Dealership Recommendation for Battery Replacement in Southern Michigan?

[Henry Ford]

I believe I probably need a battery module replaced. My truck charges to "100%" then quickly drops to 86% as soon as soon as it's started. This behavior is repeatable on different level 2 chargers. I haven't attempted DCFC.

Thankfully the truck still runs and I can choose where it's serviced. If you've had a battery module replaced in southern Michigan please let me know if you recommend the dealership you used. I'm hoping for a quick diagnosis and repair plus a loaner. I could manage without a loaner if the repair was quick.

Dealership locations in order of convenience for me are Adrian, Jackson, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, then further east. I'm not opposed to something other than those locations for good service.

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[awilli1010]

I believe I probably need a battery module replaced. My truck charges to "100%" then quickly drops to 86% as soon as soon as it's started. This behavior is repeatable on different level 2 chargers. I haven't attempted DCFC.

Thankfully the truck still runs and I can choose where it's serviced. If you've had a battery module replaced in southern Michigan please let me know if you recommend the dealership you used. I'm hoping for a quick diagnosis and repair plus a loaner. I could manage without a loaner if the repair was quick.

Dealership locations in order of convenience for me are Adrian, Jackson, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, then further east. I'm not opposed to something other than those locations for good service.

When I had a module replaced I went to the place I bought the truck from. Southgate ford in southgate Michigan. It was the first one they did. It took about a week and they did provide a loaner.

 

[Henry Ford]

When I had a module replaced I went to the place I bought the truck from. Southgate ford in southgate Michigan. It was the first one they did. It took about a week and they did provide a loaner.

I bought mine from Atchinson in Belleville. Based on my limited service experience with them, they would also be a good option but it's not very convenient for me.

I'm hoping someone will say, "Bell Ford in Adrian got me in right away and fixed it over my lunch break."

 

[PreservedSwine]

I live in a medium sized town with two Ford dealerships. Each service dept claim they only have 1 guy to work on ev's. The fact that your problem can be duplicated is terrific for the tech. I hope Ford is reimbursing properly so they have incentive to get it done in a timely manner. Please keep us updated and good luck!

 

[Henry Ford]

We'll see how this plays out but I'm kicking myself a little for not charging to 100% more often. I routinely charge to 85% so if the issue has been around for awhile I haven't noticed it. I've been meaning to charge to 100% but I've forgotten to set it the few times I knew I had a drive in the morning.

I don't think not charging to 100% caused the issue but it certainly delayed identifying it.

 

[rdr854]

I bought mine from Atchinson in Belleville. Based on my limited service experience with them, they would also be a good option but it's not very convenient for me.

I'm hoping someone will say, "Bell Ford in Adrian got me in right away and fixed it over my lunch break."

Ok - I’ll bite

Bell Ford in Adrian got me in right away and fixed it over my lunch break.

BTW - Where is Adrian, Michigan? I know. Where Adrian, Texas is!

We'll see how this plays out but I'm kicking myself a little for not charging to 100% more often. I routinely charge to 85% so if the issue has been around for awhile I haven't noticed it. I've been meaning to charge to 100% but I've forgotten to set it the few times I knew I had a drive in the morning.

I don't think not charging to 100% caused the issue but it certainly delayed identifying it.

 

[jefrank]

BTW - Where is Adrian, Michigan? I know. Where Adrian, Texas is!

Almost Ohio, but not, so it's still a good place ;-)

 

[RickLightning]

I had modules replaced on my truck. The dealership has to run a PinPoint Test to identify what's bad, order what they need, then install it.

I bought my truck out of state. Varsity Ford in A2 was my dealership until they refused to service the truck (I bought 2 Mach-Es from them), so I moved to Butman Ford (where I was previously) and they have a good EV tech (only one), Patrick. Usually has a 1 week backlog.

After the PinPoint Test, I took the truck back for the week, then brought it back in for the install.

 

[awilli1010]

We'll see how this plays out but I'm kicking myself a little for not charging to 100% more often. I routinely charge to 85% so if the issue has been around for awhile I haven't noticed it. I've been meaning to charge to 100% but I've forgotten to set it the few times I knew I had a drive in the morning.

I don't think not charging to 100% caused the issue but it certainly delayed identifying it.

When mine went bad ford called me. I was only charging to 80% and didn’t notice that it would charge pass 90. Now I always charge to 90%.

 

[chl]

On the other hand, if you were one of the "lucky" misaligned electrode in the battery Lightning owners, charging to over 80% would be potentially dangerous - fire risk - and those are advised not to go over 80% or fast charge according to the recall info.

Charging to 100% all the time will definitely have some effect on longevity and the rate of capacity loss - how much can range depending on which study you read, but you can look it up and decide for yourself...however...

The vehicle and battery warranty mentions (requires for a valid claim) that you should follow the recommendations in the manual (some excerpts) below.

