How will I know when the 12 volt battery needs replacement?

[JSW]

There are several safe methods. The cheapest is the two holes and furniture plug method. There is also the method @markboris used in placing a bulkhead connector inside the charge port. There's also the much more expensive route that I took (but it's really intended for doing FDRS updates, not trickle charging): ??

Although I like your approach more, my approach from early 2021 was easy and free…

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[Stanmckinney]

I am not mechanically inclined and learned a long time ago to not touch a car’s mechanicals or electrical system. Can you provide details on how to do both and who might be trusted to do it? Would either impact warranty?

 

[GreaseMonkey]

Rick, Thanks for your input. Always looking at Plan B’s, even if never implemented. The tire issue was for our Q5, not the MME.

Love the ‘Stang (my first was a ‘65 blue pony convertible bought in 1970) but I do get a teensie bit nervous these days about being stranded, for any reason.

Any handy person can do it. If you’re concerned about the 12v, have someone make the mods and buy a good quality 12v charger. I got one from Amazon for $47. It’s worth the peace of mind.

 

[Stanmckinney]

How does that panel come off?

 

[Stanmckinney]

I found the video. No way I would attempt that. If the battery fails, guess I will just call Ford.

 

[RickMachE]

I found the video. No way I would attempt that. If the battery fails, guess I will just call Ford.

Cutting holes in plastic? Hole saw on drill.

 

[kennethjk]

I have had cars way longer than 3 years and have not replaced the 12v battery.

What am I missing that batteries are changed so early?

 

[Maquis]

But I thought a long drive was supposed to raise the 12v voltage. Having driven an hour and a half today (a second time), my batter now sits at 73%.
Normal?

Drive the damned car and quit worrying about it.

 

[RickMachE]

I have had cars way longer than 3 years and have not replaced the 12v battery.

What am I missing that batteries are changed so early?

Changed early? By Ford?

 

[kennethjk]

Changed early? By Ford?

Sorry , meant replaced by people. I had a Macan for 7 years and 67k miles and battery operated just fine. I never tested it but worked ok.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Cutting holes in plastic? Hole saw on drill.

If you’re genuinely careful and don’t try to manhandle or force the drill you can actually do it without removing the covers. Apparently though, we need to discourage such ludicrous ideas.

 

[kennethjk]

If you’re genuinely careful and don’t try to manhandle or force the drill you can actually do it without removing the covers. Apparently though, we need to discourage such ludicrous ideas.

I cut the holes without removing the covers. No big deal, just do it delicately

 

[RickMachE]

Sorry , meant replaced by people. I had a Macan for 7 years and 67k miles and battery operated just fine. I never tested it but worked ok.

Some people take things to the absurd. I can tell you that on the F-150 forum, a large number of people replace batteries without load testing them, often while in warranty. I don't get it. Lack of commonsense IMO.

 

[Teslaeata]

Drive the damned car and quit worrying about it.

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The more you f**k about with it the greater chance you’ll eff it up.

 

[jpblincoln]

In early January my dashboard said 12V battery too low for heat and there was no heat. I took it to the ford dealer and since I have over 40K I had to buy a new battery.

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