5 Signs Your Ford Expedition Battery is Dying

Do you own a Ford Expedition and are experiencing battery problems You are not alone. Many Expedition owners have reported that their batteries keep dying. This can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem, but it is one that can be fixed. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix a Ford Expedition battery that keeps dying. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future. So if you’re ready to get your Expedition back on the road, keep reading!

Reasons Why Ford Expedition Battery Keeps Dying

Here are the reasons:

Dead or Weak Battery

The most common cause of a battery dying is simply that it is old and has reached the end of its lifespan. A battery’s lifespan is typically about 5 years, but it can vary depending on the conditions in which it is used. If your Ford Expedition battery is more than 5 years old, it is likely time for a replacement.

Corroded Battery Terminals

Another common cause of a battery dying is corroded battery terminals. Corroded terminals can prevent the battery from making a good connection to the rest of the electrical system, which can lead to the battery not being able to charge properly or hold a charge. To check for corroded terminals, look for a green or white buildup of corrosion around the terminals. If you see corrosion, you can clean it off with a wire brush and some baking soda and water.

Faulty Alternator

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is not working properly, it can cause the battery to drain even when the engine is running. To check for a faulty alternator, you can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the battery terminals while the engine is running. The voltage should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage is lower than 13.5 volts, the alternator is likely not working properly.

Parasitic Drain

A parasitic drain is a small electrical draw that can drain the battery even when the car is turned off. Parasitic drains can be caused by a number of things, such as a faulty door switch, a bad light bulb, or a loose connection in the electrical system. To check for a parasitic drain, you can disconnect the battery and then use a multimeter to measure the current draw. If the current draw is more than 0.05 amps, there is a parasitic drain.

How to Troubleshoot: Ford Expedition Battery Keeps Dying

Symptoms of a Dying Battery

There are a few telltale signs that your Ford Expedition’s battery is dying. These include:

The battery light comes on: This is the most obvious sign that your battery is in trouble. The battery light is usually located on the dashboard, and it will illuminate when the battery voltage drops below a certain level.

The car starts but dies shortly after: If your car starts but dies shortly after, it’s likely that the battery is not providing enough power to keep the engine running.

The car won’t start: If your car won’t start at all, it’s a sure sign that the battery is dead.

The headlights are dim: If your headlights are dim, it could be a sign that the battery is not providing enough power.

The radio and other electronic accessories don’t work: If your radio and other electronic accessories don’t work, it could be a sign that the battery is not providing enough power.

Troubleshooting a Dying Battery

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible. Here are a few things you can check:

Check the battery terminals: Make sure that the battery terminals are clean and tight. If they’re corroded, clean them with a wire brush and apply a thin coat of dielectric grease.

Check the battery cables: Make sure that the battery cables are in good condition and that they’re not damaged. If the cables are damaged, they’ll need to be replaced.

Test the battery: You can test the battery with a voltmeter. A healthy battery should have a voltage of 12.6 volts or higher. If the battery voltage is below 12.6 volts, it’s time to replace the battery.

Check the alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. If the alternator is not working properly, it can cause the battery to die. You can test the alternator with a voltmeter. A healthy alternator should be able to maintain a voltage of 13.8 volts or higher. If the alternator voltage is below 13.8 volts, it’s time to have the alternator repaired or replaced.

How to Prevent a Dead Battery

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Ford Expedition’s battery from dying:

Keep the battery terminals clean and tight: A dirty or corroded battery terminal can cause the battery to lose power. Make sure to clean the battery terminals regularly and apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.

Don’t let the battery run low: If you let the battery run low, it can damage the battery. Make sure to keep the battery charged by driving your car regularly or by using a battery charger.

Avoid using accessories when the engine is off: Using accessories like the radio and headlights when the engine is off can drain the battery. Only use accessories when the engine is running.

Get your battery tested regularly: It’s a good idea to have your battery tested regularly, especially if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. A battery that’s tested regularly can be replaced before it dies, which will save you time and money.

Conclusion

A dead battery can be a major inconvenience, but it can be easily avoided by following the tips in this article. By keeping your battery terminals clean and tight, preventing the battery from running low, avoiding using accessories when the engine is off, and getting your battery tested regularly, you can help to ensure that your Ford Expedition’s battery stays healthy and lasts for many years to come.

Also Read: Ford Expedition Blower Motor Not Working

FAQs: Ford Expedition Battery Keeps Dying

Why is my Ford Expedition battery dying?

There are a few possible reasons why your Ford Expedition battery might be dying. Here are some of the most common causes:

The battery is old: Batteries typically last for about 3-5 years, so if your battery is older than that, it’s likely to start to wear down and lose its ability to hold a charge.

The battery is not being charged properly: If your Ford Expedition is not being driven regularly, the alternator may not be able to generate enough power to keep the battery charged. This can also happen if there is a problem with the alternator or the battery cables.

The battery is being drained by a parasitic draw: A parasitic draw is a current that is draining the battery even when the car is turned off. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a faulty alternator, a loose battery connection, or a malfunctioning electronic device.

What can I do to prevent my Ford Expedition battery from dying?

Here are a few things you can do to help prevent your Ford Expedition battery from dying:

Keep your battery charged: Make sure to drive your Ford Expedition regularly, or at least once a week, to keep the alternator charged. You can also use a battery charger to keep the battery topped up.

Check the battery cables: Make sure the battery cables are properly connected and in good condition. If the cables are corroded or damaged, they can cause a parasitic draw that will drain the battery.

Look for parasitic draws: Use a multimeter to check for any electrical devices that are draining the battery when the car is turned off. If you find a parasitic draw, you can either disconnect the device or have it repaired.

How can I tell if my Ford Expedition battery is bad?

There are a few ways to tell if your Ford Expedition battery is bad. Here are some of the most common signs:

The battery is slow to start the car.
The battery light comes on when you start the car.
The car’s electrical system starts to malfunction, such as the headlights dimming or the radio cutting out.
The battery terminals are corroded.

How do I replace the battery in my Ford Expedition?

Replacing the battery in your Ford Expedition is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. Here are the steps involved:

1. Park your Ford Expedition in a well-ventilated area:
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition:
3. Open the hood and locate the battery: The battery is usually located under the hood, in the front of the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable first, then the positive battery cable:
5. Remove the battery hold-down bracket:
6. Lift the battery out of the battery tray:
7. Install the new battery in the battery tray:
8. Reattach the battery hold-down bracket:
9. Reconnect the positive battery cable first, then the negative battery cable:
10. Close the hood:

What is the warranty on a Ford Expedition battery?

The warranty on a Ford Expedition battery is typically 3 years or 36,000 miles. This means that if your battery fails within 3 years or 36,000 miles, Ford will replace it for free.