2023 Ford E-350 Changing the 12V Battery
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
- WARNING: This vehicle may have more than one battery. Removing the battery cables from only one battery does not disconnect your vehicle’s electrical system. Make sure you disconnect the battery cables from all batteries when disconnecting power. Failure to do so may cause serious personal injury or property damage.
- WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide correct ventilation.
- WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps, resulting in personal injury and damage to the vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite corners.
- WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against the possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
- WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash your hands after handling.
Note: If your vehicle battery has a cover, make sure it is reinstalled after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect battery performance and durability.
- Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery which normally does not require additional water during its life of service.
- For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
- If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
- Always dispose of automotive batteries in a responsible manner. Follow your local authorized standards for disposal. Call your local authorized recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive batteries.
Reconnecting the Battery
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and performance. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the ethanol content of the fuel for optimum driveability and performance. To begin this process.
- Switch off all accessories and start the engine.
- Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
- Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
- Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
- Fully press the foot brake. Release the parking brake. Shift the gearshift lever to Drive (D) and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
- Drive the vehicle for approximately 10 mi (16 km) to complete the relearning process.
Note: If you do not carry out the above process, the idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is eventually relearned.
- Flexible fuel vehicles operating on E85 may experience poor starts and driveability problems until the fuel trim and ethanol content have been relearned.
- When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and fully updates transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
- We recommend that the negative battery cable terminal be disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period of time. This minimizes the discharge of your battery during storage.
Dual Batteries (If Equipped)
- Your vehicle may be fitted with a frame-mounted battery located on the passenger side frame rail, behind the front passenger door. This battery is connected in parallel with the battery in the engine compartment. Both batteries are used to start the vehicle.