2.3 Liter Battery Replacement

[Kevin Scarbel]

I've seen Wal-Mart's batteries made by both East Penn (deka) and Johnson Controls here on the east coast. You can look at the serial number of their new batteries and note EP or JC.

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[Boreal]

FWIW, I took my rig in for a checkup before end of extended warranty (120,000kms) and my battery failed at 126 CCA. Somehow we’re still starting strong at -20°C without plugging in…

I don’t know how much weight I would put into the CCA tests on these things…

To top it off, this is the second battery, dealer replaced it a year and a half ago.

You can’t tell me that the life expectancy of the OEMs are only 18 months?

Go Aftermarket.

 

[Sitruc_btb]

FWIW, I took my rig in for a checkup before end of extended warranty (120,000kms) and my battery failed at 126 CCA. Somehow we’re still starting strong at -20°C without plugging in…

I don’t know how much weight I would put into the CCA tests on these things…

To top it off, this is the second battery, dealer replaced it a year and a half ago.

You can’t tell me that the life expectancy of the OEMs are only 18 months?

Go Aftermarket.

Depends on how much the vehicle is driven, how far it's driven in a trip. Short trips don't have the time to charge the battery, especially deep cycle like these agm's. I got 5 years out of a Motor craft flooded battery in my old expedition, but, that had what, three control units? Lol. New cars have a butt load, and there's always a bit of parasitic draw on the battery, even doors locked, security armed.

 

[Smocaine]

I've seen Wal-Mart's batteries made by both East Penn (deka) and Johnson Controls here on the east coast. You can look at the serial number of their new batteries and note EP or JC.

That'd be news to me, I have always heard Walmart was Johnson Controls along with most auto shop brands - If they're all JC batteries, might as well buy the cheapest one.

 

[Bugkillah]

Wait wait wait, I always heard that these new agm batteries were more expensive but were supposed to last way longer, off setting the cost. Why are they lasting less time? And can we use a non agm as a replacement???

 

[Rydfree]

I will say one good thing about Wal-Mart batteries. When one shorts out and explodes while taking out the fuse/relay box and covering everything under the hood with acid, they will replace the battery free of charge

 

[Sitruc_btb]

Wait wait wait, I always heard that these new agm batteries were more expensive but were supposed to last way longer, off setting the cost. Why are they lasting less time? And can we use a non agm as a replacement???

Not recommended if you use the auto stop feature. The AGM can handle multiple starts and maintain voltage better than a flooded battery.

 

[Dirtrider]

Had my 2022 Bronco Badlands Sas 2.3 L in for routine service. They told me I needed a new battery because my actual cold cranking amps were down to 565 from factory 800. My rig is two years, five months old w/ 52k miles. Haven’t been having any problems. Told them I’d replace it next oil change. Tried searching the topic here and I’m not finding much. Physically changing a battery isn’t difficult. Is there anything more such as telling the computer it’s a new battery, etc? Any help would be;d be appreciated.

Thanks. Contented

This doesn't affect the full sized Bronco (I don't think) but there is a recall of ~223,000 Bronco Sports and Mavericks for defective Batteries.

 

[RoLyMa27]

I received the "going into deep sleep mode" the other day. Battery is 3 yrs old and 30k miles. I have used Interstate batteries in the past and have had good luck. Who makes Interstate? I looked it up and it says Exide.

 

[Sidney073]

Had my 2022 Bronco Badlands Sas 2.3 L in for routine service. They told me I needed a new battery because my actual cold cranking amps were down to 565 from factory 800. My rig is two years, five months old w/ 52k miles. Haven’t been having any problems. Told them I’d replace it next oil change. Tried searching the topic here and I’m not finding much. Physically changing a battery isn’t difficult. Is there anything more such as telling the computer it’s a new battery, etc? Any help would be;d be appreciated.

Thanks. Contented

The original battery typically does not have the same warrantee as a replacement battery. The OEM battery falls under the vehicle manufacturers warrantee, so if you do not have an extended warrantee that names the battery it probably is 12 months 12,000 miles, but you would need to read your warrantee paperwork.

 

[Ducati1098]

The original battery typically does not have the same warrantee as a replacement battery. The OEM battery falls under the vehicle manufacturers warrantee, so if you do not have an extended warrantee that names the battery it probably is 12 months 12,000 miles, but you would need to read your warrantee paperwork.

OEM battery warranty is 3/36

 

[Snacktime]

I don't replace batteries till they die, noticable slow crank or someone lets it go dead. Rest of the time I don't trust the person using the battery tester.

I have been buying Napa batteries for the last 10 years without issue.

 

[akturbo]

After you swap the battery you should reset the BMS—battery management system.

