Possible Battery/Electrical Issue

[CactusBS]

I haven’t had this car for very long, bought it used, and I’m starting to have ongoing electrical issues. The dash will lose power and give me a message on the infotainment screen that says “system off to save battery”.

I’ve taken it to the dealer twice now for the same issue, each time I’m told the battery and alternator are checked and within specs. Last time I took it in the dash module was reconfigured and tested. Each time I’m told they were not able to recreate the issues.

Does this sound like I need a new battery? Or what should be my next step here?

Video attached.

Dash lights and message come back on at 30 seconds.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I haven’t had this car for very long, bought it used, and I’m starting to have ongoing electrical issues. The dash will lose power and give me a message on the infotainment screen that says “system off to save battery”.

I’ve taken it to the dealer twice now for the same issue, each time I’m told the battery and alternator are checked and within specs. Last time I took it in the dash module was reconfigured and tested. Each time I’m told they were not able to recreate the issues.

Does this sound like I need a new battery? Or what should be my next step here?

Video attached.

Dash lights and message come back on at 30 seconds.

Hey there. I can look into your Bronco’s concerns on my end if you’d like. Will you send us a private message with your VIN and dealership info?

 

[CactusBS]

Hey there. I can look into your Bronco’s concerns on my end if you’d like. Will you send us a private message with your VIN and dealership info?

Message sent

 

[magicbus]

Mine displays that same message on occasion instead of the normal boot up bronco screen. It seems to coincide with my Remote Features Disabled messages on the FordPass app. It just means my battery is getting low from too many short trips.

 

[CactusBS]

Interesting, mine doesn't usually do it on startup this only happens when I'm roughly 15 min into my commute.

 

[Sig Oris]

Hey there. I can look into your Bronco’s concerns on my end if you’d like. Will you send us a private message with your VIN and dealership info?

still haven't joined the Ranger5g Forum yet :^(

 

[Sig Oris]

Many of us on the Ranger5g Forum connect our Rangers to a battery maintainer when not in use to reduce these kind of issues.

The one below I've bought for our MY22 Ranger, MY21 BS, Polaris Ranger, and Branson Tractor. Ford Relabels this unit on their accrues page. Handles AGM and non AGM batteries. Yes, I own four of them so I evidently like the unit. and have noticed the difference on the battery in the Polaris Ranger when starting.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD44RQO?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[RSH]

I haven’t had this car for very long, bought it used, and I’m starting to have ongoing electrical issues. The dash will lose power and give me a message on the infotainment screen that says “system off to save battery”.

I’ve taken it to the dealer twice now for the same issue, each time I’m told the battery and alternator are checked and within specs. Last time I took it in the dash module was reconfigured and tested. Each time I’m told they were not able to recreate the issues.

When I was having battery issues, the dash would display various error messages among other things like random no start situations and the auto start stop not working.

Not knowing how mechanically inclined you are, but If you have a multimeter (VOM) you could check the battery voltage yourself at various times to verify its charge state which will help to determine if the battery is the problem. The battery standing voltage is one of the most telling signs of its condition.

If you don't have that capability, most any auto parts store can check the battery for free.

In my case I got my dealer to replace the battery under warranty, it did take a couple of trips as they said the same thing your dealer said, that everything was in spec.

The replacement battery solved all my electrical issues.

Some people here replaced their own battery because they didn't have time to deal with dealers.

 

[CactusBS]

When I was having battery issues, the dash would display various error messages among other things like random no start situations and the auto start stop not working.

Not knowing how mechanically inclined you are, but If you have a multimeter (VOM) you could check the battery voltage yourself at various times to verify its charge state which will help to determine if the battery is the problem. The battery standing voltage is one of the most telling signs of its condition.

If you don't have that capability, most any auto parts store can check the battery for free.

In my case I got my dealer to replace the battery under warranty, it did take a couple of trips as they said the same thing your dealer said, that everything was in spec.

The replacement battery solved all my electrical issues.

Some people here replaced their own battery because they didn't have time to deal with dealers.

I will definitely have to give it a shot, worst case scenario I'll take it to an auto parts store and have them check it out. What type of Battery did you replace the factory one with? AGM?

 

[CactusBS]

Many of us on the Ranger5g Forum connect our Rangers to a battery maintainer when not in use to reduce these kind of issues.

The one below I've bought for our MY22 Ranger, MY21 BS, Polaris Ranger, and Branson Tractor. Ford Relabels this unit on their accrues page. Handles AGM and non AGM batteries. Yes, I own four of them so I evidently like the unit. and have noticed the difference on the battery in the Polaris Ranger when starting.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD44RQO?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Only Issue with a maintainer is I'm in an apartment for the next foreseeable future, no outlets in the parking lot unfortunately. But I agree battery maintainers and trickle chargers are fantastic pieces of equipment. I used to use them all the time on my old Suzuki when it was too cold to ride.

 

[Sig Oris]

Only Issue with a maintainer is I'm in an apartment for the next foreseeable future, no outlets in the parking lot unfortunately. But I agree battery maintainers and trickle chargers are fantastic pieces of equipment. I used to use them all the time on my old Suzuki when it was too cold to ride.

ive read the charging system, maybe ranger only but I doubt, only charges the battery to 70% to increase mpg. So if you don’t have a long commute your battery may not being charged very well.

as @Ford Motor Company is on this forum maybe they can provide a detailed explanation and advice.

oh, no clue how to trickle charge your battery based on your living situation

good luck

 

[RSH]

I will definitely have to give it a shot, worst case scenario I'll take it to an auto parts store and have them check it out. What type of Battery did you replace the factory one with? AGM?

My original factory battery was a FoMoCo regular lead acid battery.
The dealer replacement battery is a Motorcraft AGM.

As mentioned, the dealer replaced my battery under warranty, I didn't pay for anything.

 

[Mark S.]

I’ve taken it to the dealer twice now for the same issue, each time I’m told the battery and alternator are checked and within specs.

There have been a lot of issues with OEM batteries. I believe Ford switched to lead-acid batteries when the supply chain went down, and they are simply not up to snuff for these vehicles with components running all the time.

Ask your service dept to do a battery load test. This is a better diagnostic than simply checking voltage. Make sure you take it in when it's acting up, not after it's charged. My guess is it will not pass a load test. If it won't, you should get a new battery under warranty.

 

[CactusBS]

There have been a lot of issues with OEM batteries. I believe Ford switched to lead-acid batteries when the supply chain went down, and they are simply not up to snuff for these vehicles with components running all the time.

Ask your service dept to do a battery load test. This is a better diagnostic than simply checking voltage. Make sure you take it in when it's acting up, not after it's charged. My guess is it will not pass a load test. If it won't, you should get a new battery under warranty.

I will definitely have them try, I may have to go to a different closer dealership since the one I've been taking it to is an hour away. Which is probably why it always seems to be fine when they look at it

 

[Fordone Badlands]

Mine displays that same message on occasion instead of the normal boot up bronco screen. It seems to coincide with my Remote Features Disabled messages on the FordPass app. It just means my battery is getting low from too many short trips.

When I get those messages, I put the charger on the battery for a night. Seems to make a difference.

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