How to Replace the Battery in a Ford F-150 (Any Year & Engine)

Replacing the battery in a Ford F-150 is one of the simplest yet most common maintenance tasks, whether you own a 2009–2014 (12th Gen), 2015–2020 (13th Gen), 2021–2025 (14th Gen), or even the new 2025+ models with PowerBoost hybrid or Lightning electric variants. The process is almost identical across gas, diesel, hybrid, and some EV-assisted models, but there are small differences depending on the year and trim (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, Raptor, etc.).

Tools and Parts You’ll Need

• New battery (Group Size 65 is most common; H6/94R for many 2017+, H8 for some 3.5L EcoBoost and PowerBoost hybrids)

• 10 mm wrench (most years)

• 13 mm wrench (2009–2014 and some 2015–2017)

• 8 mm wrench or socket (negative terminal on many newer trucks)

• Battery terminal puller or pliers (optional but helpful)

• Wire brush or battery terminal cleaner

• Anti-corrosion spray or felt washers

• Gloves and safety glasses

• Memory saver (OBD-II plug-in) – recommended for 2015+ to avoid radio/HVAC relearn

Locating the Battery in Different F-150 Generations

- 2004–2008 (11th Gen): Passenger side, front of engine bay

- 2009–2014 (12th Gen): Passenger side, easy access

- 2015–2020 (13th Gen): Still passenger side, but plastic cover + hold-down changed

- 2021–2025 Gas/Diesel: Passenger side, larger tray for H8 batteries on some PowerBoost

- 2021–2025 F-150 Lightning: No 12V battery replacement needed by owner (sealed AGM serviced by dealer)

- 2021–2025 PowerBoost Hybrid: Two batteries – main 12V under hood + auxiliary AGM behind passenger kick panel (most owners only replace the main one)

Step-by-Step Battery Replacement (Works for 95% of Gas & Diesel F-150s)

1. Park on level ground, turn off engine, remove keys, wait 10–15 minutes (important on 2018+ for BMS reset).

2. Open the hood.

3. Locate the battery (almost always right front corner).

4. Remove the plastic beauty cover if present (2015+).

5. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first – always! (10 mm on most, 8 mm on 2021+).

6. Disconnect the positive (+) terminal.

7. Remove the hold-down wedge or bar:

- 2009–2014: 13 mm bolt on front of tray

- 2015–2020: Plastic wedge – push center pin and pull

- 2021+: 10 mm bolt + J-hook

8. Lift the battery out (40–60 lbs – use the handle or grab from bottom).

9. Clean the tray with baking soda/water mix if corroded.

10. Install new battery (make sure terminals face the correct direction – usually toward rear).

11. Reinstall hold-down securely.

12. Connect positive (+) first, then negative (-).

13. Apply anti-corrosion spray on terminals.

14. Start the truck – BMS (Battery Monitoring System) on 2011+ will auto-reset after a short drive.

Special Cases by Model Year and Engine

2011–2025 with Battery Monitoring System (BMS)

All EcoBoost, 5.0L, 6.2L, 3.5L PowerBoost, and 7.3L Godzilla engines have BMS. After replacement:

• No manual reset needed on 2018+ – just drive 20–30 minutes

• 2011–2017 may require BMS reset with FORScan or dealer tool if you get “Battery Saver” messages

2021–2025 F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid

There are two 12V batteries:

- Main battery under hood (Group 65 or H8) – replace exactly like non-hybrid

- Auxiliary AGM battery (behind passenger side kick panel) – only replace if dash shows “Low Auxiliary Battery” warning

2017–2020 3.5L EcoBoost & 5.0L with Auto Start-Stop

These use AGM batteries (Group 94R-L or H7). You can install a regular flooded battery temporarily, but start-stop and some features may be disabled until an AGM is installed.

2022–2025 F-150 Lightning (Electric)

The 12V battery is sealed and not owner-serviceable. If the truck won’t power on, it needs dealer service.

Recommended Batteries by Year (Top Performing Options 2025)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Connecting negative terminal first (risk of sparks/explosion)

- Forgetting to tighten the hold-down (battery can bounce and short out)

- Using wrong group size (terminals won’t reach or battery will be loose)

- Skipping terminal cleaning (leads to hard starting in winter)

- Not waiting 10 minutes before disconnecting on 2018+ (can trigger BMS fault)

How Long Does an F-150 Battery Last?

Real-world data from owners (2024–2025):

- Southern states (AZ, TX, FL): 3–4 years

- Northern states (MN, MI, Canada): 4–6 years

- AGM batteries in start-stop trucks: 5–8 years

- PowerBoost hybrid main battery: 3–5 years (heavy electrical load)

Pro Tips from F-150 Mechanics

- Always buy batteries with at least 850 CCA (cold cranking amps) for diesel and northern climates

- Install felt anti-corrosion washers – cheap insurance

- If you live where temps drop below -20 °F, go AGM every time

- Costco Interstate, Walmart EverStart/Duracell Platinum, and O’Reilly Super Start Platinum are consistently the best value in 2025

That’s it – 10–20 minutes of work and your F-150 will crank like new again, whether it’s a 2010 work truck or a loaded 2025 Platinum PowerBoost.