Ford BMS Battery Monitoring System: How it Works and How to Properly Charge Your Battery!

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[TheGregWallace]

is the perfect example of making things way more complicated than it needs to be.

[SA-hkxj]

Not sure about Fords, but most of the new foreign manufacturers have a similar system which called a VVCS (variable voltage charging system). This monitors the charging of the battery from the alternator so once the sensor detects the battery is charged “enough”, maybe 80%, it can stop charging, and now save that .0001 % power to save fuel. Kinda like the A.S.S. (Auto start/stop) feature. Both systems are designed to give manufacturers C.A.F.E. credits because these systems will supposedly save the consumer fuel, when in turn it is a solution looking for a problem. Just like many have found the solution to the A.S.S. button by programming it off or bypassing it. The VVCS can also be bypassed or disconnected so the alternator FULLY charges the battery to 100%, and thus eliminates any voltage irregularities and leaves the battery perfectly intact and charged. I myself have a few vehicles with the VVCS unplugged and even was instructed by a certified technician that some manufacturers have TSBs indicating that if customers come in with “electrical” issues with no codes thrown, to try the disconnecting of the VVCS to see if it rectifies the electrical issues, which according to the tech, most ARE corrected. This in no way has affected any of my “sensitive” electronics. This actually now guarantees the correct voltage is flowing to all equipment without going through a “sensor or gate keeper” that will open or close the charging system, which effects flow to sensitive electrical components, giving false/ghost errors!! Another stupid design that will cause more issues than the .03mpg it will save over the course of a year. Not worth it in my opinion. 👎🤮

[Vchat]

A tangent on this video that may be VERY useful to cover is the BMS age reset process. Often times even dealers who replace the 12v batteries don't bother to reset this and the system still thinks the brand new battery is <x> years/days old. And for those doing it themselves, they likely have no clue this needs to be done to optimize the charge/discharge behavior for the new battery.

[thomask]

I'm 67 and remember when vehicles were soooo easy to work on in the 60's and 70's. Things have really changed. Thanks so much for posting this. I just got a 2013 Explorer to replace a much older old but amazing vehicle. I am equally as amazed at what's under the hood today!
Thank You Sir!

[lennyjonas]

I unplugged the BMS on my 2016 F150 XLT 302A a few days after I bought it brand new off the lot. That was 190K miles ago and have had zero issues. Original battery lasted 5 years.
I unplugged the BMS on my 2018 F150 Lariat 502A the same day that I bought it before even driving it off the lot. That was 124K miles ago and I have had zero issues. Original battery lasted 6 years.
The reason that I always unplug the BMS is to disable the idiotic Stop/Start function. I've never had to reset or reprogram anything when installing a new battery. Never have had any kind of a charging issue.

[leer]

I bypassed my BMS 60 k miles ago and about 8 years ago, no more battery problems.

[user]

Your comprehensive explanation really helps. Feels like I’m back in school with a good professor who knows there are students in the class who are too afraid to ask questions, and preemptively answers those questions

[chrisforker]

Every time I do a big project on my truck, you’re the first knowledge stop for me. Thank you so much for all you do for us Ford owners.

[jacobrzeszewski]

Thank god for FORScan. I had no clue about any of this stuff till I found it in the service tab. But the BMS really keeps the OEM battery healthy. My stock battery lasted 10 years and was only really changed out of precaution.

[arlannavasa]

As a Ford Tech in the Philippines, i found it very useful to know .. I've been doing it wrong not until i saw your video . Thanks for the info ..

[peterjohnston]

I had no idea that little current monitor on my 2012 supported that function. I now know how to charge a battery where there is a BMS on-board. Thanks again for keeping me up to date.

[russell]

I just dropped my 2021 F150 off at the dealer for two days last week for this exact issue. I assumed it was due to the battery going bad because I charged the battery and it did not fix the issues. They charged the battery and reset the BMS. Great info to know for when it happens again so I do not need the dealer!

[DO]

The age old problem of low mile trips. Same problem my grandparents have with their Church goin car, ended up installing a battery tender to keep the battery up during the week. Need a solar panel to charge during the day while at work. Great run through of the system and proper charging connections.

[lanceripplinger]

I always learn something new from these videos! I had no idea modern vehicles had these kinds of things. All of this tech makes my 2004 Ford Ranger look positively ancient by comparison. 😂

[tsr]

Once again you explain something fundamental about my 2012 F150 that I should have already known. Bravo and LOVE this channel!

[robertmcleod]

Perfect timing on me seeing this video.. I recently began working on a municipality fleet and quite stunned at all the battery charging and jump starting issues!!.. Most are ford products and believe this is relevant to some of them with shedding and “dead battery” complaints!! Thanks

[robertdavis]

This video is one of your best. This applies to my 2015 F 150. I have a 2 way radio in for FD use. Every now and then truck won't start. I make short trips all the time. Thank you for making this video because now I understand what's going on.

[fredsalter]

I absolutely love Brian and his channel and the vids he makes. If I crash my Tesla Model Y to salvage, the next vehicle I'm getting is a Ford pickup Brian covers EVERYTHING crucial to these vehicles from around ~2000 to the present. GOD BLESS

[thecaptain]

Shit like this is why I still drive a 30 year old F150.

[zapcity]

Man I hope the techs at my local Ford dealership are 1/10 as knowledgeable As You Are