2022 Nautilus and limited use battery drain

[PTF]

Hi Friends.... I'm new to Lincoln and my 22 Nautilus Reserve/AWD/2.7-6/Package 200A.

I like the convenience lighting, and easy entry-exit driver adjustments...etc... but I'm wondering if those conveniences place excessive draw on the battery, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING that we may use the car daily but for SEVERAL VERY short (1-4 miles) trips. (We're retired in a very small town.)

I've only had the Nautilus for several months and notice no battery issue as yet (and I'm also unaware of what other parasitic drains may exist on the Nautiius battery).

My question: Should I be concerned with battery maintenance given my circumstances ??

Are there actions I should take to mitigate these drains. I have the convenience lighting on the shortest (10 second) duration. Should I turn it off..etc for seat or anything else ?

I ask considering it looks like a real PIA to be changing batteries on any regular basis, and seems very inconvenient to use a battery maintainer on any regular basis or an easy way to set it up for regular use.

(I also ask as I did have a very real issue with my BMW 528XI, but as it had the battery in the trunk, I was able to set up a battery maintainer that my wife could easily and conveniently use... I can't/don't expect her to be raising the hood and pluging on a maintainer or recharger on ANY basis if I'm not around.)

Thanks for any of your experience and/or advice you may have.

TIA...Best to ya... Peter

PS: We do like/love "LINK" (we name our cars).

 

[MattMacMan]

Hi Friends.... I'm new to Lincoln and my 22 Nautilus Reserve/AWD/2.7-6/Package 200A.

I like the convenience lighting, and easy entry-exit driver adjustments...etc... but I'm wondering if those conveniences place excessive draw on the battery, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING that we may use the car daily but for SEVERAL VERY short (1-4 miles) trips. (We're retired in a very small town.)

I've only had the Nautilus for several months and notice no battery issue as yet (and I'm also unaware of what other parasitic drains may exist on the Nautiius battery).

My question: Should I be concerned with battery maintenance given my circumstances ??

Are there actions I should take to mitigate these drains. I have the convenience lighting on the shortest (10 second) duration. Should I turn it off..etc for seat or anything else ?

I ask considering it looks like a real PIA to be changing batteries on any regular basis, and seems very inconvenient to use a battery maintainer on any regular basis or an easy way to set it up for regular use.

(I also ask as I did have a very real issue with my BMW 528XI, but as it had the battery in the trunk, I was able to set up a battery maintainer that my wife could easily and conveniently use... I can't/don't expect her to be raising the hood and pluging on a maintainer or recharger on ANY basis if I'm not around.)

Thanks for any of your experience and/or advice you may have.

TIA...Best to ya... Peter

PS: We do like/love "LINK" (we name our cars).

Hello! And welcome! I have a 23 Black Label Nautilus, that also seldomly gets driven. Well, kinda like your situation mileage wise. It moves maybe once every 30-45 days. I special ordered it new, and 3 years later it barely has 7000 miles on the odometer.

I personally use a battery tender because if I didnt, it would probably need jumped every time I go to drive it. For your situation, if your battery is in good shape, if youre not getting the messages about turning this or that off to save battery on your touch screen, I wouldnt worry much. One easy way is to remote start it and let it run for the full 15 minutes before your 1-4 mile trip. This way it would get more time to charge the battery as well as be perfect temp when you get in it!

As far as disabling options in the vehicle to prevent battery drainage, I wouldnt worry about it as the vehicle shuts all modules down after 30 minutes or so after engine is shut off and vehicle locked. If you keep your fob close enough to the vehicle the welcome lighting could go off and on for a good minute so that would be the only thing Id worry about. As far as not driving it goes, even if its on a battery tender the vehicle will fully shut down and go into a deep sleep mode (I get this notification almost monthly) after around 30 or so days regardless of battery voltage. I have my original battery and it still tests excellent. Theres not much parasitic draw on these unless you have issues or gremlins.

 

[swindler]

Hi Friends.... I'm new to Lincoln and my 22 Nautilus Reserve/AWD/2.7-6/Package 200A.

I like the convenience lighting, and easy entry-exit driver adjustments...etc... but I'm wondering if those conveniences place excessive draw on the battery, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING that we may use the car daily but for SEVERAL VERY short (1-4 miles) trips. (We're retired in a very small town.)

I've only had the Nautilus for several months and notice no battery issue as yet (and I'm also unaware of what other parasitic drains may exist on the Nautiius battery).

My question: Should I be concerned with battery maintenance given my circumstances ??

Are there actions I should take to mitigate these drains. I have the convenience lighting on the shortest (10 second) duration. Should I turn it off..etc for seat or anything else ?

I ask considering it looks like a real PIA to be changing batteries on any regular basis, and seems very inconvenient to use a battery maintainer on any regular basis or an easy way to set it up for regular use.

(I also ask as I did have a very real issue with my BMW 528XI, but as it had the battery in the trunk, I was able to set up a battery maintainer that my wife could easily and conveniently use... I can't/don't expect her to be raising the hood and pluging on a maintainer or recharger on ANY basis if I'm not around.)

