold weather and my infrequent use, the battery simply lost its charge. It never quit. I never got stranded. The charge just dropped to the point where it couldn't perform remote functions and I needed to use the key fob to unlock it. No biggie, but I like having full functionality, and the ability to monitor its status whenever I like.

I got the oil changed and replaced the wiper blades while it was at the dealership. It's good as new now!

If you don't have a wall plug close by you could do something solar maybe. A friend lays one of these on the dash and plugs into the cigarette plug to keep his battery topped off.

https://aax-events-cell01-cf.us-eas...&pd_rd_r=41f602f0-d929-4184-afac-867a17eb5db5

Rydfree

If you don't have a wall plug close by you could do something solar maybe. A friend lays one of these on the dash and plugs into the cigarette plug to keep his battery topped off.

https://aax-events-cell01-cf.us-eas...&pd_rd_r=41f602f0-d929-4184-afac-867a17eb5db5

Funny you should mention that. I know Volkswagen provides solar-powered tenders that plug into your cigarette lighter; they provide ample current to start vehicles. The only problem is if your vehicle is parked indoors.

I dig this passive method as I don’t want to dedicate too much thought to the process. Better it be handled without any intervention from me.

Rydfree

My Badlands that was delivered in May of '23 has always given the "Systems shutting down to conserve battery" mssg since the first week of ownership. I drive the Bronco most every day but on my 3 day weekends off every other week , it may sit for a couple days in a row. I have always put it on a battery tender when I know it may sit for a day or two but the last few months I just about have to hook it up if it is going to sit for even 1 day. When I carried it in to have the rear shock and backup camera recall done I asked them to look at the battery. I even told them to go ahead and perform an oil change even though it was early just to give them a little $$ to make up for their time. When they called to say it was ready they said the battery checked out fine. After I asked why I was getting all the messages and remote start would not work etc they said they would keep it a little longer and check some other things. At the end of the day right before closing time I had to call to check as they had not called back. They said the battery did only show a SOC of 30% and did show a drain from something but I had aftermarket accessories that would have to be disconnected to evaluate further and since they did not install them originally, they could not guarantee everything would work when they reconnected. I told them all my lights went through the factory upfitter switches, the winch has a disconnect at the battery and anything ese had a fuse right at the battery with clearly marked labels as to what it was for. Mind you that I owned an accessory business for 20 years and everything aftermarket on my Bronco is wired neater and better than anything they would ever do. I ended up telling them that I just need to come pick it up because I needed it for work the next morning and I would hate to confuse the tech with having to pull a few fuses.

As long as I put it on the battery tender when it's not going to be driven for a couple of days it has been ok. I installed a small digital voltage meter in the console where Ford should have put the Park Brake switch and it stays on for a few minutes after parking and closing the last door. I can see it easily from outside the window and it generally shows 13.7-14 volts when running and 12.7 when shutting down the engine. Within the few minutes it stays on the voltage drops down to 12.4V. I verified it to within .1V with a couple of Fluke multimeters so the little gauge is accurate as one can expect. When getting in the Bronco the next morning it reads 12.2 when I open the door and goes to 15.1 when I crank the engine. I have disconnected all my accessories and it does the same. I will probably just research what battery most other Bronco owners have had good luck with and go buy a new battery myself. I just keep procrastinating and have many other things to do. This is classic car dealership "It's your aftermarket accessories" causing the issue and we are not going to bother trying to warranty anything B.S. that will probably still be an issue down the road negating the extended warranty that I wasted money on.

Since you know exactly what all the wiring is, and where its connected. Why wouldnt you disconnect everything. And drop it back off for them to check?
I ask, cause I would prefer to do that myself anyways. That way I would know it was back to the way I had it. Plus.... it would eliminate them claiming my added accessories was the issue.

Mikes2021Bronco

Since you know exactly what all the wiring is, and where its connected. Why wouldnt you disconnect everything. And drop it back off for them to check?
I ask, cause I would prefer to do that myself anyways. That way I would know it was back to the way I had it. Plus.... it would eliminate them claiming my added accessories was the issue.

Well since everything is labeled and attached to the to the distribution bar at the battery , it isn't rocket science.
Bottom line is all a tech has to do to see if the battery is bad is take it out and run the test for a bad cell. If it test good then testing for a slow drain from the vehicle would be next.

Rydfree

Well since everything is labeled and attached to the to the distribution bar at the battery , it isn't rocket science.
Bottom line is all a tech has to do to see if the battery is bad is take it out and run the test for a bad cell. If it test good then testing for a slow drain from the vehicle

I get that its not rocket science. But I also know that anything I can do to make it easier for my tech. The more he can get accomplished. The quicker he can help another customer. And by disconnecting my "accessories" helps them eliminate that it is, or is not a Ford issue. And I dont feel like its their job to troubleshoot something i added.
Parasitic draw sucks. Especially in colder climates where battery health is important.

