[chaimav]

I very much appreciate your guidance on this. I'm not sure I would know how to use a scan tool if I bought one and wonder if there's anything else I would want it for after checking this battery. Since most seem to be $100 or more I suspect the under-$100 models might be a bad choice. Seems like I should go to my local independent shop and ask them to scan it; would you agree?

I have a 23 regular hybrid Platinum. I performed the reset* using the brights method. I verified it worked via a scan tool.

*Dealer replaced the battery under warranty but never reset the BMS.

 

[KSKarl]

Another question from the newbie... First thing that comes up on the screen is a note that the system shut down to save battery. Does this mean the battery is getting tired? Could this be why the passenger door unlock doesn't feel my hand, but drivers door and tailgate do?

 

[chaimav]

Another question from the newbie... First thing that comes up on the screen is a note that the system shut down to save battery. Does this mean the battery is getting tired? Could this be why the passenger door unlock doesn't feel my hand, but drivers door and tailgate do?

Yes. The vehicle has a tiered system that disables less critical functions first when battery is getting low. The assumption is that the you would rather have less functionality and still be able start the vehicle than full functionality until you are stranded.

 

[KSKarl]

Yes. The vehicle has a tiered system that disables less critical functions first when battery is getting low. The assumption is that the you would rather have less functionality and still be able start the vehicle than full functionality until you are stranded.

Thanks, that makes sense. Does that mean I should keep an eye on the 12V battery?

 

[chaimav]

Thanks, that makes sense. Does that mean I should keep an eye on the 12V battery?

Definitely. If it is acting up, then the battery is already not getting fully charged.

 

[OLDGUY11]

You can wait
Biggest thing is to get the BMS reset so that the battery age is correct.

I am concerned about using forscan. On a scale of 1-10, how hard is it. I can follow instructions if they don't assume I have prior technical knowledge. Is it as simple as turning a bit on off.

 

[jpohlman]

Actually its pretty easy as long as you're not trying to modify module configs or firmware, so call it a 4/10.
To reset the BMS you'd go to BCM service procedures and change the battery age.

Where folks typically run into problems is when they consider the easy button module mods a gospel truth and when they try to do them by modifying a hex value without understanding addition/subtraction in hex. (hex is 0-9. A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15. so changing a value by adding 4 to an A is an E, a taking 4 off a B is a 7 etc).

 

[KSKarl]

Definitely. If it is acting up, then the battery is already not getting fully charged.

Could the passenger side door handle not locking/unlocking to my touch be another symptom of weak battery?
BTW Ford Pass app on my phone gets a similar battery saving note, and can't check vehicle condition.

 

[chaimav]

Could the passenger side door handle not locking/unlocking to my touch be another symptom of weak battery?
BTW Ford Pass app on my phone gets a similar battery saving note, and can't check vehicle condition.

Yes. That is one of the first thing that gets disabled for a low battery. As the battery gets lower, the sensor in the driver's handle will also be disabled. When that happened to me, pressing the fob still worked, but I assume at some point you will need to use the hidden key.

 

[shackenson]

Couple of things here:
1) IF you want to change the battery type in the BCM to reflect the H6 AGM using ForScan, you would change 726-02-01 from 0707-xxxx-xx (H4) to 0303-xxxx-xx
2) There's a firmware/calibration issue with the TCUs where they don't go to sleep like they should. The issue is resolved in calibration part number LB5T-14G087-SN (this updates the F188 and F10A to LB5T-14G139-SP/LB5T-14G144-SP). If the tech still sees a parasitic drain afterwards you need a new TCU.

You seem very knowledgeable about this issue. How would I get Forscan to list the Motorcraft 70AH 720CCA H6? I only see a 60AH H6 battery listed?

 

[jpohlman]

Manual ASBuilt entry only so that it reads correctly under the PID.
726-02-01. 0404 xxxx xx
Forscan wont list it on the easy button until the developers add it.

 

[bhamilton]

Thanks so much for this tip and the handy video!

One challenge with the Ford Fusion Platinum is that a full-size 12V battery only barely fits in the back. Even adjusting the bracket to the hole on the right as you mention, there are two challenges:

1) The cable going from the positive to the negative connector is just a little too short for a full-size battery. I had to straighten and tug and stretch out every kink and wrap it around the front of the battery to make it work.

2) The metal spare tire mount which sits on top of the battery has a flap that is meant to go down around the right side of the (tiny) original 12V battery. I had to bend it up with pliers to make it level with the rest of the mount.

Now that I got the new battery mounted, all my deep sleep / app connection failures have been resolved. Thanks again!

 

[DrFlo]

Sorry to ressurect an old post, but I'm seeing conflicting information online. If I replace the stock battery with an AGM, is resetting the BMS enough? Or is it necessary for me to reprogram with Forscan?

 

[bhamilton]

Just resetting the BMS is enough. I never did anything else and things have worked fine for a month now.

 

[DrFlo]

Just resetting the BMS is enough. I never did anything else and things have worked fine for a month now.

Thank you! I have every symptom mentioned in this thread.

 

[bhamilton]

My Escape just got a software update on Thursday that claims it improves battery issues as well as remote start. Did yours help at all?

 

[DrFlo]

My Escape just got a software update on Thursday that claims it improves battery issues as well as remote start. Did yours help at all?

Is this an over-wifi software update? Or from the dealership? Maybe I need to do an update.

 

[bhamilton]

Is this an over-wifi software update? Or from the dealership? Maybe I need to do an update.

Came over the air for me.

 

[chaimav]

My Escape just got a software update on Thursday that claims it improves battery issues as well as remote start. Did yours help at all?

What year is your Escape?

 

[bhamilton]

What year is your Escape?

2023, Platinum trim. Here's what the 10.1.1 update said.