crazyrwe

Hi, it started last winter with the batter save mode on the radio screen. I checked the voltage and everything seemed fine. Now it's starting again, not every day. Is this a common issue for a 2013 f150 5.0? Thanks.

Tothemax

Have the battery load tested. Just because its showing that many volts doesn't mean its still working at full capacity.

Ricktwuhk

Yes, that is a known issue. The reason it occurs is because the alternator charges the battery differently than in older vehicles, and short drives don't charge it back up enough. These trucks use a lot of juice, and if you're driving 15 minutes, parking, then coming back out and driving another 15 minutes, it will keep happening.

I called my Service Manager and he confirmed that the Ford "fix" simply lowers the acceptable battery voltage before the saver kicks in, thereby further weakening the battery. He said he had 2 solutions. First, drive more. If you can't do that, then put a Battery Tender on it. I did the 2nd and never saw the message again. $45 and done.

If you're a Costco member, you can buy a Costco-unique model for $29.95, in-store only.

46L281GT

Personally, i bypassed the whole battery monitoring system by removing the sensor from my negative battery cable (leaving the sensor plugged in) now my truck shows ~14 volts on my sct when putting around town and the battery seems stronger.

crazyrwe

Thanks gang

K9-Ex

this is what I did 2 years ago and haven't had a problem since.

NastyFFX4

iTrader: (1)

Interesting. Did you guys just tuck it out of the way?

K9-Ex

yes i just zip tied it off to the side

Tothemax

Wasn't that system designed for fuel savings or something?? I don't recall..

kbrock

Brand new battery maybe 2 months ago. It's been below freezing lately and as soon as I shut the key off it goes into power saving mode too. I'm about to bypass it as well.