If you own a Ford Transit, then you know that battery problems can be a nuisance. Battery issues are the number one cause of breakdowns in Ford Transits, and they can be especially frustrating when they occur during long trips or day-to-day errands.

The main problem is caused by the doors. The electrical system powers up when the doors open and close, which can drain the battery. This happens when the doors are left open long enough to allow a significant amount of electrical current to flow, draining your battery and causing it to fail.

In this blog, we’ll discuss five of the most common causes of battery issues in these vehicles. Read on to find out what causes these problems and how to solve them. 

Common Causes Of Ford Transit Battery Problems

The Ford Transit is a popular workhorse vehicle but is plagued with battery issues. The five most common causes of battery problems are discussed below.

Rear Or Side Doors Open Regularly

If your rear or side doors are open frequently, the electrical system in your Ford Transit will begin to draw power from the battery at an increased rate. Every time you open or close one of the doors, the vehicle’s electrical system starts up and draws power from the battery.

Many people use these vans for working in, meaning the doors are opened frequently. If the van is not started regularly, this frequent circuit activity can quickly drain the battery.

Poor Make Of Battery 

Another common cause of battery problems in Ford Transits is poor-quality batteries being used in the vehicle. You must use only high-quality batteries to ensure they last longer and provide reliable power for your vehicle.

Unfortunately, Ford Transits are known to come with relatively low-quality batteries. It is therefore important to check the type of battery you are using and consider replacing it with a better make if necessary.

Faulty Alternator   

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If it malfunctions, the battery can quickly run out of charge, even when driving around town or on long trips.

Many owners complain about the battery in their Ford Transit being flat after it has not been used for a while. This could be because of an issue with the alternator not charging the battery sufficiently.

Cargo Lights In The Back

Another issue that can drain the battery in a Ford Transit van is the cargo lights in the back. These lights come on every time you open the doors and draw power from the battery.

They stay on as long as the doors are open. So if you often load and unload cargo from the back of your van or work in the back, these lights can quickly drain the battery.

Body Control Module Issues

Lastly, body control module (BCM) issues can also lead to premature battery failure. This can be due to faulty wiring or other related issues within this component of your car’s electronics system.

The BCM controls various systems within your Ford Transit, such as the lights, door locks, and climate control. If this module malfunctions, it can lead to increased electrical draw from the battery, thus causing it to run flat quicker than usual.

Solutions To Ford Transit Battery Problems

The best way to tackle battery issues in your Ford Transit is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are some things you can do to help reduce the tendency of your Ford Transit battery to run flat.

Purchase A Better Battery

The first solution to many Ford Transit battery problems is purchasing a better battery. Many owners have found that their factory-installed batteries cannot handle the amount of power needed for proper operation, or they don’t last long enough before needing a replacement.

Many owners have successfully solved their issues by upgrading to a higher-quality battery with more capacity and longevity. 

Install A Switch For The Cargo Lights

Another common issue with Ford Transits is the cargo lights staying on when the doors are open. To solve this problem, many owners opt to install a switch that will allow them to turn off the cargo lights even when the doors are open. This saves them from having to replace their batteries more often than necessary.

Installing LED lights not connected to the battery is also a good way to reduce power draw in this area.

Install A Dual Battery System

Another solution for persistent battery problems is installing a dual-battery system in your vehicle. This system allows you to have two separate batteries powering different systems in your vehicle. You can control which systems get powered at any given time while simultaneously allowing both batteries to receive charge from the alternator.

This solution can eliminate unnecessary drain on one particular battery while providing consistent power throughout all your electrical systems. Dual batteries will ensure that nothing drains too much from any single source.

Update The Body Control Module

If your Ford Transit has an older BCM system installed, consider upgrading it. This can help reduce the amount of power drawn from the battery. It can also help improve the overall performance and reliability of your vehicle.

Upgrading to a newer BCM may require a professional technician to do the work, but it can be worth the effort if it solves your persistent battery issues.

Purchase A Battery Booster

Purchasing a battery booster will prevent you from becoming stranded if you have trouble starting your engine due to low or dead batteries.

However, this is only a temporary solution, and you should still address the underlying cause of your battery-draining problems as soon as possible.

FAQ

How Long Does A Ford Transit Battery Last?

A Ford Transit battery can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on how well it is maintained and how many electrical components are used.

Do I Need To Install A Dual Battery System?

No, installing a dual battery system is only necessary if your Ford Transit has persistent electrical draw problems that don’t seem to go away. A dual-battery system may be the best solution if you still have battery issues despite taking preventive measures.