Lost power and got indication of low voltage. Could not jump from another battery. Had battery tested and found bad cell. This is a Motorcraft battery on a new 2001 SuperCrew with only 1,500 miles. Come Monday morning, Ford will be giving me a new battery, but what about my time, gas, etc. By the way, positive terminal cover broke off when I opened it to attempt jump. Quality is Job #1? Well at least I got my blanky.

 

Well, out of the millions of batteries Ford puts in their vehicles, I'm surprised yours is the only failure. Just joking about that. Truth is, that's what battery warranties are for. Even new batteries fail.

Just be glad it didn't blow up. Had one blow up on me a few years ago and let me tell you. It's like there was a bomb under the hood. Oh, what a mess and truck and battery was out of warranty. Grrrr!!!!

 

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I probably had the FIRST failure out of that million! About 1 year old. I could jump it, but didn't drive it till I could get to the dealer. When I went to start it and found the problem, just a click, second turn, it went crazy, relays clicking and clacking. Pulled key out, still clacking! Wouldn't stop. Think it was the alarm circuits going wacky. Thought I'd have to unbolt the neg cable, but found by turning the key enough times I could finally get it to stop. Then jumped it to get it out of the way.

 

Well my problem was rectified yesterday. Reason I couldn't jump was that I was trying to do it from my wife's 3.8L. Duh! The other thing is that Ford will not allow you to bring bad battery. Makes sense. They had to contact roadside assistance, tow it to dealer, test and replace battery. Confirmed bad cell. Thanks to all comments.

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Crew Coach

2001 F150 4x2 Lariat Supercrew, Oxford White w/silver two-tone, 5.4L, 3.55LS, Captain's Chairs, Towing Pkg, 6-CD, Bed Extender, Westin SS Nerf Bars, Line-X sprayed-in bedliner, EGR deflector, wheel & spare locks by McGard

Other planned mods: hard tonneau cover, K&N filter, Husky floor liners, speaker upgrades, Longhorn hitch cover, etc., etc., etc.

 

Crew Coach,

It's unfortunate that you were the unlucky recipient of a "bad apple" (battery, that is). However, are you insinuating that you should be reimbursed for your time, gas, etc for this event? It's not like Ford planned to do this...sh*t happens, relax, take it easy, and be happy that Ford will replace the affected part at no charge to you.

-kindest regards

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1999 F150 4x4, wedgewood blue, 5.4l auto, Manick brush guard, Duraliner, KC Hilites, surf rod holders, tinted windows, K&N air filter without airbox, Velocity air intake tube, Midas Performance muffler with dual pipes, toolbox, Uniden CB with whip, and a Superchip.

 

No, I was mixing up my frustration of this event with my frustration with my dealer. Ford has taken care of the problem amicably. Your right, sh*t does happen. This Texas heat may have contributed to the battery's failure. Anyway, the problem is history. I'm happy and I should count myself lucky. I could be driving a Chevy.

 

Ha !! ;-)

 

I had the very same problem last winter.
Details are here:
https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/000006.html