No, bbf, I certainly realize you are trying to help, and as always, you do so in a very in-depth and respectful manner.
This is at the top of my list of things that keep me up at night.
And, while I realize the importance of DEEP SLEEP, it just seems to me based on the number of dead vehicles being reported, that the software could be adjusted so that those who have new vehicles with fresh batteries are not experiencing issues. And, there are reports from people with new vehicles who have experienced DEEP SLEEP anywhere between the vehicle not being in use for a week to just overnight.
But, yes, there could be other variables concerning how much the car is driven or even driven in EV mode only (which is usually how I drive). To return from vacation to a dead vehicle is a scary scenario and it concerns me greatly that the chances of it happening are actually rather high and that perhaps Lincoln could have put more effort into educating its drivers on how to avoid it from happening. I mean, is there anything even in the manual about DEEP SLEEP prevention and optimal driving habits? It doesn't seem like anybody knows how to prevent it.
So, that is the reason for taking it up the ladder, if indeed it will do anything.
@HeywoodJR, if you are reading this, did you post a photo anywhere of how to hook up the trickle charger to the battery? I just opened up the hood of the vehicle to connect mine and I can't even recognize where the battery is located. I think it's under something.
Hi NJRonbo. I think there is still a disconnect as to what "Deep Sleep Mode" is and why it occurs. And I'll take the hit for perhaps not explaining it clearly enough. First, it may help to realize it needs to be looked at and understood as a notification,
not a warning.
My vehicle has gone into Deep Sleep Mode twice this winter, when the temperatures were below freezing and I had not driven for perhaps a week or more. In addition, when I do drive lately it is mostly short trips to the grocery store (~1/2 mile away) etc. So in
my current case, I know it is because I am not driving anywhere near the frequency and/or distance I used to, pre-pandemic. And that is the case for many people. I am
not saying all, but many. Such less frequent driving, as in my case, may/will lead to Deep Sleep Mode being activated more frequently.
On the other hand, when my vehicle was just over ~1 year old, I got my first of a series of repeated "Deep Sleep Mode" notifications, again, during a long cold winter. I took out my Owners Manual (or used the PDF version
), looked it up, and realized in my case, my vehicle was going into "Deep Sleep Mode" too quickly, so it seemed the battery may be failing. I made a service appointment, they checked my vehicle and determined it was a failing battery. Battery replaced, all fixed. No worries, no Internet debates or other issues.
In my case, "Deep Sleep Mode" probably kept the battery from dying on me, and also notified me of a failing battery so I could have it checked and replaced before it left me stranded somewhere.
Also in my case, since this battery is now ~3+ years old, "Deep Sleep Mode" being activated a few times this winter also tells me that my battery
may be getting weak at this point, so I can keep an eye on it.
This is why I look at "Deep Sleep Mode" as an asset, not a problem.
And yes, I realize my case is my case, not yours or anyone else's. This is why we all need to understand what Deep Sleep Mode is, take our personal driving habits and environment into consideration, and then simply decide is it normal for my situation or should I make a service appointment. It is simply my opinion that the information is now out here and known, so all of us continually debating it, instead of simply making a decision and an appointment for service is sort of an exercise in futility.
So my thoughts/opinion: First, we all need to stop complaining about "Deep Sleep Mode" being activated. Deep Sleep Mode is
not a Check Engine light or a DTC code. Those are telling us there is a fault in the vehicle. Deep Sleep Mode is a vehicle system service that helps avoid a dead battery, not cause one.
In other words, the issue is not Deep Sleep Mode itself, the issue is determining why it is being activated by the BMS. What needs to be determined is whether it is normal in a particular situation, or is it a battery/electrical issue.
The fact that Deep Sleep Mode is being activated does not cause a dead battery, it helps avoid a dead battery. Therefore, the concern should be
why is it being activated on my/your vehicle.
And Deep Sleep Mode does
not mean the battery is dead and won't start the vehicle. It only means that the BMS has disabled unnecessary electrical draws on the battery in a sitting vehicle, i.e. what has been described previously. Think of it as a sophisticated and proactive battery charge warning light system. It helps avoid a dead battery.
And unless the description of Deep Sleep Mode has been omitted lately, the Owners Manual actually does explain it pretty well.
Either way, in addition, here are some easily researched explanations which can be found by Googling "Ford Deep Sleep Mode":
And I also included an attachment below.
So...just a few of the possible causes are:
- Deep sleep mode will automatically be activated once the vehicle has sat unused for 14 days.
- It will automatically be activated in sub-freezing temperatures after a set number of days. Far less than 14.
This is done to prolong battery life.
In addition, it needs to be kept in mind that any combination of those factors, along with a weaker or failing battery, can lead to Deep Sleep Mode being activated sooner than expected.
And in addition to the additions
: I am
not discounting or dismissing the possibility that others may have an electrical/electronic or other issue which needs to be diagnosed and corrected. There is always the distinct and ever present possibility that a vehicle may have some sort of electrical and/or electronic fault which is causing a parasitic draw. This is why a vehicle owner needs to read the explanation of Deep Sleep Mode in their Owners Manual, take all the information we have already provided, then decide if their particular situation is normal, or if it needs Dealer attention and service. And if it needs attention, then make a service appointment.
Instead of all of this hand wringing (not referring to you or anyone in particular), it simply means that if our vehicle begins to go into Deep Sleep Mode sooner and/or more often than it should, in a regularly driven vehicle, then it is time to make a service appointment to have the battery and/or underlying vehicle electrical/electronic systems checked for any faults, parasitic draws, etc.
Jokingly, I think some/many of us (including me
) have too much time on our hands nowadays. If we didn't, we wouldn't be on here so much and would have less worries.
And of course, I can't cover every possible situation and contingency, such as the fact that some of us may have already had our vehicle in for service for this problem, but the diagnosis was that they could find nothing wrong, but there is still something wrong. I understand these things happen.
However, the only answer and possible solution is still...make another service appointment until they get it right. Or open a Lemon law case against them.
Sorry for the repetitiveness, but I did not go back to proofread...I think I need a nap now.
I hope everyone can decide what is normal for their particular vehicle and situation and enjoy their vehicles as much as possible.
And again, I mean none of this as an insult to anyone. It is simply an effort to offer the best advice, and try and help in the best way I see possible.
Good luck.