For example, 1) if not using the vehicle for an extended period of time, store it with the battery at or near 50% SOC, and 2) you must installing power up software within a reasonable amount of time (e.g., 30 days) etc.

Here are some excerpts I copied from my manual and warranty for future reference just in case, for what it is worth - sorry it's a bit long...
-----

MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE PROPERLY

Your Owner’s Manual, provided with your vehicle, indicates the
scheduled maintenance required for your vehicle. Proper
maintenance guards against major repair expenses resulting from
neglect or inadequate maintenance and may help increase the
value you receive when you sell or trade your vehicle.

It is your responsibility to make sure that all the scheduled
maintenance is performed and that the materials used meet Ford
engineering specifications. Failure to perform scheduled
maintenance as specified in the Owner’s Manual will invalidate
warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of maintenance.
Make sure that receipts for completed maintenance work are
retained with the vehicle.

High Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Coverage
...

NOTE: The battery capacity degradation rate will vary based on
various factors, including environmental conditions, and will also
be affected by the way in which the vehicle is used. Following the
recommendations in the Preserving Your High Voltage Battery
section of the Owner’s Manual may help lower the rate of capacity
degradation and optimize battery life.

Ford Power-Up software updates

During the warranty coverage period, Ford Motor Company
warrants that:

• you will not be charged for diagnosis, repair, replacement, or
adjustment of components that are damaged or inoperable
due to a defect caused by a Ford Power-Up software update

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

Damage Caused By:

• accidents, collision or objects striking the vehicle (including
driving through a car wash)

• theft, vandalism, or riot

• fire or explosion

• using contaminated or improper fluids

• customer-applied chemicals or accidental spills

• driving through water deep enough to cause water to be

ingested into any component. i.e. powertrain components

• immersion/flooding of the high voltage battery assembly

• abuse and/or misuse of the vehicle and/or high voltage battery
pack, such as driving over curbs, overloading, racing or using
the vehicle as a permanent stationary power source

• exceeding the load limits specified on the certification label.
See your Owner’s Manual for the location of the certification
label

• failure to observe and resolve vehicle warnings and indications
of battery concerns within a reasonable amount of time,
typically 30 days

• failure to complete Ford Power-Up software updates within a
reasonable amount of time, typically 30 days

• the use of incompatible charging devices or methods

• modifications to the high voltage battery assembly, high

voltage system, or associated wiring

• exposure to direct and/or intense heat sources outside of
normal use, such as collision repairs that subject the vehicle to
paint booth conditions that exceed Ford’s recommendations

• allowing the high voltage battery assembly to remain in a fully
discharged, or near zero state of charge, for more than 14 days

• repairs performed by facilities and personnel not authorized by
Ford, including repairs which would have otherwise been
covered under the manufacturer’s warranty,

• improper vehicle storage resulting in high voltage battery damage
(See Owner’s Manual for vehicle storage recommendations)

In order to maintain your warranty coverage, be sure to follow the
recommendations in the Owner’s Manual under Preserving Your
High Voltage Battery.

Other Items or Conditions Not Covered

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover:


high-voltage battery replacement due to improper vehicle
storage. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for the proper ways your
vehicle’s battery must be maintained in the event the vehicle is
not driven or is stored for an extended period.

...

In order to maintain optimal battery life and functionality of your
vehicle, it is imperative that all high voltage battery software
updates are installed. You are responsible for ensuring all software
updates are installed within 30 days of software availability. You
can most easily accomplish this by keeping Automatic Updates set
to “ON”. If you are unable or choose not to use your vehicle’s
connectivity features to update software, your Ford Dealer can
determine if software updates are available for your vehicle and
perform these updates. Software updates will be installed at no
cost to you during the warranty period. Damage resulting from
failure to install battery system updates will not be covered under
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

If you do not maintain your vehicle properly, Ford may have the
right to deny you warranty coverage. To have repairs made under
this warranty, you may have to show that you have followed
Ford’s instructions on properly maintaining and using your
vehicle. You will find these instructions in your Owner’s Manual.
Be sure to save your service receipts and to keep accurate
records of all maintenance work.

NOTE: The high voltage battery assembly is not eligible for any of
the extended warranty plans or packages.

-----------

From the Manual (my 2023 Lightning):

Overnight Charging

You can increase the longevity and
performance of your high voltage battery
by using the charge scheduling and
departure and comfort settings on your
touchscreen or in the FordPass app.

With Charge Scheduling, you can improve
the high voltage battery's longevity by
delaying the start of charging and setting
a maximum charging limit. We recommend
you set your preferred charging times to
be at least 2-3 hours after your typical plug
in time. This allows the battery to cool
before charging begins. Additionally,
setting the maximum charge level to be
less than 100% for everyday usage reduces
strain on the battery.

