[wiz043]

There is one thing I don't quite understand, though, about how a larger capacity battery helps with the "Deep Sleep" issue. I have about 5K miles over 18months, and do mostly short suburban trips. If I don't get enough ICE time to charge the smaller, stock 2020 battery sufficiently, how does a larger capacity battery solve that problem?

The larger capacity of the AGM battery would certainly help especially with the type of mileage and distance you are currently doing. To my knowledge everyone here that has switched to the AGM battery has advised that this solved the Deep Sleep and other issues with this model Escape.
The dealer has only done a bandaid fix in my view but in the meantime perhaps you can attach a trickle charger to your new replacement 'small' battery to avoid the cost of a new AGM for the moment which apparently will fit in your car regardless of what the dealer says as others here have done this.
Perhaps you could take your car to a battery specialist down the track to fit the proper AGM unit as I am sure they can find a way to make it fit as others obviously have. 😉

 

[Cam-WA]

The larger capacity of the AGM battery would certainly help especially with the type of mileage and distance you are currently doing. To my knowledge everyone here that has switched to the AGM battery has advised that this solved the Deep Sleep and other issues with this model Escape.
The dealer has only done a bandaid fix in my view but in the meantime perhaps you can attach a trickle charger to your new replacement 'small' battery to avoid the cost of a new AGM for the moment which apparently will fit in your car regardless of what the dealer says as others here have done this.
Perhaps you could take your car to a battery specialist down the track to fit the proper AGM unit as I am sure they can find a way to make it fit as others obviously have. 😉

You are preaching to the choir! I’ve been following this thread for months and I can see that others have solved their problem by upgrading to a larger capacity battery, and I was ready to have that done, but my stubborn dealer insists that the battery won’t fit and they won’t try.

I could have an independent shop I trust put in the battery, but I don’t think that they can reset the BCM to reflect the change to the larger capacity, AGM battery. I don’t know to solve that problem.

 

[drunyon07]

You are preaching to the choir! I’ve been following this thread for months and I can see that others have solved their problem by upgrading to a larger capacity battery, and I was ready to have that done, but my stubborn dealer insists that the battery won’t fit and they won’t try.

I could have an independent shop I trust put in the battery, but I don’t think that they can reset the BCM to reflect the change to the larger capacity, AGM battery. I don’t know to solve that problem.

The battery will fit, they just don't want to accept fault for the issue. Just tell them I want this battery installed and the BMS updated to reflect AGM. If they fight you on it, start talking about it being a lemon. The fix IS NOT to just drive it more often, that's a bs excuse. They tried that with me and I had enough of it. So far ever since we've had the battery swapped out that they swore wouldn't work in the car, we haven't had deep sleep issues. AGM charges way better too.

 

[Cam-WA]

The battery will fit, they just don't want to accept fault for the issue. Just tell them I want this battery installed and the BMS updated to reflect AGM. If they fight you on it, start talking about it being a lemon. The fix IS NOT to just drive it more often, that's a bs excuse. They tried that with me and I had enough of it. So far ever since we've had the battery swapped out that they swore wouldn't work in the car, we haven't had deep sleep issues. AGM charges way better too.

Thanks. I’ll wait until the new OEM battery runs down enough so that the symptoms appear again, and I’ll take your advice on mentioning the lemon law. I should probably look into what the WA lemon law requires before the threat is credible.

 

[drunyon07]

Thanks. I’ll wait until the new OEM battery runs down enough so that the symptoms appear again, and I’ll take your advice on mentioning the lemon law. I should probably look into what the WA lemon law requires before the threat is credible.

Honestly, don't wait. You'll just be delaying the inevitable and wasting more of your time having to deal with it. The first time we had the issue the battery was so low that they replaced it...with the same crap battery. The second time all they did was charge it. Best/easiest/fastest thing to do is just tell them, I want this battery installed & I will pay for it out of pocket. Or just go to auto parts store, buy said battery, and put it in. Will still be a way better option than keeping the super small crappy lead battery in.

 

[Cam-WA]

Honestly, don't wait. You'll just be delaying the inevitable and wasting more of your time having to deal with it. The first time we had the issue the battery was so low that they replaced it...with the same crap battery. The second time all they did was charge it. Best/easiest/fastest thing to do is just tell them, I want this battery installed & I will pay for it out of pocket. Or just go to auto parts store, buy said battery, and put it in. Will still be a way better option than keeping the super small crappy lead battery in.

I don't mind replacing the battery myself, but then how do I get the BMS reset? I don't have a Forescan setup and I don't think I'd use it enough to justify purchasing it.

