Ford Escape: Battery, Mounting and Cables / General Procedures

Charging

NOTE

Batteries discharge due to normal parasitic key-off drain when the vehicle is parked at the dealer or by the customer for an extended period. Vehicles still in dealer stock or in long-term storage may be driven short distances with heavy electrical loads. Over a period of time (30 days or more), this can result in vehicles with shallow or deeply discharged batteries.

The charging system is designed to supply the electrical power necessary to keep the battery at or near a full state of charge during normal vehicle operation. The charging system is not capable of fully charging a completely discharged battery in a short period of time, for example, by idling the vehicle for 15 minutes to recharge the battery. Use an external battery charger to charge a discharged battery.

Cold batteries will not accept a charge readily. Allow the battery to warm to approximately 5 °C before charging. This may take 4 to 8 hours at room temperature.

Connecting the battery charger to engine or chassis ground is the preferred method.

NOTICE: Do not connect the battery charger negative (black) clamp directly to the battery monitor sensor. It must be connected to engine or chassis ground to relearn the battery state of charge.

1
Connect the battery charger positive (red) clamp to the battery positive terminal.
2
Connect the battery charger negative (black) clamp to engine or chassis ground.
3
Charge the battery, following the battery charger manufacturer's instructions.

Battery charger connected to the battery terminals

NOTICE: The battery monitor sensor must relearn the battery state of charge after charging. Refer to Battery State of Charge in Section 414-00.

1
Disconnect the battery.
Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, General Procedures).
2
Connect the battery charger positive (red) clamp to the battery positive terminal.
3
Connect the battery charger negative (black) clamp to the battery negative terminal.
4
Charge the battery, following the battery charger manufacturer's instructions.

General Procedures — Battery Charging

Charging

Battery charger connected to the battery terminals

Test yourself