As an auto repair shop that services the Fremont area and surrounding region, we often have Ford owners come to us complaining of battery problems. Over years of working on Fords, our technicians have amassed extensive experience tracking down and resolving the most common Ford battery failures.
Here is an overview of the major battery trouble spots we frequently diagnose and repair on Ford cars and trucks:
DOA Batteries in 2021 F-150 Trucks
A perplexing issue surfaced in 2021 F-150 pickups involving non-functional batteries right from the factory. Owners found brand new trucks completely dead upon delivery or within days, requiring jumps just to move them off transport trucks. Our testing revealed Ford had unknowingly received a large batch of defective batteries from a supplier. We’ve helped dozens of frustrated owners by replacing those dud batteries to get their new trucks running.
Parasitic Drains in Ford Escapes
A very prevalent problem we often see in Ford Escapes from various model years involves parasitic battery draining between drives. This happens when electrical faults cause components to stay partially powered on, slowly draining the battery overnight or while parked at work. Escapes are especially prone to this phenomenon.
Through detailed inspection and testing, our techs track down the source – often a stuck relay or malfunctioning component – and disable just that circuit to eliminate the sneaky power draw while maintaining other functions. That stops the insidious draining so batteries hold a proper charge.
Under-powered Transit Batteries
Another common issue stems from the heavy electrical loads in Ford Transit vans and wagons equipped for contractor, shuttle, or RV conversions. The power demands from aftermarket accessories paired with doors constantly being opened/closed quickly overwhelms the marginal factory batteries. Upgrading to heavy-duty absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries with at least 30% higher capacity solves the majority of Transit battery problems we see.
Preventing Future Ford Battery Issues
While quality factory batteries should provide years of reliable starts, Ford’s complex vehicle systems do take a toll. However, with some savvy preventative maintenance from our shop, future battery headaches can be avoided:
- Regular charging system testing ensures your alternator works properly
- Voltage drop inspections identify any high-resistance points needing cleaning
- Adding cut-off switches stops parasitic overnight drains
- Higher-capacity AGM battery upgrades handle vehicle demands
By being proactive, our technicians help Ford owners sidestep chronic battery issues down the road. Contact us to discuss easy ways to keep your Ford starting reliably year after year.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, solving Ford battery problems – whether DOA parts, electrical gremlins, or under-powered components – is routine work our seasoned technicians handle easily. We offer cost-effective solutions to restore dependable starting and charging. If your Ford exhibits battery issues, relies on our specialists to accurately diagnose the culprit and get your vehicle running right. Call us today to schedule service!
