2011 F150 Battery Drain, new alternator, computer, and battery... dies overnight

Asked by Brigid M. Dec 21, 2018 at 06:59 PM about the 2011 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Have had truck for 2 years, been in the shop 7x in last 4 months. Can jump it,
will run but if turned off and sitting for more than a few hours will die. For over
1yr I have gotten 'low battery' light on computer, but have just ignored and
never had battery issue until recently. Light comes on immidiately after
starting, every time truck is started (jumped, starts normally, etc). Same story
everytime- truck dies, towed to dealership, they "fix" the problem or cannot
isolate it and it starts fine for them, I get it back, it dies within a few days, or
weeks. Please help, obviously the 3 dealerships I have been to are
incompetent or Ford has some serious issues. Thanks!

5 Answers
74,270

OJ answered 5 years ago

Is the alternator new or rebuilt? Sounds like you are having a problem with the signal either from the PCM or the signal returning to the PCM. Check for trouble codes. If you have a bunch of them, they are probably false due to the charging system. Check on the net on how to check the field reference wire WHEN THE CONDITION IS PRESENT. You may have a defective or wrong regulator inside the alternator if the alternator was rebuilt.

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660

G answered 5 years ago

It could be a bad park detect switch in the shifter assembly that causes the truck to not go into sleep mode. If you turn off the ignition the gear indicator lights wont go out draining the battery. The quick way to know it is this switch is there is no red P on the dash when in park, the remote starter wont work (if equipped) either. Its a quick repair, a kit for the console model is on ebay, shipped USPS priority mail for 26.00. https://www.ebay.com/itm/292902064134

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Mattcwilson answered 5 years ago

Having the same bloody problem and is beyond frustrating. Been to Ford dealership 3x fir this problem. They keep saying it's the battery . Replaced it 3x....what should I do?

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660

G answered 5 years ago

Pop off the console cover and check to see if the nose of the switch is broken off. If it is, its a cheap and easy fix, about 15 minutes. http://www.ebay.com/itm/293022184575

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FrustratedToo answered 3 years ago

what is the answer to this problem. just purchsed a used 2011 f150. was running perfect for a month. now battery drainned

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