"Check 12-volt battery" message in Fordpass app

[pc104]

Anyone else gotten this message before? This is the original battery on a car that's less than 2 years old. Hoping I can get it replaced under warranty.

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[DarkHorsePremium]

Take it to a dealer. They'll do a diagnostic. Then a determination can be made.

You can also test the battery and charging system yourself if you have a multi meter. It won't be as comprehensive as what the dealer can do but it can give you a general idea of battery and charging system health.

If you have any aftermarket equipment like an amp or anything tapped into your wiring there could be a short. (If applicable)?

 

[LouG]

What he said.
I'm not sure how it works in the 'States, but here batteries are pro rated. If they die before their expected lifespan, replacement is based on the useful life it had.

 

[509Mike]

Anyone else gotten this message before? This is the original battery on a car that's less than 2 years old. Hoping I can get it replaced under warranty.

What he said.
I'm not sure how it works in the 'States, but here batteries are pro rated. If they die before their expected lifespan, replacement is based on the useful life it had.

Not sure if you have the same bumper to bumper warranty in New Zealand that we have in the USA but here the battery is covered. I know firsthand because mine was replaced this past Monday.

 

[DarkHorsePremium]

Warranties for batteries here in the US are the same. They're prorated. Tires are the same.

 

[goodlettjr]

Warranties for batteries here in the US are the same. They're prorated. Tires are the same.

Prorated batteries is common but it depends on the manufacturer and the tier inside their brand. I purchase and sell (~5MM annually) East Penn, Exide, Odyssey, Midwest, and a few others and none of these are prorated in my world. That includes traditional flood, high cycle, mixtech, and AGM; 12 and 24 volt systems. It is a straight warranty period for a direct replacement after testing. After that you purchase a new one out right with a core involved. Walmart for example doesn't do a prorated battery either for example.

I have only had an option of prorated on a Michelin high end tire like the Pilot Sport 4. But I'm not even sure it was a prorated scenario. I only could get it if I stayed with a Michelin tire. Sounded more like a customer retention tool rather than prorated as I type this.

Edit: I didn't have to warranty the tire, it was a purchase replacement due to traditional wear. Typically only treadwear issues get a prorated scenario. Eg. 60K mileage guarantee and you got 30K. 50% customer pay, 50% towards the new tire.

 

[DarkHorsePremium]

I've only had one or two batteries that have ever failed during their warranty. So I got a little bit towards a new battery + core.

I've had good luck with interstate batteries regardless of how good or bad people say they are. They've worked for me so I just stick with them. I replace a battery every 5-6 years either way. It's a small amount to pay for reliability.

Tire wise I only buy from places that offer a prorated tread wear warranty. Tire Rack offers free road hazard for 2 yrs. After that it's on you, but these days you pretty much have to replace tires in two's or fours anyway.

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Just had my GT in for a test last Thursday (4/9/26). I've had a few battery warnings/prompts on my screen ever since our bad cold spell in February. Free test as noted above; my battery is OK; though a bit low.

BTW: My dealer said if the battery goes under spec, or croaks during the initial 3 year/36 K mile OEM warranty it's covered under warranty.

 

[SSuperDave]

At the dealership the first thing you do before ANY electrical testing, reflash or programming with the key on, engine off, is to hook up a battery charger. If you get any voltage drops, your programming will abort. An hour and a half is long time for KO/EO.

 

[pc104]

Just had my GT in for a test last Thursday (4/9/26). I've had a few battery warnings/prompts on my screen ever since our bad cold spell in February. Free test as noted above; my battery is OK; though a bit low.

BTW: My dealer said if the battery goes under spec, or croaks during the initial 3 year/36 K mile OEM warranty it's covered under warranty.

Confirming this is the case. Dealership said it didn't pass their tests and replaced it under warranty.

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