2024 Nautilus software and battery issues

[hinckley]

Irony. We've had our Reserve 2 in for the past 9 days for a few things that needed fixing, including a new battery. The loaner they gave us appears to be a Reserve 2 also, but the gas model (and Jet package).

This morning my wife went in to start the Nautilus and the battery is dead. It did manage to click the starter on the first attempt, but is completely dead now.

I'm five months and 4,000 miles in with my non-hybrid. Zero mechanical issues. I keep hoping that most of the more serious issues are with the hybrid models. Then I read posts like these and get nervous all over again.

 

[JMAB]

I'm five months and 4,000 miles in with my non-hybrid. Zero mechanical issues. I keep hoping that most of the more serious issues are with the hybrid models. Then I read posts like these and get nervous all over again.

Don't be a Hybrid Hater, Gator....

 

[hinckley]

Don't be a Hybrid Hater, Gator....

I'm not even remotely a hybrid-hater. But I do think the hybrid model has suffered more initial teething problems (i.e. injector failure) than the non-hybrid.

 

[angore]

Except for the injector issue. what problems are unique to the hybrid? Gas models have had battery issues too. What we do not know is if some features (maybe unique to a trim level or feature set) is involved in the parasitic drains. The reserve and black label have more features so this is more code running.

I have not had the battery issue but I have been proactive on monitoring voltage and charging. I have let my hybrid sit for days and the battery voltage seems reasonably stable but once you start interacting with it (short trips, opening doors rear hatch several times, tasks like washing it, etc). it drops dramatically

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[hinckley]

Except for the injector issue. what problems are unique to the hybrid? Gas models have had battery issues too.

I'll say again - I'm no hybrid-hater. Jeesh. The injector issue was a big hybrid issue. At first, I thought that the battery issue was hybrid-only. But I think that that's just because there are more hybrid owners here than non-hybrid owners. I'm admittedly still a bit confused about the battery thing.

So. No hybrid-hater. Love the '24 Nautilus. Best of luck to all of us with these beautiful vehicles. Defense rests.

 

[Hugo Drivenow]

Our battery went into deep sleep shortly after the Google update. Not sure if the 2 are related. It’s been behaving since, but then again I put it on Battery Tender every chance I get.

 

[angore]

So. No hybrid-hater. Love the '24 Nautilus. Best of luck to all of us with these beautiful vehicles. Defense rests.

Never thought you were. I think if an issue is unique to either type it is useful information.

 

[JMAB]

I'll say again - I'm no hybrid-hater. Jeesh. The injector issue was a big hybrid issue. At first, I thought that the battery issue was hybrid-only. But I think that that's just because there are more hybrid owners here than non-hybrid owners. I'm admittedly still a bit confused about the battery thing.

So. No hybrid-hater. Love the '24 Nautilus. Best of luck to all of us with these beautiful vehicles. Defense rests.

Wow, so sorry this went 180 degrees away from the INTENDED and FAILED ATTEMPT at HUMOR.

In an attempt to distract us all from the disappointing ownership start that we are all experiencing with our incredibly beautiful and extremely cool new FIRST GEN Nautilus's.

Hinckley, man sorry to make you feel any of the above thoughts or feelings. You continue to be an extremely valuable and trusted member of this community.

Explanation: After looking at your Florida location label, my mind went to Gators (can't blame your great college either) and it rhymed with haters... end of story. The winky faced emoji was supposed to express the joking feelings associated with the tag. Again sorry man!

In the end, I think it is safe to say that we all love our new Nautilus's and for many reasons as they are incredible SUV's with so much to offer their owners and drivers. From the moment I saw the first early Lincoln promotion last year, I wanted it and ordered one immediately. BUT, knowing that I would have to deal with the first year out bumps and bruises, was also part of that reality. First experience also with the new model of "you will have to custom build" and not select the one you want from the lot. And finally, the whole learning all about extended shipping times coming from China, was a whole other new experience for me and the rest of us.

As Bill Maher likes to say on his show..... New Rule - Nautilus ICE and Hybrid owners are ONE !!! Both models ROCK, as do all the fine folks in this Forum who constantly help others with experience and advice and help make our DRIVE even better over time.

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[swindler]

Our battery went into deep sleep shortly after the Google update. Not sure if the 2 are related. It’s been behaving since, but then again I put it on Battery Tender every chance I get.

Ours drained after the update as well. Plus, we got that camera module update that was later put on hold. We don't know if that was put on hold because it was ineffective or because it had an issue, but that makes me wonder as well.

 

[RetiredGuyinFL]

After the first-time complete dead battery (6 months and 3,900 miles), roadside assistance, and the VDM software update, the battery is draining from 100% down to 25-35% overnight. The deep depletion over time has surely destroyed the original battery. My only desire is to keep the car able to start when I need it until there is a fix to the other battery drain issues (like the camera software update that has been placed on hold). So now every time I park the car, I turn off the audio system, climate control and auto headlamps, hoping that will reduce the load on the battery. I also turned off the embrace and approach detection, so the car isn't constantly making all those popping and clicking sounds every time I walk near the car with my key or phone. I discovered that after I fully charge the battery each morning and then start the car, the audio system and auto headlamps automatically turn back on. The climate system does not turn on automatically.
I researched replacing the battery. All the usual sources (AutoZone, Pep Boys, Discount Auto, Costco, Sam's Club) don't have this battery (non-hybrid) either because it isn't available, or their software hasn't been updated for the 2024 Nautilus. So, my hunch is the only source is through the Lincoln dealer. The Motorcraft price is $229.95 with an $18.00 core charge. Same situation with my 22" tires, not available from tire stores.
One last point, have you noticed how low the hood opens? I'm only 5'7" and I keep hitting my head on the aluminum hood hooking up the cables. Never had this problem on any previous car. There is also no under hood light, another cost reduction along with the lighted Lincoln thresholds.