 

[drunyon07]

I don't mind replacing the battery myself, but then how do I get the BMS reset? I don't have a Forescan setup and I don't think I'd use it enough to justify purchasing it.

I'm not sure other than Dealership or Forscan. I couldn't find my OBD2 USB cable from a few years back so I wound up just purchasing a new OBDLink EX and getting the free trial of the extended version. That's how I noticed the battery name wasn't changed in the system so I resolved that issue.

 

[wiz043]

You are preaching to the choir! I’ve been following this thread for months and I can see that others have solved their problem by upgrading to a larger capacity battery, and I was ready to have that done, but my stubborn dealer insists that the battery won’t fit and they won’t try.

I could have an independent shop I trust put in the battery, but I don’t think that they can reset the BCM to reflect the change to the larger capacity, AGM battery. I don’t know to solve that problem.

I may be 'preaching to the choir' but you asked about the AGM and Deep Sleep issue and the fitting of the battery etc. which I answered as did other contributors on this thread. Also I just suggested what you could do in the meantime with your current new battery. The ultimate solution of course is to purchase a new AGM unit as suggested here and if you cannot reset the BMS get another Ford dealer to do it. You will also find that many independent shops know how to reset it if you ask.

 

[Bemije]

I have to thank the folks in this thread for giving me the basis for showing my dealer that an AGM battery would fix the constant deep sleep mode warning and the related problem of the passenger side intelligent access key not working. I give my dealer credit for persisting in their effort to fix the problems after 5 visits. Initially they said they had to replace the passenger door handle per Ford's request. They also did a parasitic draw test which showed no draw. They replaced a supposedly non functioning passenger signal turn signal module, and replaced some other computer module over the course of 5 visits to the dealer. The technician at first was concerned that the AGM battery would not fit but when he installed it, he noted that it did have some sort of adjustment that was for the larger battery. It's been 2 weeks since the AGM battery was installed and so far no problem. Ford probably had to pay much more for all the other labor costs and parts than to simply replace the battery. I suggest complaining to Ford customer relations (800-392-3673) in addition to your dealer about this. My technician said he was going to write up the information and send it to Ford who he thought should issue a technical service bulletin, but don't hold your breath. Other than this experience, I am very happy with the Escape.

 

[skalkev12]

I too want to thank everyone for this thread. I have a 2020 Escape Hybrid Titanium, purchased in Oct 2020. We have had the car not start 3 times due to a Flat Batt. Dealer claimed we must be leaving a door ajar, battery checks out fine. We now monitor the Ford app for the deep sleep mode, turned off the auto synch mode but am taking it back to the dealer tomorrow. Unfortunately, its a new dealer with a new crew and not quite sure what to expect. Thanks again.

 

[vladslav]

I suggest complaining to Ford customer relations (800-392-3673) in addition to your dealer about this.

I too have this issue with my 2020 Escape Hybrid Titanium. The car went into a deep sleep 7 months back, couldn't open it, couldn't start it. Towed it to the dealer, and they've found nothing. A few days ago, this happened again. I'm still waiting for a verdict from the dealer 😑.

I called the number you've left, listed all issues with the vehicle. I think, it's good to let Ford know about this. More people call, faster they'll do something about this problem. Thank you!

 

[Donrim]

My 2021 Escape plug-in (built Oct 2021) came with the small 12volt battery. My car was completely dead without power yesterday in my garage due to this 12volt battery discharging. It was driven for 1 1/2 hours just two days before and has been plugged-in to the hybrid battery charger for the entire last two days. I have nothing plugged-in to USBs or power outlets to drain power.

Ford’s roadside came out and jumped it. I took it in today and the dealer said the battery was fine after testing it. They said that it doesn’t matter that the owners manual says that my plug-in hybrid Escape should have the larger AGM battery in the specifications section. The dealer said my specific vehicle VIN bill-of-material calls for the small battery.

The dealer checked further and said that the 2021 regular hybrid came with the larger AGM but the 2021 plug-in hybrid comes with the small battery.

I paid $200 for them to replace it with the AGM as it’s not worth the aggravation to drive an unreliable car while fighting the stonewalling from Ford.

 

[STRAUSJE]

My 2021 Escape plug-in (built Oct 2021) came with the small 12volt battery. My car was completely dead without power yesterday in my garage due to this 12volt battery discharging. It was driven for 1 1/2 hours just two days before and has been plugged-in to the hybrid battery charger for the entire last two days. I have nothing plugged-in to USBs or power outlets to drain power.