Mikes2021Bronco

I get that its not rocket science. But I also know that anything I can do to make it easier for my tech. The more he can get accomplished. The quicker he can help another customer. And by disconnecting my "accessories" helps them eliminate that it is, or is not a Ford issue. And I dont feel like its their job to troubleshoot something i added.
Parasitic draw sucks. Especially in colder climates where battery health is important.

If you can't figure out two disconnects & 2 fuses, all clearly labeled with white name tags, I really don't want you fiddling around with my vehicle.

Rydfree

If you can't figure out two disconnects & 2 fuses, all clearly labeled with white name tags, I really don't want you fiddling around with my vehicle.

Then you find out the guy who "serviced" your battery was the guy from the oil pit, on his 4th day. Dont assume, just because its a big fancy Ford store that everyone in the service area being utilized is qualified. Have you seen the available workforce these days.... I hope they find your issue soon.

So, just before Thanksgiving, our 2022 Badlands gave us the old "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" Put a tender on it and still kept getting the message. A couple of times we came out, and it wouldn't start. Jumped it and it seemed to be fine for a couple of days. Then before Christmas I put in a brand-new AGM battery. Reset the Battery and then we drove about 450 miles and another hundred a couple days later. Then we didn't even get the "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" message. Came out and it was dead. I made sure the previous times that everything was off, and we don't have any aftermarket add-ons. Jumped it and then had the following 4 warnings; Hill descent Control Fault, Hill Start Assist Warning, Antilock Brake Fault, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available.

I did the reset thing again and then drove it around for a little bit and the faults cleared and it has been stating the Voltage has been between about 13.5-15.9 while driving.

Then had an issue where I had to recalibrate the driver's side window.

Then last night I received the "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" message again. I again have made sure everything is off nothing plugged in. Hadn't had any electrical or battery issues in 3 years with it parked outside in a winter climate with the original battery.

Our dealership near the house recently closed and the nearest one is over an hour away. So, I'm just trying to figure out if anybody else has had this occur recently? Or has figured out what's going on before I have to drive it to the dealer. which isn't very close.

Thanks

Btweb7622

So, just before Thanksgiving, our 2022 Badlands gave us the old "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" Put a tender on it and still kept getting the message. A couple of times we came out, and it wouldn't start. Jumped it and it seemed to be fine for a couple of days. Then before Christmas I put in a brand-new AGM battery. Reset the Battery and then we drove about 450 miles and another hundred a couple days later. Then we didn't even get the "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" message. Came out and it was dead. I made sure the previous times that everything was off, and we don't have any aftermarket add-ons. Jumped it and then had the following 4 warnings; Hill descent Control Fault, Hill Start Assist Warning, Antilock Brake Fault, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available.

I did the reset thing again and then drove it around for a little bit and the faults cleared and it has been stating the Voltage has been between about 13.5-15.9 while driving.

Then had an issue where I had to recalibrate the driver's side window.

Then last night I received the "Remote features disabled to preserve battery" message again. I again have made sure everything is off nothing plugged in. Hadn't had any electrical or battery issues in 3 years with it parked outside in a winter climate with the original battery.

Our dealership near the house recently closed and the nearest one is over an hour away. So, I'm just trying to figure out if anybody else has had this occur recently? Or has figured out what's going on before I have to drive it to the dealer. which isn't very close.

Thanks

I gat this message on both Bronco’s and my Explorer. My 22 Bronco had its battery replaced after a year and a half, 25 Bronco (six months old now) has had it pop up numerous times, and the 22 is doing it again. Both Bronco’s are kept on battery tenders when not driven and still get the message. My 23 Explorer which I haven’t had two years and is driven all the time?, you betcha! At least four times in the last month.

TK1215

I gat this message on both Bronco’s and my Explorer. My 22 Bronco had its battery replaced after a year and a half, 25 Bronco (six months old now) has had it pop up numerous times, and the 22 is doing it again. Both Bronco’s are kept on battery tenders when not driven and still get the message. My 23 Explorer which I haven’t had two years and is driven all the time?, you betcha! At least four times in the last month.

Anything done through the Dealership? So, frustrating. I feel like this all started for us after the August Software update. Hadn't had an issue with the battery, except for when the dealership had it for a month and a couple days to deal with a clutch issue on our manual transmission, and must have left the battery disconnected for a bit not on a charger.