Thanks for any of your experience and/or advice you may have.

TIA...Best to ya... Peter

PS: We do like/love "LINK" (we name our cars).

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[PTF]

Matt... Thank you for the insight and experience. It's good to know there is not a lot of parasitic draw and that you've had no issues.

It is also good to know that I'll get an advance warning of low battery on the screen.

Quick question... did you find any convenient way to set up your battery maintainer... of do you have to pop the hood every time you use it. I was looking for a simple way (set-up) that my wife could just plug it in without having to raise the hood... but I can't really find any path that I could get it wired to the outside of the car.

EDIT: Not my issue, but I wonder how someone wires in a convenient engine heater. That is sort of what I was hoping I could figure out for my wife in regards to any battery maintainer.

______________________________

 

[MattMacMan]

Matt... Thank you for the insight and experience. It's good to know there is not a lot of parasitic draw and that you've had no issues.

It is also good to know that I'll get an advance warning of low battery on the screen.

Quick question... did you find any convenient way to set up your battery maintainer... of do you have to pop the hood every time you use it. I was looking for a simple way (set-up) that my wife could just plug it in without having to raise the hood... but I can't really find any path that I could get it wired to the outside of the car.

EDIT: Not my issue, but I wonder how someone wires in a convenient engine heater. That is sort of what I was hoping I could figure out for my wife in regards to any battery maintainer.

You bet. The 19-23 Nautiluses have a really good reputation. The 24MY and newer have some quirks but are otherwise excellent vehicles. Im so glad I got my 23 before the new ones came out though.

As far as an easy setup? I went with the OEM model charger. It comes with a plug you can permanently install. You still have to pop the hood. But honestly, it's really not that big a deal IMHO. My Nautilus has the factory engine block heater as well. Both are factory OEM equipment and both plugs are under the hood.

 

[MattMacMan]

The one I have is this one: https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-pe...ODRa2Cpzvjnm0LAneor6DtwXTSBLld1BoClygQAvD_BwE

It also can charge non AGM batteries, AGM batteries, motorcycle/ATV batteries, car batteries, and has a recondition battery mode as well. Highly recommend it. You can grab it from your dealership or get it from other sources like the one above. Since Im an employee I get it much cheaper so I got one while at work and installed it. 3 years running and never had a single issue and still have the factory battery.

 

[swindler]

Matt... Thank you for the insight and experience. It's good to know there is not a lot of parasitic draw and that you've had no issues.

It is also good to know that I'll get an advance warning of low battery on the screen.

Quick question... did you find any convenient way to set up your battery maintainer... of do you have to pop the hood every time you use it. I was looking for a simple way (set-up) that my wife could just plug it in without having to raise the hood... but I can't really find any path that I could get it wired to the outside of the car.

EDIT: Not my issue, but I wonder how someone wires in a convenient engine heater. That is sort of what I was hoping I could figure out for my wife in regards to any battery maintainer.

@Steve_C did a write-up for his '23 Nautilus for a NOCO battery charger/maintainer. He installed wiring from the battery to an SAE 2-pin connector mounted in the grill. It was exposed just enough that he could connect to it from the NOCO in the garage.

The post is here if you'd like to get ideas.

 

[PTF]

MattMacMann And Swindler.... Really THANK YOU GUYS !!!!!! .... Good ideas.....

( I think I'll monitor my battery for a little while, and see if maintenance is necessary. From my BMW experience, I'm reluctant to think it won't be necessary with it's lighting etc...but I guess a lot of the lighting is probably LED and not that much drain. I do have my big Schumacher 103 charger in the interim.... but my wife would not be able to use it and that's my most important concern.)

EDIT PS: I am pretty much older now, and I can't tell/see clearly if I have an original OEM battery... nor it's specs. "Link's" original in use date is May 22 and may be going on 4 years old pretty soon. Guess I'll get some older clothes on and my inspection mirror and a step stool and see if I can "read" the battery. From the u-tube I found it looks like a big PIA simply replacing a battery, and even leaning over and lifting it out.

BUT we took LINK down to my sons for TJ (700 miles RT) and loved it.!!!!!

______________________________

 

[MattMacMan]

MattMacMann And Swindler.... Really THANK YOU GUYS !!!!!! .... Good ideas.....

( I think I'll monitor my battery for a little while, and see if maintenance is necessary. From my BMW experience, I'm reluctant to think it won't be necessary with it's lighting etc...but I guess a lot of the lighting is probably LED and not that much drain. I do have my big Schumacher 103 charger in the interim.... but my wife would not be able to use it and that's my most important concern.)

EDIT PS: I am pretty much older now, and I can't tell/see clearly if I have an original OEM battery... nor it's specs. "Link's" original in use date is May 22 and may be going on 4 years old pretty soon. Guess I'll get some older clothes on and my inspection mirror and a step stool and see if I can "read" the battery. From the u-tube I found it looks like a big PIA simply replacing a battery, and even leaning over and lifting it out.

BUT we took LINK down to my sons for TJ (700 miles RT) and loved it.!!!!!

