Hybrid 12V battery issues… don’t let the dealer brush you off

Got a '22 XL Hybrid. Learn from my mistake.

I complained twice to the dealer about my truck constantly being in battery saver mode. Told them the battery was weak and probably needed replacing. Both times they claimed it was fine.

Fast forward to last weekend… I take my kid camping 100 miles from home. Park the truck, set up camp, and then try to move it. Nothing. Total brick. Thankfully, I was able to get a jump from some other campers and made it home.

Moral of the story: if your hybrid is always in battery saver mode, your battery is dying and WILL fail at the worst time. Be pushy with the dealer before you end up stranded like me.

Couple of things you can do:

  • Get a NOCO jump starter or something similar. Keep it in your truck and recharge it every 6 months.
  • Replace the battery yourself. A Group 4 AGM is a good choice, but I went with a cheaper LFA from AutoZone. After replacing, reset the battery system (check the Maverick forums for how-to). Haven’t had a single problem since.

@Bentley
Had my NOCO in my car for almost a year before I ever needed it. Ended up helping a couple in a parking lot who were struggling with a dead battery. Hooked up the NOCO and their car started right up in seconds. Haven’t needed it for myself yet, but I’m glad I have it.

@Bentley
Good idea. I actually picked up a NOCO on the way back from that camping trip!

I just know the dealer will probably replace my bad battery with another bad battery. Thinking about getting an AGM instead, seen some good deals on Amazon. Just frustrating that Ford won’t acknowledge this as a widespread issue.

@Erin
Which NOCO did you go with? Thinking I should get one too.

Nathaniel said:
@Erin
Which NOCO did you go with? Thinking I should get one too.

This one. Good enough for most vehicles except the really big diesels.

@Bryant
Can confirm. Used it on everything from a Dodge Avenger to a lawnmower. Just make sure it’s fully charged before use, or it won’t do much if your battery is completely dead.

@Erin
This isn’t just a Ford problem. Battery manufacturers have cheaped out across the board. If you check forums for any car brand, you’ll find posts about premature 12V battery failure. Honestly, first thing I’d replace in a new car these days.

@Erin
Dealerships are part of the problem. First one I went to brushed me off. Second one actually fought for me and got Ford to pay for a Napa Gold replacement instead of their usual junk battery.

@Bentley
One of the best things I’ve ever bought. Saved me a bunch of times with my old car and even my motorcycle. My wife has used it on her Jeep too. If you drive a car, you should have one.

@Bentley
Does it matter which NOCO you get?

Rowan said:
@Bentley
Does it matter which NOCO you get?

Honestly, NOCO is kind of overpriced. Plenty of other brands do the same thing. If you just need a battery maintainer, something like this works fine for way less.

@BrownEvans
The NOCO we’re talking about is a portable jump starter, not a maintainer.

Dylan said:
@BrownEvans
The NOCO we’re talking about is a portable jump starter, not a maintainer.

In that case, yeah, there are tons of portable lithium jump starters that do the same thing.

Swapped mine with an AGM battery from Amazon. Haven’t had a single deep sleep issue in my ‘22 hybrid, even in freezing temps.

$120 well spent compared to wasting time at the dealership.

Caden said:
Swapped mine with an AGM battery from Amazon. Haven’t had a single deep sleep issue in my ‘22 hybrid, even in freezing temps.

$120 well spent compared to wasting time at the dealership.

Only lasted a month for me. Reset the BCM a few times, but the only thing that works is keeping it on a charger.

@Zion
You need to change the battery type to AGM in Forscan when switching from a standard battery.

Harmon said:
@Zion
You need to change the battery type to AGM in Forscan when switching from a standard battery.

I’ll try that this weekend. I saw a debate on the forums about whether it’s necessary, but looks like it is.

@Zion
Yeah, I noticed a higher charging voltage after switching. Haven’t checked it in months though.

@Zion
Hope mine holds up longer than that. Been good for about six weeks now.