12 V battery warning question

[RMoore]

My Mach E is a 2022 now 3 1/3 yrs since I picked it up, with 20K miles. I got the 'check 12-V battery" warning saying the battery might no be healthy enough to start the vehicle and that I should bring it in to have it tested. Given its age and advice here I'll replace it but the service folks told me it just needs charging (not sure yet if they fully tested it). Does that warning mean they have to replace it (I have an extended warranty)? I trying to figure out whether I will need to pay for it, which I'm ok doing, but of course would rather it be covered.

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[ack154]

You'll have to pay for it regardless of the app warning. It's a "wear and tear" item as far as almost all warranties are concerned. There may be some specific provision if it failed within the first year or some low amount of mileage, but you'd have to confirm in the specific warranty verbiage.

And the warning doesn't mean you MUST replace it - but you should absolutely get it tested. And if you're getting the warning, I would be very hesitant to think that it just needs a charge. You're past three years, at this point, I'd consider replacing it based on time alone, even without the warning. That seems to be a pretty standard imminent failure time for the Mach-E 12V battery.

If you're mechanically inclined at all, you could consider replacing it yourself. It's a pretty straightforward process.... that and a lot more 12V detail here: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/12v-battery-faq.32744/

 

[Maquis]

You'll have to pay for it regardless of the app warning. It's a "wear and tear" item as far as almost all warranties are concerned.

Several people on the forum have had their 12V battery replacement covered under the 3/36 warranty, some very near the end.
I‘m pretty sure it’s not covered by the extended warranty.

 

[Adventureboy]

Replace it. It will be at your own cost. You are getting this message because the BMS has determined the capacity of the little 35Ah battery has diminished enough to put you at risk. Winter is coming, and weak batteries get weaker in the cold. They never fail at a convenient time, and it is cheap to replace.

 

[RMoore]

Thanks all. My plan was always to have it replaced, I was just trying to figure out if I was on the hook for it or if it might be covered by my extended warranty. With other cars I have also been given partial credit depending on the battery warranty if they failed early.

 

[RMoore]

My dealer is saying that the battery only needed to be charged and in any event wouldn't be covered under the extended warranty. I had told the when I brought the car in over a week ago that I wanted it replaced so I'm a bit annoyed that this hasn't been done, but that's another story. They are quoting me $132.50 for the battery and, with labor, $245. Curious what others have paid.

 

[Mach-Lee]

My dealer is saying that the battery only needed to be charged and in any event wouldn't be covered under the extended warranty. I had told the when I brought the car in over a week ago that I wanted it replaced so I'm a bit annoyed that this hasn't been done, but that's another story. They are quoting me $132.50 for the battery and, with labor, $245. Curious what others have paid.

The 12V battery is NOT covered by any extended warranty, it only has the 3/36k warranty. You are past 36 months, so no more warranty.

That is a typical dealer price I'd say.

 

[mkhuffman]

Regardless of what the dealer says, have it replaced. Three years is the typical failure point for these batteries. You don't want to be stranded. BTW - it isn't that hard to replace if you want to DIY.

 

[RMoore]

It tested fine per the tech but I had it replaced and paid the $250. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Agree with all of the advice that it just isn’t worth dealing with the possibility that I might get locked out. I assume the new battery comes with a warranty?

 

[Mach-Lee]

It tested fine per the tech but I had it replaced and paid the $250. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Agree with all of the advice that it just isn’t worth dealing with the possibility that I might get locked out. I assume the new battery comes with a warranty?

3 year warranty, save your receipt.

 

[fpasta]

Yup paid about the same as you $249 I believe.

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