This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the 12-volt battery on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including proper disconnection sequence and terminal torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• 12-volt lead-acid battery × 1 — BXT-65-850 or equivalent Group 65 850 CCA

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is off, key is removed, and all electrical accessories are turned off
2. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
3. If using a battery memory saver, connect it according to manufacturer instructions before disconnecting battery
4. Locate the battery in the engine compartment on the driver's side
5. Take note of radio presets and seat memory positions if not using a memory saver

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black, marked with "-") battery terminal bolt. Do not remove the bolt completely, just loosen it enough to lift the cable clamp off the post. Lift the negative cable off the battery post and position it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (red, marked with "+") battery terminal bolt. Lift the positive cable off the battery post. If there is a plastic protective cover over the positive terminal, remove it first by lifting upward.
3. 3

   Remove battery hold-down bracket
   Locate the battery hold-down bracket securing the battery to the tray. Using a 13mm socket with extension, remove the battery hold-down bolt. Lift the hold-down bracket off the battery and set aside.
4. 4

   Remove old battery
   Lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. Batteries are heavy (approximately 40-50 lbs) - use proper lifting technique. Inspect the battery tray for corrosion, debris, or damage.
   ⚠Battery weighs approximately 40-50 pounds. Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
5. 5

   Clean battery tray and terminals
   Clean the battery tray with a damp cloth or battery cleaning solution if corrosion is present. Use a battery terminal cleaner or wire brush to clean the inside of the cable terminals and the battery post contact areas. Ensure the tray is dry before installing the new battery.
6. 6

   Install new battery
   Place the new battery into the battery tray, ensuring the positive and negative posts are oriented correctly (positive post toward the front of the vehicle). Verify the battery is seated fully in the tray and not rocking.
7. 7

   Install battery hold-down bracket
   Position the battery hold-down bracket over the battery. Install the battery hold-down bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench and 13mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Battery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect positive battery terminal
   Place the positive (red) cable terminal onto the positive battery post. Ensure it is seated fully on the post. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease to the connection if desired, then reinstall the plastic protective cover if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect negative battery terminal
   Place the negative (black) cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Ensure it is seated fully on the post. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten. Apply dielectric grease to the connection if desired.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify both battery terminals are tight and secure but not overtightened
2. Ensure hold-down bracket is properly torqued and battery does not move when pushed
3. Remove battery memory saver if used

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify dash lights illuminate normally
• Start the engine and verify it cranks and starts normally
• Check that all electrical accessories function properly (radio, power windows, lights)
• Reset clock and radio presets if needed
• If transmission shifting feels abnormal, drive the vehicle through several drive cycles to allow the PCM to relearn shift points
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Check battery terminals after first drive to ensure they remain tight and show no signs of corrosion

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