 

[swindler]

After the first-time complete dead battery (6 months and 3,900 miles), roadside assistance, and the VDM software update, the battery is draining from 100% down to 25-35% overnight.

Ours tested bad after one deep discharge, so you might well be right. It would be interesting to see how the battery responds to that overnight rest after a full charge if it were disconnected from the Nautilus. If it's resting voltage drops that quickly on it's own, the battery is certainly toast. Btw, those SoC estimates are for a battery without a load. They will always appear lower with a load.

 

[Hugo Drivenow]

RE: a new battery. Advance Auto claims this is an exact fit for the 2024 Nautilus. It looks like a standard H7 battery will work, but might require some modification for connections? I’ll be honest, at first glance I’m not sure, but if my back is against the wall with a fried battery and no replacements in sight. I’d be tempted to try this route. Could I be horribly wrong? I dunno…wouldn’t be the first time I was wrong about something.

What do you guys think?

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[bbf2530]

Hi gang. Just an FYI for those not aware: Battery replacements are covered under the 4year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty.

Personal opinion…It’s not as though paying for another brand will get us a better battery. So unless there’s a good reason or emergency need to replace the factory battery, it would be wise to simply have it replaced under warranty.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck.

 

[angore]

I believe the dealer should test and replace battery if fails under warranty period. If it fails so quickly, it should be easy to reproduce even they claim it tested good. It does sound like it will not hold a charge.

 

[Rssherms00]

This whole thread is making my head hurt. I'm a businessman, not an engineer or a mechanic, so much of what you guys have posted goes right over my head. I have never tested my battery...in fact I have never popped my hood I don't think. Pushing 5,000 miles and I get in my hybrid every time and find myself worried it might not start. But so far, fingers and toes crossed, it always has. So I suppose my question is...do you guys think it is likely just a matter of time until everyone's (with a 2024 Nautilus) battery dies?

 

[swindler]

RE: a new battery. Advance Auto claims this is an exact fit for the 2024 Nautilus. It looks like a standard H7 battery will work, but might require some modification for connections? I’ll be honest, at first glance I’m not sure, but if my back is against the wall with a fried battery and no replacements in sight. I’d be tempted to try this route. Could I be horribly wrong? I dunno…wouldn’t be the first time I was wrong about something.

What do you guys think?

I agree with @bbf2530, but regardless, that H7 battery has to be at least 12" long. H4 batteries are 8-10". I would check the cavity first before buying anything that large.

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[swindler]

…So I suppose my question is...do you guys think it is likely just a matter of time until everyone's (with a 2024 Nautilus) battery dies?

I do not believe the batteries are bad at manufacturing. Some shipments from the factory to the dealer are completed in a reasonable time, but some take too long. Those batteries might have some amount of time shaved from their service life. That is a separate issue.

I personally believe these batteries that are suddenly dying on the spot (I've seen two, one a hybrid and one a gas vehicle) are victims of an electrical systems anomaly, likely driven by software. If this issue isn't fixed, then likely yes, virtually everyone will experience a dead battery eventually.

 

[RetiredGuyinFL]

I intend to have my battery replaced under warranty, but until there is a real fix to the software issues causing the parasitic losses, that would only begin the clock on another slowly dying battery. Deep discharges less than 50% are deleterious to any automotive battery. In the meantime, I won't be doing any out-of-town trips and no airport parking for multiple days. I'll just limp along using the Schumacher's fast recharge mode daily from the house 110V outlet. Interesting from my recent education on this topic is that AGM batteries are supposed to be better for new cars with sophisticated electronics.

 

[swindler]

I intend to have my battery replaced under warranty, but until there is a real fix to the software issues causing the parasitic losses, that would only begin the clock on another slowly dying battery. Deep discharges less than 50% are deleterious to any automotive battery. In the meantime, I won't be doing any out-of-town trips and no airport parking for multiple days. I'll just limp along using the Schumacher's fast recharge mode daily from the house 110V outlet. Interesting from my recent education on this topic is that AGM batteries are supposed to be better for new cars with sophisticated electronics.

AGM batteries can handle deep discharges much lower than 50%. They're often used for marine batteries because they can sit and discharge deeply without damage. Nonetheless, they do have a limit at around 20% charge.

When we have these sudden battery deaths, it appears to be a full drain of the battery.

 

[angore]

Are you getting deep sleep alerts? You should unless it dies so quickly the system does not have the power to send the notice. Gas models have added duty to drive the starter.

It may be double whammy - damaged due to deep discharges post factory and parasitic drains. There was TSB telling dealers to be sure battery has sufficient charge.