how to tell if my Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present) needs a new battery

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

1 hour

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

4 min read

627 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace the battery in your Ford Explorer (2020-present). Step-by-step guide with symptoms, tools, and safety tips.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

1 hour

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
•Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect against acid and debris.

Symptoms

•Engine cranks slowly or does not crank at all
•Dashboard warning lights illuminate, particularly the battery light
•Electrical components, such as lights and radio, function intermittently
•Battery terminals exhibit corrosion or loose connections
•Battery age exceeds 3-5 years
•Frequent jump-starts are required to start the vehicle

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check Battery Age: Verify the battery manufacturing date, typically found on a label on the battery itself.
2
Inspect Battery Terminals: Examine the battery terminals for corrosion or looseness; clean or tighten as necessary.
3
Use a Multimeter: Measure the battery voltage using a multimeter; a healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts or higher.
4
Test Under Load: Perform a load test on the battery to see if it holds voltage under load; this typically involves using a specialized battery load tester.
5
Check for Parasitic Draw: Inspect for any parasitic draw when the vehicle is off, which can drain the battery prematurely.
6
Scan for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the battery or charging system.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Multimeter
•Battery load tester
•Socket set
•Battery terminal cleaner

Parts Required

•New battery (specific to Ford Explorer)
•Battery terminal protectant (optional)

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Symptoms

•Engine cranks slowly or does not crank at all

•Dashboard warning lights illuminate, particularly the battery light

•Electrical components, such as lights and radio, function intermittently

•Battery terminals exhibit corrosion or loose connections

•Battery age exceeds 3-5 years

•Frequent jump-starts are required to start the vehicle

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check Battery Age: Verify the battery manufacturing date, typically found on a label on the battery itself.
2
Inspect Battery Terminals: Examine the battery terminals for corrosion or looseness; clean or tighten as necessary.
3
Use a Multimeter: Measure the battery voltage using a multimeter; a healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts or higher.
4
Test Under Load: Perform a load test on the battery to see if it holds voltage under load; this typically involves using a specialized battery load tester.
5
Check for Parasitic Draw: Inspect for any parasitic draw when the vehicle is off, which can drain the battery prematurely.
6
Scan for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the battery or charging system.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools: multimeter, battery load tester, socket set, and cleaning supplies.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface, and the engine is off.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical shorts.

2. Remove the Old Battery

Tools Required: Socket set, wrench.
Sub-steps:
1. Disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal.
2. Remove any battery hold-down brackets using the appropriate socket.
3. Carefully lift the battery out of the tray, ensuring to maintain proper posture to avoid injury.

3. Install the New Battery

Tools Required: Socket set.
Sub-steps:
1. Place the new battery into the battery tray, ensuring it is secure.
2. Reattach the hold-down brackets to secure the battery in place.
3. Connect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.
4. Ensure all connections are tight and clean.

4. Clean and Inspect

Tools Required: Battery terminal cleaner, wire brush (if needed).
Sub-steps:
1. Clean any corrosion from the terminals and cable ends using a battery terminal cleaner or a wire brush.
2. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent future corrosion.

5. Test the New Battery

Tools Required: Multimeter.
Sub-steps:
1. Reconnect the battery and turn on the vehicle.
2. Use a multimeter to check the voltage; it should read between 12.6 to 12.8 volts.
3. Start the vehicle and check the voltage again; it should increase to around 13.7 to 14.7 volts, indicating the alternator is charging properly.