I usually use FDRS to do it. But there is a manual way to do it as well... if I recall you have to flash the high beams 5 times followed by press the brake pedal 5 times (or something like that). But I'm sure Google can assist with that.

EDIT— Looked it up.

1. Power on vehicle (engine not running)
2. Flash high beams 5 times
3. Press brakes 3 times
4. Wait for battery light to flash after 5-10 seconds
5. Power cycle vehicle

Thanks! I didn't know this was a thing, I'll reset mine today. My OEM battery died last year, replaced it with an X2. I'm like WTF, so I asked ChatGPT (who reads the manual?) why the reset is needed:

The Battery Monitoring System (BMS) reset is needed on a 2021 Ford Bronco (and many modern vehicles) after changing the battery because the BMS is responsible for monitoring the battery's health, charge, and performance. When the battery is replaced, the system needs to be recalibrated to the new battery to ensure optimal operation. Here's why it's necessary:

1. Accurate State of Charge (SoC) Monitoring:
   The BMS tracks the battery's state of charge. When you install a new battery, its charge characteristics differ from the old one. Resetting the BMS allows it to correctly measure and adapt to the new battery's charge capacity and condition.
2. Preventing Overcharging or Undercharging:
   If the BMS isn't reset, it might use incorrect data from the old battery, which can lead to overcharging or undercharging. This can reduce the lifespan of the new battery or cause charging system issues.
3. Battery Age and Performance Tracking:
   The BMS uses data to assess the battery's age and condition. Without a reset, it may assume the new battery is still the old one, leading to incorrect performance monitoring and diagnostics.
4. Avoiding Dashboard Errors:
   Failing to reset the BMS can trigger warning lights or error messages on the dashboard, as the system may detect inconsistencies between its stored data and the actual battery performance.
5. Improved Start-Stop System Functionality:
   If your Bronco has a start-stop system, it relies heavily on the BMS to determine when to stop and restart the engine. An improperly reset BMS can disrupt this feature, leading to inefficiency or malfunctions.

If you replace the battery on a 2021 Ford Bronco and do not reset the Battery Monitoring System (BMS), several warnings or issues may appear on the dashboard, including:

1. Battery Warning Light:
   The battery icon may illuminate, indicating the system detects an issue with the battery or charging system.
2. "Service Battery System" Message:
   A message may appear on the instrument cluster advising you to service the battery system.
3. Check Engine Light (CEL):
   The BMS may trigger a diagnostic trouble code (DTC), which could cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate.
4. Stop/Start System Disabled:
   If your Bronco is equipped with an automatic start-stop system, it may stop functioning, and you could see a message like "Start/Stop Not Available."
5. Inconsistent Voltage Readings:
   The vehicle may incorrectly assess the battery's charge, resulting in fluctuating voltage levels shown on the dashboard.
6. Dimming Lights:
   The BMS might not regulate the charging system correctly, leading to issues like dimming headlights or cabin lights.
7. Reduced Battery Performance:
   The battery may not charge properly, and you might experience trouble starting the vehicle or reduced overall electrical performance.

 

[Brian_B]

Wait wait wait, I always heard that these new agm batteries were more expensive but were supposed to last way longer, off setting the cost. Why are they lasting less time? And can we use a non agm as a replacement???

The biggest benefit I know is that they are more temperature and vibration tolerant. Use them in tractors and stuff for that reason. Supposedly you can use them upside down and it won't both them at all. I think most auto makers have shifted to them because of all the onboard computers -- they need steady voltage to operate, and AGMs are much better at sustaining that voltage when a big load (like a starter) hits.

Just sitting on a shelf, I don't know that it would last any longer than a standard flooded lead acid - probably less life than one you could refill if you actively maintained it. But throw it in a rig where it's jostling all around, and yeah, it will probably live a bit longer.

But AGM are more complicated to manufacture.

You could probably get away with a non-AGM battery, at least for a little while. The biggest issue with a non-AGM in there would be drooping voltage on hitting the starter (or running any big load, like a winch) -- you may drop low enough to start dropping the computers out and get the Christmas Tree of Death. AGM batteries are a bit better at voltage support when they get hit heavy, a new flooded lead would probably hold up ok, but it could start having issues sooner than an equivalent AGM.

The charging system is definitely keyed around running an AGM, as AGM has slightly different voltages, so I don't know long it would last you. There is a switch in Forscan but I don't know if anyone has tried it to see what it does exactly.

 

[Kevin Scarbel]

That'd be news to me, I have always heard Walmart was Johnson Controls along with most auto shop brands - If they're all JC batteries, might as well buy the cheapest one.

Look for JC at the beginning of the serial number.
Everstart Maxx is the same battery as the Diehard sold at Advance.

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