Benjamin Kegele
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Benjamin
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2021
- Threads
- 133
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- 451
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- 856
- Location
- Northern California
- Vehicles
- MME 21, VW Atlas, Harley Davidson Heritage Softail
- Thread starter
- #1
I was able to attend the boot camp at weber state university. For people with a bit technical background and interest in EV battery technology I highly recommend this class.
To find more details check the Weber Auto YouTube Channel: WeberAuto - YouTube
To find more details about their classes check: EV Training (weber.edu)
Here some details when we removed the HV battery on the GT.
The rear motor cover and front motor cover was already removed, when we started working on the battery and the car was already on the lift. We were a group of people and it took us less than 1 hour to remove and open the battery pack. Note that we had Ford Hand Books and the car was ready to get the battery out (on the lift and some covers removed).
Here some images how the car needs to be lifted. The lift needs to be from the side, so you can get the battery out towards the bottom. Apparently Ford did not realize that they put the actual lifting points on the battery frame metal part, so they had to design this galvanized pieces which fit into the side chassis, so you have a better lifting point. I agree that the lift itself might need better pads to lift, as you see it was already sort of bending a bit.
Prior to lifting we had to make sure the battery is disconnected securely, which means you turn off the car, take the fob far away (no paak near), disconnect the 12V Battery and disengage the green low voltage service disconnect in the frunk. (follow OEM procedure)
I actually talk about this switch in my video about the charge coupler manual disconnect: charge coupler manual release | Ford Mustang Mach E - YouTube
Next was that we had to lift up the car and drain all the coolant. There are two hoses towards the rear motor and 4 hoses on the front. There is a procedure to follow according to the workshop manual. Once the coolant was removed we had to dry wipe everything (clean according to the books) and then we could disconnect the battery pack and measure voltage to assure there was no power on the plugs anymore (connectors dissengaged).
Next was getting a scissor hoist table and position it towards the center of the gravity of the battery. Ford does not specify it in the book, it says the battery is heavier in the end. Professor John Kelly marked the battery where it has its COG according to his experience. Note this is a Mach E GT, other Mach E's might have a different battery installed (sr Range eg).
Here an image when we had the lift positioned. The four chairs where just positioned so the battery cannot tip over. Incase someone accidently leans on it too much.
Now we had to remove all the screws and bolts around the battery frame. There is several on the back, in the corners and on the sides. Of course always with instructions from the book, to assure we follow the right steps.
Unfortunately I did not take a pic of the corner bolts and brackets
Next we lowered the battery for 1 inch (couple cm) to assure it is in balance with the lift, in case we would need to reposition.
Then when we were sure we had it in balance, we were able to lower it all the way, and we were able to remove the cover to look at its cell modules, its contactors, resistors, capacitors, control unit, thermal management etc.
Interesting was also, if you would be changing cell blocks/module , you would need to install a new heat transfer paste. Ford has a template how to install the paste which would look like this:
For removing cell modules there is a special bracket to hoist them out, as well you will always need to lift them out in pairs:
Again, as the car was on the hoist, it took us less than 1 hour to remove it. We were several people though and the car had it out already several times for training purposes.
I was thinking of doing a video about it, not sure if I have enough photos and enough proper sources with me, as I am not at the University anymore.
I think this write up should give you an idea on how to do it.
Note that you need to have basic knowledge about how to work save around high voltage batteries, otherwise you can get killed from high voltage.
To find more details check the Weber Auto YouTube Channel: WeberAuto - YouTube
To find more details about their classes check: EV Training (weber.edu)
Here some details when we removed the HV battery on the GT.
The rear motor cover and front motor cover was already removed, when we started working on the battery and the car was already on the lift. We were a group of people and it took us less than 1 hour to remove and open the battery pack. Note that we had Ford Hand Books and the car was ready to get the battery out (on the lift and some covers removed).
Here some images how the car needs to be lifted. The lift needs to be from the side, so you can get the battery out towards the bottom. Apparently Ford did not realize that they put the actual lifting points on the battery frame metal part, so they had to design this galvanized pieces which fit into the side chassis, so you have a better lifting point. I agree that the lift itself might need better pads to lift, as you see it was already sort of bending a bit.
Prior to lifting we had to make sure the battery is disconnected securely, which means you turn off the car, take the fob far away (no paak near), disconnect the 12V Battery and disengage the green low voltage service disconnect in the frunk. (follow OEM procedure)
I actually talk about this switch in my video about the charge coupler manual disconnect: charge coupler manual release | Ford Mustang Mach E - YouTube
Next was that we had to lift up the car and drain all the coolant. There are two hoses towards the rear motor and 4 hoses on the front. There is a procedure to follow according to the workshop manual. Once the coolant was removed we had to dry wipe everything (clean according to the books) and then we could disconnect the battery pack and measure voltage to assure there was no power on the plugs anymore (connectors dissengaged).
Next was getting a scissor hoist table and position it towards the center of the gravity of the battery. Ford does not specify it in the book, it says the battery is heavier in the end. Professor John Kelly marked the battery where it has its COG according to his experience. Note this is a Mach E GT, other Mach E's might have a different battery installed (sr Range eg).
Here an image when we had the lift positioned. The four chairs where just positioned so the battery cannot tip over. Incase someone accidently leans on it too much.
Now we had to remove all the screws and bolts around the battery frame. There is several on the back, in the corners and on the sides. Of course always with instructions from the book, to assure we follow the right steps.
Unfortunately I did not take a pic of the corner bolts and brackets
Next we lowered the battery for 1 inch (couple cm) to assure it is in balance with the lift, in case we would need to reposition.
Then when we were sure we had it in balance, we were able to lower it all the way, and we were able to remove the cover to look at its cell modules, its contactors, resistors, capacitors, control unit, thermal management etc.
Interesting was also, if you would be changing cell blocks/module , you would need to install a new heat transfer paste. Ford has a template how to install the paste which would look like this:
For removing cell modules there is a special bracket to hoist them out, as well you will always need to lift them out in pairs:
Again, as the car was on the hoist, it took us less than 1 hour to remove it. We were several people though and the car had it out already several times for training purposes.
I was thinking of doing a video about it, not sure if I have enough photos and enough proper sources with me, as I am not at the University anymore.
I think this write up should give you an idea on how to do it.
Note that you need to have basic knowledge about how to work save around high voltage batteries, otherwise you can get killed from high voltage.
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