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2018 F-150 Lariat - Battery Drain & 'Service AdvanceTrac' Light

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Mark S. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:25 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat

Hey everyone,

I've been having a really frustrating issue with my 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost. For the past few weeks, the battery keeps draining overnight. If I don't drive it for a day, it's dead. I've had to jump it multiple times.

What's even stranger is that sometimes after I jump it or when it's running, the 'Service AdvanceTrac' warning light comes on, along with the ABS light. The truck also feels a bit sluggish to start, even after a jump. I had the battery tested at AutoZone, and they said it's good, but the charging system might have an issue. Any ideas what could be causing this persistent drain and the warning lights?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:25 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

This sounds like a classic parasitic draw combined with a potential charging system issue, which can trigger various warning lights like 'Service AdvanceTrac' due to low voltage affecting multiple modules.

Common Causes & Diagnostics:

  1. Parasitic Draw: An electrical component is staying on and draining the battery. This could be anything from a faulty module (e.g., SYNC module, door module), a stuck relay, or even aftermarket accessories. Diagnosing this requires a multimeter to measure current draw when the vehicle is off and asleep.

    • Steps: Disconnect the negative battery terminal, connect a multimeter in series between the terminal and the battery post. Wait for modules to go to sleep (can take 15-30 minutes). A normal draw is usually under 50mA. If higher, start pulling fuses one by one until the draw drops, indicating the circuit with the fault.

  2. Alternator/Charging System: Even if the battery tests 'good,' a weak alternator might not be fully recharging it, or it could have an intermittent fault. The 'Service AdvanceTrac' and ABS lights often illuminate when the vehicle's voltage drops below a critical threshold, as these systems require stable power.

    • OBD Codes: Check for codes like P0620 (Generator Control Circuit Malfunction), P0562 (System Voltage Low), or U-codes related to module communication due to low voltage.

  3. Battery Age/Health: While AutoZone might say it's good, an older battery might struggle to hold a charge, especially if it's been deeply discharged multiple times. A load test is more comprehensive than a simple voltage test.

When to See a Shop:

If you're uncomfortable performing electrical diagnostics or if pulling fuses doesn't reveal the source of the draw, it's best to take your F-150 to a qualified Ford technician. They have specialized diagnostic tools (IDS) that can pinpoint module faults, perform comprehensive charging system tests, and identify parasitic draws more efficiently. Ignoring this can lead to repeated breakdowns and potential damage to electrical components.

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