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CodyClassB's avatar
CodyClassB
Explorer II
May 15, 2020

Ford E-350 battery questions

My Ford 2015 E-350 battery will need to be charged every 2-3 weeks. The battery is brand new so I assume something in the truck is using the battery while it is off.

Questions:

1. Is it safe to install a battery switch and turn off the battery when not in used? I was told that "newer trucks require power to keep the electrical components/sensors to be active". If the battery is disconnected for a long time, it will damage there components? True or false? My truck model year is 2015

2. Is it safe to connect a battery maintainer through cigarette lighter ? The cigarette lighter is always on.

Thanks
Class C
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2020
    I disconnect my chassis battery when the vehicle is being stored. The only trouble with that is when I have to go in for a smog test. I have to drive the motor home for an unknown amount of miles before the computer no longer thinks it was just reset. The smog people won't pass a vehicle that was recently reset.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2020
    Your computers will have to reload every time you disconnect that battery. As for the battery maintainer? My 2000 F350 sits for weeks at a time. I installed a "Battery Tender" and plug it in when I'm not using the truck. The batteries will last longer, staying fully charged while sitting. As for plugging into the cigarette lighter? It will do the same thing as connecting it directly to the battery itself.

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