Barracuda3006

I own a 2013 F150 4X4 eco boost. Have had the truck close to two years now. And the battery issue just started. Thought it was the battery so I replaced it, one week later same thing, Truck is dead in the morning. But it happens when it wants to. I changed the battery a week ago, now it happened again. I'm out of warranty so the dealer is a dead issue. My question is this, after finding this thread and seeing so many of you having the same issue. Has anyone found the specific issue?? Or is the answer still and the air?? From the times you guys have gone to dealer and had things checked out, is there a specific problem or are we guessing??

BartmanMN

I've never received any support for this issue. I assume it has to do with either the gauge cluster or the LCD screen for the radio that eats up that much power so quickly. Like I said, for me it always was a case of me quickly opening the door and closing it without starting the truck. Somewhere in the system, something will stay on and drain the battery. To counter this, I always lock my truck when getting out, even in my garage. This way, I know that all screens are turned off before I head in the house. This has worked so far for me.

RESQLAB

i have deduced that whenever i use an accessory (phone charger, radio, etc.. ) after the engine has been shut off, i create an ongoing drain regardless if i continue to use that accessory. for some reason it "wakes up" the Sync system and does not let the system go in to any sort of sleep mode.

the best advice i found on here was to simply button down the hatches before i shut off the engine. in other words, turn of HVAC, radio, unplug phone charger, etc... then turn off the truck (locking the doors is also a good idea).

i did install an Optima Yellow Top battery for piece of mind and that has helped some because the problem went away for over a year, but just resurfaced two days ago.

i now carry jumper cables in my 2013... bummer.

FordService

Welcome to the forum, Barracuda3006. How many miles are on your truck? Did you bring it to the dealership for this issue while it was still under warranty?

Crystal

LR45

I have 2013 XLT Supercrew with the 5.0
I had the same problem about 8 months ago and it was the forth time it had done it. One of the times it happen at the dealership. They charge battery and did some tests but no error code where found. They did update the software the last time in and I have not had any problems since (Knock on wood). It would be dead after the second day of sitting. If you drove it each day it would not be dead. But I would notice occasionally it would say LOW BATTERY turn ignition off or start vehicle.

Barracuda3006

Crystal unfortunately the problem just began and I have 45K on the truck. Never had this problem. But I have noticed a back light in the dash staying on, the one that lights up the white numbers not the blue. Sometimes it turns off sometimes it does not, Then I have to turn on and off the truck to stop it. Something has to stay on behind the scene that is strong enough to drain the battery over night. Is simple bulb it not going to draw that many amps to drain a battery.

FordService

Reach out to me via PM, Barracuda3006; I'll get this in front of your regional customer service manager. In your message, please include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership.

Crystal

Capthubs13

Is this just limited to the 2013's? I had the same issue happen on my 2011 FX4 Screw.

First time the truck was completely dead, but the next 2 times I was able to unlock the car with the FOB, turn the key to accessory mode (center info screen lit up, seat moved forward to driving position)...but when I turned the key to start everything went completely dead. After jump starting things we're perfectly normal.

In the past month I've also experienced the car not starting when turning the key to the ignition position (but it doesn't go completely dead), and I'm able to start on the 2nd try by recycling the key back to off and starting again.

Maybe I have a more complex issue?

ANDYANXIOUS

Add me to the list. 2013 F150 XLT 4X4, 8299 miles, bought Aug 13, battery dead 17 November 14. 3 days slow turn-over when starting, nothing left on to cause it. Temp outside in the 30's. Went to start it in the morning and so dead door locks would not work. Putting key in ignition and turning lit nothing on the dash. Hood up and battery eye was red. Jumped it, and into Knox Ford in Radcliff KY. Helpful staff put battery on charger for 2.5 hours and ran battery load test with battery by Ford Shop Standards passed as good when recharged.

As of 26 Nov, no more occurrences but will track it and let you all know.

Dear Ford, there's a clear trend here, I think it's time for a detailed service bulletin, and I think F-150 owners ought be told in advance so we can get our trucks in BEFORE they let us stranded. It's winter. A truck that may not start leaves one very insecure and apprehensive about using the product for it's intended purpose, e.g. safe, reliable transportation.

Until a systemic fix is identified, distributed to owners, and executed, I have thoughts for an interim solution for F-150 Owners and to show Ford's exceptional support we all have come to depend on. Here's some options:
a. Provide all owner's with a 50% off coupon for a Battery Jump Starter of their choice.
b. Extend free towing and roadside service to cover any such occurrence.
c. Instead of just a jack, wrench, and spare tire, add a Battery Jump Starter box installed under the back seat that charges from the truck while (if) its running. Or, make it an optional accessory and give us the 50% off coupon when we buy it and report our VIN.
d. Add big rubber bumpers on the front and rear bumpers of the truck so folks who stop to help me can push my dead truck off the road (Wait, I retract that, that's why you put the tow hooks on the 4X4's....right?)

Ah come on.....I can have a sense of humor can't I? Serious note. I love the truck, this worries me especially since wife drives it sometimes and the thought of leaving her stranded in winter temps makes me rethink my buying decision and will impact future decisions.

velvet fog

I've had this happen 3 times in the 20 months and 7600 miles that I've owned my F-150. I'll go out to the garage, open the door and nothing. No lights and the starter doesn't even click. It's dead Jim.

I agree with BartmanMN, it seems to be related to the gauge cluster or something not shutting down properly when the door is opened and closed quickly, like when I've gone out to get my wallet or dirty coffee cup after parking in the garage.

I've started to always lock the truck, even in the garage to ensure everything in the electrical system is off.

If it happens again, I'm going to the dealer. Still have about 15 months of warranty.