Charging system service soon

[Nikki]

2021 outer banks BS. I have just replaced the rear differential. ~4,000.
about 2 months ago I had the battery recall done. Now I’m getting a charging system service soon light that comes on and immediately disappears without me clicking OK. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m probably going to get rid of this awful vehicle. First and last Ford. Dealership isn’t trustworthy in my opinion. I’ve grown to hate this SUV. Sorry for rant I’m just extremely frustrated. It’s a non ending money pit. Or that’s how it feels.

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[jkernitzki]

First year blues, I get you. Although the entire first generation ('21-'24) has some common problems, the 1.5L engine was uniquely problematic. The rear ends also have their own reputation.

Although there's far too little history to go on, the '25's seem to be mostly clean in a lot of the common areas. There are some major carryover components from the prior generation, but there have been tweaks in all of them over the last few years, so hopefully the recalls and other annoyances dwindle to an acceptable level.

Individual dealers are all over the place with trustworthiness, and as often as not independent shops provide better service at a lower cost. You may have to travel further to a dealer in your region you can rely on, or else choose a local independent that is well respected.

Buying newer (2020 & later) cars is now a total crapshoot. Even the longstanding stalwarts of reliability are suspect, and have their own plethora of major issues. For the first time, extended warrantees are actually cheap insurance, provided it's from the manufacturer.

Sometimes you do everything right and still get the "Monday build". You'll have to look at your own situation and decide whether "one more fix" will make things right, or it's better to cut your losses and trade or sell outright.

Best of luck to you going forward, and so sorry the BS has been so frustrating.

 

[Dude]

I think the 8F35 Transmission is essentially the same ‘21-‘25 (some updates along the way but I don’t know the specifics of the updates)

some owners have had issues with the transmission and/or it’s components

 

[Chiefthepup]

2021 outer banks BS. I have just replaced the rear differential. ~4,000.
about 2 months ago I had the battery recall done. Now I’m getting a charging system service soon light that comes on and immediately disappears without me clicking OK. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m probably going to get rid of this awful vehicle. First and last Ford. Dealership isn’t trustworthy in my opinion. I’ve grown to hate this SUV. Sorry for rant I’m just extremely frustrated. It’s a non ending money pit. Or that’s how it feels.

From chatgpt


That warning comes from your vehicle’s electrical/charging system, which includes:
•The alternator

• The battery
• The voltage regulator
• Related wiring and sensors

When it appears even for a split second, it means your car’s computer detected a momentary issue with voltage — either too low or too high — but the reading returned to normal before it could log a full diagnostic trouble code.
Common Causes
1.Brief voltage fluctuation — e.g., when starting the car or when multiple high-draw accessories (AC, lights, seat heaters) kick on simultaneously.

1. Alternator beginning to weaken — can intermittently drop voltage before failing completely.
2. Loose or corroded battery cable — especially at the terminals or ground connection.
3. Faulty voltage regulator — may cause inconsistent charging output.
4. Bad battery sensor or BCM glitch — sometimes throws a false warning after ignition start.
5. Aftermarket accessories — like amplifiers or LED kits can cause brief voltage spikes/drops.

What You Should Do

1. Check battery terminals: Make sure they’re tight, clean, and corrosion-free.
2. Check belt tension: A slipping serpentine belt can cause charging dips.
3. Monitor it: If it only happened once, it might have been a transient blip.
4. Have the system tested:
   • Most auto parts stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly, etc.) will do a free battery and alternator test — both running and off.
   • This test can catch borderline alternators before full failure

 

[Nikki]

Thank you guys for all the input. It is greatly appreciated!

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