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
74,390

OJ answered 6 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.

5 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
670

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

5 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

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?

Mark helpful
670

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

4 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
40

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

4 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 2011 F150 Battery Drain, new alternator, computer, and battery... dies overnight 5 Answers

    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' lig...

    2011 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Battery drain overnight 7 Answers

    My truck has been draining overnight for the last couple months so I already replaced the alternator battery and instrument cluster, but the local shop also diagnosed the stereo pulling too so I p...

    2005 Ford F-150 FX4 SuperCab 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 03 F150 with Battery drain issue 2 Answers

    Ok, so for probably a year now, we have had intermittent issue with my sons 03 F150. Sometimes he will go outside to crank it and the battery is nearly dead. Other times it will start just fine. ...

    2003 Ford F-150 XLT Extended Cab 4WD SB

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • New alternator and new battery wont stay running 4 Answers

    Couple of days ago my vehicle was losing power as i was driving so i pulled off to the side of the road and turned my truck off. Turned the truck back on and hears click click. So i replaced the ba...

    2002 Ford F-150 XLT 4WD SB

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Battery Drain while driving 2 Answers

    I need HELP!! I have a 97 Ford f150 just recently ( in the last week) purchased a new battery and alternator. As I am driving I slowly lose power to the truck.. charge battery and she starts ...

    1997 Ford F-150

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 13,933 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $1,712.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Ford F-150 Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    42,600
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,040
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,890
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
195 Great Deals out of 5,877 listings starting at $2,975
Used GMC Sierra 1500
128 Great Deals out of 6,516 listings starting at $3,975
Used RAM 1500
451 Great Deals out of 15,772 listings starting at $4,950
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
18 Great Deals out of 1,178 listings starting at $8,995
Used Toyota Tundra
31 Great Deals out of 1,361 listings starting at $6,255
Used Toyota Tacoma
46 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $9,995
Used Dodge RAM 1500
6 Great Deals out of 72 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Mustang
58 Great Deals out of 1,366 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Ranger
26 Great Deals out of 1,602 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
27 Great Deals out of 1,241 listings starting at $9,500
Used RAM 2500
49 Great Deals out of 2,148 listings starting at $13,650
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
21 Great Deals out of 1,519 listings starting at $5,500
Used Ford Explorer
75 Great Deals out of 2,091 listings starting at $3,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.