2009 Ford Flex: DOA

Is the Flex feeling sympathy for the Fusion now?

Joking aside, what's going on? What brand batteries do the two cars use, and do you think weather conditions somehow contributed to the problems the vehicles are facing? Any other ideas?

It's not that unusual for a battery to start going at 71k, but it's not that common either and very suspicious when two Fords are nearly simultaneously affected.

From what I understand, heat kills battery longevity more than cold.

For what it's worth, I've had 2 Mazda batteries and 2 Honda batteries die early deaths (less than 3 years old when they died). Putting in a Costco battery usually solved the longevity problem as those usually last 6+ years for me.

I would assume that both cars use Motorcraft batteries, which are made by Johnson Controls.

It looks like the engine is way cleaner than last time we were shown a picture of it...tour of dirty flex part 1. During the cleaning of it, could they of hit something that caused the battery to go, or alternator? Also they just had the oil changed too or at least it needed it...did the dealership not check the battery life once again?

How long should batteries last? My first car's lasted for 7 years and about 100,000 miles (I bought it when it was already a couple years old with 40K on the clock), and that was in a climate with very cold winters. The Flex is pushing the mileage but it's barely 2 years old and lives in SoCal. Too soon?

Slow starting Friday for the commute, slow starting Friday night after a long commute should have charged it, slow again Saturday morning.

I'm confused, why didn't you just make a quick trip Sunday (or even Saturday afternoon)to one of the dozen different places you could have had the battery and charging system tested and if it's the battery (which is likely) had it replaced within about 30 minutes? Dan wouldn't have authorized the replacement?

It is not really heat or cold that is hard on batteries...it is change that effects them the most. My best friend used to work for Kragen as a store manager and when he went back east to some factories that is what they told him. Going from hot to cold and back again is what does it.

My Motorcraft battery I had in my 95 escort lasted almost 9 years before it gave up. Some times they last and sometimes they dont....

Probably should have had the battery and alternator tested would have saved the hassle.

Since everyone is posting their battery life stories here's mine.

My 99 F150 which my family bought in 02 still has the original factory battery that's still putting out 11.5-12v every time I test it monthly. 11 years and counting.

I'm on my 3rd battery on my 1999 Camry. Each of the two previous batteries lasted almost 5 years and 50,000 miles. On one of my other vehicles, I had a battery last only a year, but it was replaced under warranty.

Found On Road Dead

Has there ever really been the need to replace a battery in one of the long term cars? I'd be interested in a post about choosing a new battery.

Lost your voltmeter?

Ever thought of getting it checked out, instead of whining on here about it?

The factory battery in my Volvo lasted almost 5 years, but only about 48,000km. I might have got another year out of it, but instead replaced it with a much beefier NAPA sourced battery - way more cold cranking amps. As I understood it, many factory batteries aren't as heavy duty as batteries you can buy from quality suppliers.

"Ever thought of getting it checked out, instead of whining on here about it?"

Ever thought that is a blog about LT cars and what happens to them? Dont like it, dont read it.

"Found On Road Dead"

I remember when I had my first beer.

What are you guys doing to the batteries on your test cars? First the Fusion, now the Flex...

1995 318ti- OEM lasted over 10 years. Replaced it as a precaution. Replaced with Interstate
Mega-Tron
1997 528i- OEM lasted nine years. Replaced with Interstate Mega-Tron
1999 Wrangler Sahara: OEM lasted 5 years. Exide replacement lasted 4 years
2005 X3 2.5- Still on original battery
2007 MS3- Still has OEM battery- it's just about only vehicle subsystem that hasn't required a
repair...

barich1: "I would assume that both cars use Motorcraft batteries, which are made by Johnson Controls."

Johnson Controls makes a LOT of brands, but they're generally built to a price point. Nothing wrong with JC batteries, but you need to spend a little more to get their better stuff.

Personally, never had a Motorcraft not last at least six years. Seems interesting that IL is having pretty bad luck with them.

You figure someone would have at least giggled when they decided on the name of the company for Johnson Control.

Not a good month for batteries in Fords.

@bodyblue
Double zings L0L

@bodyblue
Double zings L0L

While I like the Flex well enough and hate to see anything go wrong, when I read this I immediately recalled Bodyblue fanboying out a couple days ago crowing that nothing ever goes wrong with the LT Fords, and I smiled.

Interesting stories guys, thanks for sharing.

I live in South Florida and I've never had a car battery last longer than 3 years in any car that I've owned.

Heat kills batteries.

I just replaced the battery in my Acura after 4.5 years and 33,000 miles. The car seems to be starting fine now.

FWIW stop and go commuting won't do much to charge a battery. It'll help a little, but what you really need is about 15 minutes of normal speeds.

The Optima red top in my Jeep is going on 11 years (but it's just about dead now).

On a (somewhat) related note: I just replaced two Duracell AAA batteries in a thermometer I have, and the "best by" date was in the year 2000. Considering those "best by" dates are usually about 5 years out, those batteries were probably installed around 1995. Fifteen years out of any battery is pretty good in my book.

"Once I got home, I searched to make sure no lights were switched on in the cargo area I wasn't aware of or some other kind of battery draw was happening."

For future reference, that was a waste of time. Ford, and probably some other mfrs, have had a power saver feature standard on their vehicles for the past 10+ years. All lights and accessories, like the radio for example, will shut off after 10 minutes when the key is turned to the off position or if a door is left open, or....

Well, you get the idea.

Body blue....I expect to hear about things...but hearing of constant whining and nothing being done about said problem gets old....I shouldn't expect anything else from folks these days.

My battery is weak...oh poor pitiful me..what should I do? how about NOTHING, and I'll blog about it.

Not, the battery was acting up on starting ,etc.., so I had it checked out and X was the problem. That to me is more useful info.

"While I like the Flex well enough and hate to see anything go wrong, when I read this I immediately recalled Bodyblue fanboying out a couple days ago crowing that nothing ever goes wrong with the LT Fords, and I smiled."

Please feel free to copy and post when I said that....in fact I said Fords had less problems......not ever any problems. If you are going to try and be a smart ass then try and least to be accurate. But it is too easy just to throw things out that arent true. Thanks for playing.

"Body blue....I expect to hear about things...but hearing of constant whining and nothing being done about said problem gets old....I shouldn't expect anything else from folks these days. "

I just read a bunch of threads when I got home from work today and all of the ones you posted in are in fact bitchy whiney ones.....you trash every thread and post......why do you even read this blog if you hate it so much? I could care less what you read and write but I am just curious.