Ford’s roadside came out and jumped it. I took it in today and the dealer said the battery was fine after testing it. They said that it doesn’t matter that the owners manual says that my plug-in hybrid Escape should have the larger AGM battery in the specifications section. The dealer said my specific vehicle VIN bill-of-material calls for the small battery.

The dealer checked further and said that the 2021 regular hybrid came with the larger AGM but the 2021 plug-in hybrid comes with the small battery.

I paid $200 for them to replace it with the AGM as it’s not worth the aggravation to drive an unreliable car while fighting the stonewalling from Ford.

You better hope they reset the BMS and changed out the information to the AGM settings. Check your invoice from the dealer. Also when I had a similar problem my dealer replaced the battery after calling FORD for authorization. It did test ok at the dealer, but my car kept going into deep sleep. New battery lasted about 5 months and the problem has returned. Car is at the dealers now, not sure when I will get it back. I told them to put in the AGM battery as listed on the specification table before I will take it back. They have had it for two weeks now. I have a no cost loaner car that has cost them more than the cost of a battery but still they have not called to say my car is ready for pick up. Guess FORD is hardheaded about this battery issue.

 

[Bjbena]

With tha

Actually the dealers use Ford FDRS, not ForScan so they don't set battery types manually all they would have done is a follow the service function to do a battery reset. The higher charge state showing in ForScan is more than likely due to the BMS system in the Hybrid expecting a nominal voltage of ~11.75 vDC and the AGM voltage out of the box being higher.

That said, does anyone think all the extra programming/BMS procedure will be necessary for a battery upgrade to AGM in a plain 'ol 1.5L 3cyl?

 

[jpohlman]

This new of a vehicle, probably not.

 

[Sparky2020]

It is under the floor in the rear cargo area. In the Titanium hybrid, the spare tire covers it, so remove the spare tire to see it. In the SE, there is no spare tire, so you'll see it once you lift up the floor of the rear cargo area. I'll add that to the 1st post. Thanks!

I also have a 2020 Escape Titanium hybrid and it has now gone Deep Sleep twice in 10 months. The first time, i had the car (new) for several weeks. I went comatose after a 6 hour drive. Now it’s in my driveway dead and waiting for the roadside asst. to show up. They were to be here 1.5 hours ago.
the first time, Roadside Asst. jumped it and all was fine, but the “manual start” that fords tells you to do didn’t work either time. when I returned home after the 1st time, I took it to the local food dealer and the service people never heard of Deep Sleep. They did do a computer update and that has worked until now.
on the plus side, I do average approx 47 MPG combined, mostly local.

 

[wiz043]

I also have a 2020 Escape Titanium hybrid and it has now gone Deep Sleep twice in 10 months. The first time, i had the car (new) for several weeks. I went comatose after a 6 hour drive. Now it’s in my driveway dead and waiting for the roadside asst. to show up. They were to be here 1.5 hours ago.
the first time, Roadside Asst. jumped it and all was fine, but the “manual start” that fords tells you to do didn’t work either time. when I returned home after the 1st time, I took it to the local food dealer and the service people never heard of Deep Sleep. They did do a computer update and that has worked until now.
on the plus side, I do average approx 47 MPG combined, mostly local.

If you scroll back through this thread you will find that the only real solution is to fit the larger AGM battery which should have been fitted in the first place and Ford appear to have wiped their hands of this issue.
You will no doubt have to pay for the battery and arrange the fitting and resetting of the BMS yourself if necessary sadly.

 

[Bjbena]

This new of a vehicle, probably not.

So your thought is just to replace and not worry about Forscan. What about resetting the BMS? Is that even necessary?

 

[jpohlman]

That's correct.
On the Hybrids the battery is used as the power supply for booting the electronics and to provide accessory power when the ignition is off. The BMS in this case looks at when the battery is consistently under 10.5v when the ignition is turned on rather than months in service like it does with the conventional engine.

The dead give away on a Hybrid needing a new 12v battery is when you get the system off to save battery screen less than 10 minutes after you've recently driven the car for 10+ miles.

 

[Ranida]

Greetings!

thank you for all the posts. My 2020 Escape Hybrid SE has 22000 miles and original boot Battery goes dead after sitting 3 days. Dealer said battery checks fine and I have an appointment to leave it for a few days and drive a loaner 3/1/2022 so they can do a detailed diagnosis. My solution until that day is when parked in garage to put a trickle charger on it while it sits. If I don’t even after a 100 mile run, the computer immediately goes into deep sleep mode. I suspect even an AGM with a greater AH rating would still go dead after a longer period of sitting time. The first time the OEM was at 0 volts after 5 days. The computer systems for remote internet start must use a lot of power.