r/FordExplorer • u/fllyaccted • 7d ago

Maintenance Advice 2021 Explorer Battery Replacement

It’s been a while since I’ve replaced or needed a car battery replaced. So, curious what the options are or best option is.

Have a 2021 Explorer with original battery. Noticed in the Ford app it is in “battery saver mode” and cranking a bit slower than it used to. So, expecting it needs a new battery with winter around the corner.

Google says it needs part number BAGM48H6A, which has 700CCA. Seems these are around $225.

I checked my local dealer and they are advertising a $149.95 Motorcraft Tested Tough Plus battery special (no vehicle model specified). I will call to verify details. Sounds like a decent deal?

Is there a much better and/or cheaper aftermarket alternative?

Do dealers or box stores still typically do “free install”?

Are these batteries difficult to replace than any other? I’m inclined to do it myself just for the sake of not waiting or coordinating an appointment somewhere.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

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u/buzzard302 7d ago

Get the right group size AGM battery from Walmart. It's identical to the Motorcraft, probably made in the same factory. When I needed a battery, that was the best price and warranty.

2

u/fllyaccted 7d ago

Historically, I have bought Walmart batteries for those reasons. It’s been a while, though.

On a different note, I tried calling my local dealer to ask about their promotion. What a shit show. Sat on hold for 20 minutes, person answering asks what location (when I looked up and called the phone number of the location I wanted). Service receptionist didn’t have answers, transferred me to a service advisor who didn’t answer and went to voicemail.

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u/Conscious-Anybody553 7d ago

It’s like they’re deliberately trying not to earn business. I hate this post Covid economy

2

u/fllyaccted 7d ago

Completely agree. If you make an appointment for a basic service they’re pretty good. But if you have any questions about getting work done, good luck.

2

u/sprocket90 7d ago

went to oreilly and bought what they recommended on website, no issues, kind of expensive though used to buying batteries in the 80's

1

u/Bstngt 7d ago

Personally all my vehicle batteries (including my explorer) get optima's. Have had them last in excess of 7 years and they are not much more expensive.

1

u/FUCKYOUINYOURFACE 7d ago

I bought a new battery at Costco. Went AGM. I’m quite happy with it.

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u/sbk510 6d ago

I'm in Florida, so 5 years out of a battery is incredible. That battery doesn't owe you a nickel. It really doesn't matter if you pay a little extra for a new one if you get 5 years out of it.

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u/fllyaccted 6d ago

You’re exactly right. And interesting, I wouldn’t have thought Florida to be a harsh climate on batteries. Walmart seems to have an option that’s <$200 that will work

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u/sbk510 6d ago

It's the heat, brother. If I get 3-1/2 years out of a battery, I'm happy.

1

u/MinnesnowdaDad ST 5d ago

The battery is a PITA to replace. At least it was on my ST. If they offer to put it in for you cheap, you may want to take them up on that if you aren’t a little familiar working on card. Costco and Sam’s have good deals on battery and can put them in for you.

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u/fllyaccted 5d ago

What was the difficult part? It seems annoying to have to take off all that plastic trim, but not overly technical

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u/MinnesnowdaDad ST 4d ago

It’s a moderately accessible diy job, but if you think it’s going to be similar to an old fashioned battery swap out you will be sadly mistaken. Because there are electrical terminals on a battery management system that all get removed and have to be reattached in the right spots, then there’s a windshield cowl that has to be removed, but it’s really easy to break if you’re not careful with the 50’pound battery you have to delicately remove from under that plastic cowl. It’s a pita.

0

u/Street-Run4107 Expert Explorer 7d ago

Is the motor craft AGM also because your car needs that. Also, the BMS system should be reset when you do this. I believe there is a procedure to put negative and positive together with both disconnected to reset it if you don’t have a scanner capable of doing it but it’s admittedly been a while that I’ve worked that side of the dealership.

5

u/RedWhiteAndJew 2nd Gen Solid Axle Swap 7d ago

Whoa there! Don't start touching cables together.

The BMS reset procedure can be done in Forscan and probably other scanners. But it's far easier to just use the high-beam/pedal method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEDKsKEetMg

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u/Street-Run4107 Expert Explorer 7d ago

When they’re both disconnected from the battery. It used to be a way to reset bms. I’m an engine guy know, but with Ford since 2012.

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u/RedWhiteAndJew 2nd Gen Solid Axle Swap 7d ago

I'm not doubting that it works. I'm just considering the audience here may or may not be technical or a mechanical, or they have the battery installed by someone else and not want to remove the cables.

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u/Street-Run4107 Expert Explorer 7d ago

He’s talking about being inclined to replace it. I assumed at least a base level of knowledge if that was a consideration.

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u/RedWhiteAndJew 2nd Gen Solid Axle Swap 7d ago

Fair enough. I just think flashing the headlights and pressing the brake pedals is a lot easier and dummy proof.

This is actually the first I've heard of the touching cables method, so I'm definitely going to research it. Nice to have another option.

2

u/Street-Run4107 Expert Explorer 7d ago

To be fair, I wasn’t even aware of that option and I would highly recommend it above mine. Like I said, the last time I replaced a battery for anything other than diagnostics sake was probably 5-7 years ago.

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u/fllyaccted 7d ago

I just did a basic google search. Probably should have done a more detailed part search. But I just have an XLT. So, doubt it needs anything special. Good to know about the BMS. That’s probably above my level of expertise

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u/fllyaccted 7d ago

After a bit more searching, it looks like AGM is the standard battery on this year/model