Yes all lighting in the Nautilus is LED. Inside and out. Draw is minimal.
If its an original battery it will be a Motorcraft battery with a black and white label. If its a replacement but still OEM battery it will be a Motorcraft battery again, but this time the label on it will be in color. It should be an H7 AGM battery.
Another thing, the battery is quite easily removed. There is a bolt holding a clip onto the bottom forward facing side of the battery. Should only need a 10mm and 12mm socket to replace it. Takes 5 minutes max.

 

[PTF]

MATT.... Thanks again....I'm still learning "Link".

As to battery changes, could my 22 Reserve be a different engine configuration than your 23 Black ?. (I am a 2.7, and I would think your Black would be also and the same configuration.)

I hopefully am able to attach some photo's.

My battery is really crowded in there...behind the air filter and up under the "dash"... the negative is inaccessible and I can barely see one possible "hold down" nut between the air cleaner and the battery positive side that looks virtually inaccessible also, as a main wiring cable runs on top of it.

I believe the battery is a FOMOCO in trying to read underneath the "dash" inset. It has only one red lettering that I believe is AGM in pretty big lettering that I can sort of read. Otherwise, the small printing is all white on a black background.

It also does not seem apparent or easy to even pop the air filter cage and it is crammed in there against the fuse box and all it's cabling/wire.

I see no signs that anything has been worked-on or moved or altered in any battery change, so maybe I'm still on the OEM battery.

(Also, as you suggested, it seems to be operating and sitting there fine at static 12.5 Volts.)

Best Regards.... TIA....Peter

PS: When I looked at the attached pics, they do not show very well how far the battery extends into the "dash" area of the engine compartment. If you click on the pic, you can pull the pic down better to see the top of the picture.

 

[MattMacMan]

MATT.... Thanks again....I'm still learning "Link".

As to battery changes, could my 22 Reserve be a different engine configuration than your 23 Black ?. (I am a 2.7, and I would think your Black would be also and the same configuration.)

I hopefully am able to attach some photo's.

My battery is really crowded in there...behind the air filter and up under the "dash"... the negative is inaccessible and I can barely see one possible "hold down" nut between the air cleaner and the battery positive side that looks virtually inaccessible also, as a main wiring cable runs on top of it.

I believe the battery is a FOMOCO in trying to read underneath the "dash" inset. It has only one red lettering that I believe is AGM in pretty big lettering that I can sort of read. Otherwise, the small printing is all white on a black background.

It also does not seem apparent or easy to even pop the air filter cage and it is crammed in there against the fuse box and all it's cabling/wire.

I see no signs that anything has been worked-on or moved or altered in any battery change, so maybe I'm still on the OEM battery.

(Also, as you suggested, it seems to be operating and sitting there fine at static 12.5 Volts.)

Best Regards.... TIA....Peter

PS: When I looked at the attached pics, they do not show very well how far the battery extends into the "dash" area of the engine compartment. If you click on the pic, you can pull the pic down better to see the top of the picture.

Yes, I too have the 2.7L. And the battery slides forward so the negative terminal is readily accessible once that bolt and clip are removed. Youll need an extension to get to that one. Unless of course if you pull the air box out.

Also, yes you have a factory battery. The replacement ones have a different label, youll see it when the time comes to change it. The "dash" area you are referring to is more or less a gutter for the windshield.

Another thing when the time comes to replace that battery. Get a Motorcraft H7 AGM battery from the dealership. And keep your reciept. All Motorcraft parts come with a 2 year unlimited miles replacement warranty. This includes dealer labor too. Save receipts for all parts.

 

[delvec]

Matt... Thank you for the insight and experience. It's good to know there is not a lot of parasitic draw and that you've had no issues.

It is also good to know that I'll get an advance warning of low battery on the screen.

Quick question... did you find any convenient way to set up your battery maintainer... of do you have to pop the hood every time you use it. I was looking for a simple way (set-up) that my wife could just plug it in without having to raise the hood... but I can't really find any path that I could get it wired to the outside of the car.

EDIT: Not my issue, but I wonder how someone wires in a convenient engine heater. That is sort of what I was hoping I could figure out for my wife in regards to any battery maintainer.

You bet. The 19-23 Nautiluses have a really good reputation. The 24MY and newer have some quirks but are otherwise excellent vehicles. Im so glad I got my 23 before the new ones came out though.

As far as an easy setup? I went with the OEM model charger. It comes with a plug you can permanently install. You still have to pop the hood. But honestly, it's really not that big a deal IMHO. My Nautilus has the factory engine block heater as well. Both are factory OEM equipment and both plugs are under the hood.

You can also try a solar trickel charger...You place the panel on the dash board when parked and plug it into the cigerette lighter...But you have to make sure the cigerette lighter has power after the ignition is off for it to work.

______________________________

 

[MattMacMan]

You can also try a solar trickel charger...You place the panel on the dash board when parked and plug it into the cigerette lighter...But you have to make sure the cigerette lighter has power after the ignition is off for it to work.

I definitely would NOT recommend reverse charging through the cig lighters. The circuit goes through several modules and fuse boxes that arent designed for that. Could cost alot of money and cause alot of issues/electrical gremlins.