Over the past several weeks, as I approach the truck (2023 Lariat 3.5) the puddle lights turn on like normal. However, it engages my parking brake. I don't park on a hill. Our driveway is very level. This has also happened when I am away from home. This morning, the remote start would not work from the app or by the key fob. It started up just as normal when I got in the truck, no slow turn over. I was thinking it might be the battery, but my stop/start is working. Usually, if the battery is low, that doesn't work because it says vehicle charging. I had the battery tested by the Ford garage earlier this year, but it tested fine. Tech says it takes several hours to run the test. My phone would not connect either this morning. That is something that has never happened. Anyone else having a similar issue or could point me in a direction? I don't have Forscan. I haven't thrown any codes that appeared in the app.

 

Sounds like a low or bad battery.

 

I may call the dealer as it is still under warranty and see their take. Although, if it doesn't throw a code, nothing will be done.

 

Low battery.

Classic symptoms for these trucks when the battery is less than optimal. Perform the Battery Maintenance System (BMS) reset and see if that eliminates these issues. It does when mine acts this way. But, they will return, especially if the truck is not driven enough, regularly, to keep the low(-ish) battery from going back into its self-preservation mode.


It usually takes more than a "few" seconds, sometimes as much as 10-15 seconds. Good luck!

- Bob

 

Thanks for this. I will try it.

 

I wish these trucks were designed to not go haywire when the battery is low. Some early warning systems would be nice before you get to this point

 

It's not so much they were designed that way, electronics just like steady full power. So when the battery voltage starts dropping. it effects each module differently, that's why so many strange unrelated issues

 

Since new, my 2023 has experience some level of electrical issues. The battery was replaced at about one year. Problems stopped for about a year. Now it is starting again. My dealer just went through the entire electrical system with a fine tooth comb and per Ford all is per spec. Ford's answer is that I need to drive it longer to maintain the charge on the battery. Nice answer but stupid. I have owned about 94 vehicles in my driving history and never before have I had a vehicle that exhibited issues like this. I really like this truck but, it is probably going to be the last of my Ford trucks. My dealer showed me the response from Ford that indicated more driving is necessary to maintain that charge in the battery.

 

You could always put a battery tender on it. My 2020 is sitting in the barn as I type, with a tender on it, and one year olde batt. I suspect it's not just Ford, all these newer vehicles have the gee whizz crap on them. Some think it's better, but sets up a whole different way to troubleshoot, and weird azz symptoms a rational person can't relate to each other.. It's the way of the world now, unfortunately.
Many of us have found a 5 year olde batt, needs replacement.
What Ford is saying is true. The electronics draw a lot of power, and unless you do something to maintain a charge, drive it, batt tender, etc., you're going to have the problems. Lots of weird crap happening? And your batt IIRC, only charges to 85% due to the batt monitoring system. Makes sense doesn't it? Yeah, me too.

 

I have had Rams and Chevrolet pickups that were loaded with electronics that were used in the same way as this Ford. They did not have this issue ever. To have a vehicle that cost in excess is $75,000 that is not capable of maintaining its functional life without external help is ridiculous. Also, there is no need to put up with nonsense. I will hold on for a while but, when it is replaced it will probably not be with another Ford. To be fully upfront with this, this is my second 2023 F-150. My first one was only in my hands a few days before Ford bought it back due to their inability to repair the electrical/software issue it was having. I am not very impressed with their designs.