>>
>>> My dealership is claiming that there is a brand new memo that came
>>> out stating that remote starters kill the battery for in 2006-2007
>>> Explorers. Is there anywhere I can find this information on Ford's
>>> website? Is there a national service hotline? The vehicle ('07
>>> Eddie Bauer) was in two weeks ago for a new battery and at that
>>> point they said it had nothing to do with the remote start, now
>>> the battery is dead again and they are stating there is a new >>> memo. Thanks.
>>
>> Is it an aftermarket remote starter or a Ford installed remote >> starter?
>>
>> The remote starter definitely pulls some power all the time, but I
>> can't imagine it is enough to kill the battery unless there is some
>> sort of problem where it repeatedly tries to start the vehicle and >> can't.
>>
>> I don't see a Technical Service Bulletin that address remote
>> starters directly, but there could be an Oasis message on the
>> subject. I can't see those.
>>
>> Ed
>
> Thanks Ed, it is after-market. The dealer told me I couldn't get an
> OEM starter for pre-2008 Explorers. The thing is that it isn't
> drawing on the battery, if that was the case I'd just jump it, they
> are saying it is causing an internal failure in one of the cells.
You should ask them to let you see the memo. What is the proposed course of action? Remove the remote starter? Ford definitely sells an accessory remote starter for pre-2008 Explorers (Ford P/N
2W7Z-19G364-BA). They recommend dealer installation. What brand of remote starter do you have?
The only thing I have seen that might be related to your problem is about the remote starter keeping the GEM alive, and this kills the battery. Does your remote starter include a remote entry function (lock/unlock the doors). It seems that some remote starters that tie into the factory door lock wiring need to be isolated from the factory wiring with diodes, otherwise they will draw enough current from the system to keep the GEM alive, resulting in an increased power draw, which kills the battery faster. Repeatedly drawing the battery down to a low level can damage the battery, leading to a total failure. Modern starters will turn over at relatively low voltage, resulting in a much higher current draw, which can damage the battery. You should measure the current draw with everything supposedly "off." You should also check the battery after the vehicle has been "off" for an extended period. I'll be the voltage will be low (less than 12V).
The smartest "Ford" guy on Usenet is probably Jim Warman. If anyone likely to see this post know about a "memo" it will probably be Jim.
You might also consider asking your question at
Ed