Long term storage directions

[wstcoaster07]

I apologize in advance but I didn't have the time to extensively research how to properly store the car for months at a time when it will not be driven. I found out last minute that I will be leaving the states for 6-7 months and I am looking for a guide on how to prep the car to sit in the garage for that time period without being started. any links to a guide or tips would be greatly appreciated. I assume I should just get the hybrid battery to a full charge and then disconnect the 24v battery. Is there more to it than that? Thank you in advance for any help.

[akirby]

I apologize in advance but I didn't have the time to extensively research how to properly store the car for months at a time when it will not be driven. I found out last minute that I will be leaving the states for 6-7 months and I am looking for a guide on how to prep the car to sit in the garage for that time period without being started. any links to a guide or tips would be greatly appreciated. I assume I should just get the hybrid battery to a full charge and then disconnect the 24v battery. Is there more to it than that? Thank you in advance for any help.

 

Just google it - tons of articles out there. Basics are to wash and wax, change the oil, get the weight off the tires so they don't flatspot, disconnect the 12V battery and put it on a trickle charger. Fill the car with fresh gas, add a fuel stabilizer (make sure it's ethanol compatible if you're using E-10) and run it for a few minutes.

[CometFlash]

I'm pretty sure I came across this in the manual as well. You can look up the manual online and download it if you don't have one. I think I recall reading that you shouldn't worry about charging up the battery before letting it sit, that it's better for the battery life to just re-charge it naturally with the ICE once you start driving her again, but I could be wrong. just breezed through that section since the most I'll ever be gone is 5 days once a year.

[rpreuss]

I'm pretty sure I came across this in the manual as well. You can look up the manual online and download it if you don't have one. I think I recall reading that you shouldn't worry about charging up the battery before letting it sit, that it's better for the battery life to just re-charge it naturally with the ICE once you start driving her again, but I could be wrong. just breezed through that section since the most I'll ever be gone is 5 days once a year.

 

This is from the 2010 FFH Owners Manual 3rd printing page 282. Hope this helps a little.

 

Low and high voltage battery – storage

 

Your vehicle must be started and run for a minimum of 10 minutes once

a month in order to maintain the high voltage battery charge. This will

maintain the high voltage battery but it is not enough to maintain the

low voltage (underhood) battery and additional low voltage (underhood)

battery charging may be required after 60 days.

 

If your vehicle is to be stored for 30 days or longer, the low voltage

(underhood) battery negative terminal must be disconnected. Failure to

do this could damage your vehicle’s batteries.

[chubbnig]

I have first hand experience of storing my 2010 Fusion hybrid. In January I left to go on a cruise and was going to be away for two months. I followed the instructions in the manual to disconnect the small battery under the hood. On returning after my trip, I re-connected the battery, ensured handbrake was on, turned on the ignition, depressed the brake pedal completely and slowly released it. Turned off all accessories and started the engine. Ran the engine until it reached its normal operating temperature. Let the engine idle for a minute then turned on the A/C and allow to run again for a minute. Then drove the car for 15 miles to ensure the car learn't the idle and trim strategy. The manual (page 279) says that radio presets must be reset but I didn't find to be necessary. However, not mentioned in the manual is the fact that all settings associated with the instrument cluster need to be reset. Before I disconnected the small battery I did ensure it was well charged and if you leave the car for several months it may be necessary to recharge it first.