why does my Ford F-150 Fourteenth Generation (2021-present) battery keep dying

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather tools: OBD-II scanner, multimeter, socket set, wire brush, and safety goggles.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is off.

2. Inspect and Clean Battery Terminals

• Sub-steps:
  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal first, then the positive terminal.
  2. Use a wire brush to clean any corrosion from the terminals and cable connectors.
  3. Rinse the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize acid, then dry completely.
  4. Reconnect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.

3. Test and Replace Battery (if necessary)

• Sub-steps:
  1. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage; it should read around 12.6 volts for a fully charged battery.
  2. If voltage is below 12.4 volts, charge the battery using a battery charger.
  3. If the battery is more than three years old or fails to hold a charge, replace it with a new one.
  4. Install the new battery and ensure secure connections.

4. Check and Replace Alternator (if necessary)

• Sub-steps:
  1. Start the engine and measure the voltage at the battery terminals; it should read between 13.7 to 14.7 volts.
  2. If the voltage is below this range, the alternator may be faulty.
  3. Disconnect the battery and remove the alternator using a socket set.
  4. Install the new alternator and reconnect the battery.

5. Conduct Parasitic Draw Test

• Sub-steps:
  1. Turn off all electrical accessories and lock the vehicle.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and connect a multimeter in series to measure current draw.
  3. If the current draw exceeds 50 milliamps, check fuses to identify the circuit drawing excessive current.
  4. Repair or replace any components causing the parasitic draw.