You can improve driving range and
performance by scheduling departure
times and cabin comfort level with the
Departure and Comfort feature. This not
only warms or cools the cabin but also
conditions the battery to ensure the best
driving range and performance by the set
departure time.

DC Charging

Frequent use of DC charging could result
in reducing your battery's efficiency and
lifespan. This is more pronounced on the
standard range battery pack versus the
extended range battery pack. See What
is DC Charging (page 198).

Storage Temperature

Storing your vehicle in temperatures
between 32°F (0°C) and 113°F (45°C) is
the most beneficial range for the high
voltage battery.

At temperatures just above the freezing
point or lower, plug in your vehicle to
maintain battery performance and
maximize driving range.

Storage State of Charge

You can increase the battery life by
maintaining your state of charge below
100%. When you park your vehicle for an
extended period of 30 days or more, we
recommend your battery be at an
approximately 50% state of charge.

Storing your vehicle's high voltage battery
at higher states of charge is less favorable
than storing at lower states of charge.

Note: To achieve this state of charge for
storage, you can drive your vehicle down to
50% and set a charge limit for your location.

See Setting the Charging Schedule and
Preferences (page 213).

----

 

[jjupi91897]

I believe I probably need a battery module replaced. My truck charges to "100%" then quickly drops to 86% as soon as soon as it's started. This behavior is repeatable on different level 2 chargers. I haven't attempted DCFC.

Thankfully the truck still runs and I can choose where it's serviced. If you've had a battery module replaced in southern Michigan please let me know if you recommend the dealership you used. I'm hoping for a quick diagnosis and repair plus a loaner. I could manage without a loaner if the repair was quick.

Dealership locations in order of convenience for me are Adrian, Jackson, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, then further east. I'm not opposed to something other than those locations for good service.

I had that problem everytime I used the FordPass navigation on a long trip.

 

[Henry Ford]

I had that problem everytime I used the FordPass navigation on a long trip.

I don't think this is the same issue. My battery charges normally until about 87%, at which point it goes to 100% and stops charging. As soon as I start the truck the SOC jumps back to 87% and it works perfectly fine. No amount of resetting the charger or monkeying with charge settings can get it to charge beyond 87%...even though it says 100%.

This is a very strange way to fail. It's like a module just completely dropped offline and didn't bother to tell the system it was leaving. And the system never asked about it.

 

[GoodSam]

My battery charges normally until about 87%, at which point it goes to 100% and stops charging. As soon as I start the truck the SOC jumps back to 87% and it works perfectly fine.

Possibly this issue?
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...pack-soc-unable-to-reach-target-charge.23075/
SSM 53208
"Some 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles may exhibit a reduced distance to empty (DTE) projection, a high voltage (HV) battery pack state of charge (SOC) that drops from 100% to less than 90% within 60 seconds of being driven, and an inability to reach a target SOC using the scheduled charging feature without any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in the battery energy control module (BECM). This may be due to an issue in one or more cells within the HV battery pack. To correct the condition, run the "BECM Battery Health" application using the latest software version of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). If any cells are identified as exceeding state of charge and/or capacity thresholds, refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-03A High Voltage Battery, Mounting and Cables > Diagnosis and Testing > High Voltage Battery, Mounting and Cables - Electric > Pinpoint Test AP > Step AP4 and continue diagnosis. If all cells are within state of charge and capacity thresholds or DTCs are present in the BECM, refer to the WSM for normal diagnosis."

 

[HOTAS]

Possibly could be just the BECM.
Chevy had a problem with BECM’s in their Chevy Volt, which resulted in the same behavior. Unfortunately the BECM was inside the pack, so the overall labor to remove and open the batttery pack is the same. Car was perfect after BECM replacement.
Keep us posted.

 

[Henry Ford]

Possibly this issue?
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...pack-soc-unable-to-reach-target-charge.23075/
SSM 53208
"Some 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles may exhibit a reduced distance to empty (DTE) projection, a high voltage (HV) battery pack state of charge (SOC) that drops from 100% to less than 90% within 60 seconds of being driven, and an inability to reach a target SOC using the scheduled charging feature without any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in the battery energy control module (BECM). This may be due to an issue in one or more cells within the HV battery pack. To correct the condition, run the "BECM Battery Health" application using the latest software version of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). If any cells are identified as exceeding state of charge and/or capacity thresholds, refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-03A High Voltage Battery, Mounting and Cables > Diagnosis and Testing > High Voltage Battery, Mounting and Cables - Electric > Pinpoint Test AP > Step AP4 and continue diagnosis. If all cells are within state of charge and capacity thresholds or DTCs are present in the BECM, refer to the WSM for normal diagnosis."

That's the issue. Everyone here who has experienced this issue has received a new battery module. We'll see what the tech says whenever I can get it in the shop.

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