Don't wait to replace the 12v battery at 3 years - just do it

[JohnnySD]

Well, I learned a new lesson today that I feel foolish to have ignored. Just 2 months ago, I took my Mach-E to the dealer and had them 'check on' the 12v battery' (they said it was 'fine'). I also had any and all recalls/updates taken care of. This past weekend, my EV's 12v gave out. All of a sudden. No warnings leading up to it. It was in a colder place (25deg F ovenight), and it usually lives in temperate southern California near the coast in a garage. Just blitzed out when I got in it, displayed all the error warnings on the dash, flashed the hazard lights, protective door latch guarded from a lock-in, pulsed the brake pedal, etc. and then went into 'low battery' mode, then finally 'door would not even open' mode. Had to be dragged up onto and towed on a flat bed to the nearest dealer (which was far away from my location, so I had to pay a lot extra for the towing even though I have Ford Roadside Assistance). I will never make that mistake again. The car is 40 months old. I should have insisted that at 3 years, and no longer than 3 years, replace the 12-volt. battery. I recommend you do the same if you have the chance.

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[Jeffvisor]

I agree I changed my battery around that time even though I didn't need to. My car is a 2021 Job 1. I heard the stories similar to yours and didn't want to take the chance.

 

[ChrisO]

I find it interesting that there is a thread for the “oldest 12v battery“ as in it some kind of good competition to let it go until you have problems. I personally am planning on changing mine when I get to the three year mark.

 

[Rob S]

Changed mine at three years even though no issues. Better than having my wife stranded somewhere because I tried to squeeze out every volt....

Happy wife, no Mach-e strife....

 

[Ford_orr]

In January I hit three years. Better believe I'll be at the dealership on the anniversary date. For the ridiculously low cost of ownership with these vehicles, a new battery every three years is a negligible price to pay.

 

[Billyk24]

I had my 2021 Premium 12V battery changed this month for the first time. My vehicle has a November 2020 build date.

 

[moog]

Replaced my early 2022 12V battery today.

The latest recall software update (which appears to be faulty) warnings about not updating due to low battery was enough to get me to go get a new battery replacement.
Don’t want to be stranded.
every three years is a small price to pay.

 

[RickMachE]

Well, I learned a new lesson today that I feel foolish to have ignored. Just 2 months ago, I took my Mach-E to the dealer and had them 'check on' the 12v battery' (they said it was 'fine'). I also had any and all recalls/updates taken care of. This past weekend, my EV's 12v gave out. All of a sudden. No warnings leading up to it. It was in a colder place (25deg F ovenight), and it usually lives in temperate southern California near the coast in a garage. Just blitzed out when I got in it, displayed all the error warnings on the dash, flashed the hazard lights, protective door latch guarded from a lock-in, pulsed the brake pedal, etc. and then went into 'low battery' mode, then finally 'door would not even open' mode. Had to be dragged up onto and towed on a flat bed to the nearest dealer (which was far away from my location, so I had to pay a lot extra for the towing even though I have Ford Roadside Assistance). I will never make that mistake again. The car is 40 months old. I should have insisted that at 3 years, and no longer than 3 years, replace the 12-volt. battery. I recommend you do the same if you have the chance.

Ford Roadside provides for free towing to the nearest dealership within 50 miles. If you were outside 50 miles, then yes, you may have to pay for extra mileage. But if you were within 50 miles of a Ford dealership, they should not charge you a dime.

If you were charged improperly, https://ford.roadsidereimbursement.com/

 

[b1ptsv24]

So, stupid question here, you are saying that it doesn’t matter how many miles you have on the car, just replace it after 3 years? I will do it now if that’s the case! Thanks for the advice!

 

[CarGuy11]

Well, I learned a new lesson today that I feel foolish to have ignored. Just 2 months ago, I took my Mach-E to the dealer and had them 'check on' the 12v battery' (they said it was 'fine'). I also had any and all recalls/updates taken care of. This past weekend, my EV's 12v gave out. All of a sudden. No warnings leading up to it. It was in a colder place (25deg F ovenight), and it usually lives in temperate southern California near the coast in a garage. Just blitzed out when I got in it, displayed all the error warnings on the dash, flashed the hazard lights, protective door latch guarded from a lock-in, pulsed the brake pedal, etc. and then went into 'low battery' mode, then finally 'door would not even open' mode. Had to be dragged up onto and towed on a flat bed to the nearest dealer (which was far away from my location, so I had to pay a lot extra for the towing even though I have Ford Roadside Assistance). I will never make that mistake again. The car is 40 months old. I should have insisted that at 3 years, and no longer than 3 years, replace the 12-volt. battery. I recommend you do the same if you have the chance.

Did you have 12V recall done prior?

 

[Vgkfan]

I thought the update for the door locking recall was supposed to warn us when the 12v was getting weak.

 

[RickMachE]

Myself, I adopt the philosophy of load testing 12v batteries every year starting at year 3. Mine passed in May (Lightning one failed).

I will probably start using my Battery Tender in the dead of winter if the car isn't used everyday for long enough just to be safe.

 

[Maquis]

I thought the update for the door locking recall was supposed to warn us when the 12v was getting weak.

Batteries that pass all tests can fail suddenly.

 

[laxwiz]

Still going. I will replace when it dies no need to waste money if it hasn’t failed. ‘21 Premuim AWDX

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

So, stupid question here, you are saying that it doesn’t matter how many miles you have on the car, just replace it after 3 years? I will do it now if that’s the case! Thanks for the advice!

Time is a killer. Is 36 months overkill? Probably, but it’s a more conservative approach. Because ….

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