SECTION 2 CARRIER DROP-OFF & NEW CAR DELIVERY

2.10 STORAGE OF NEW VEHICLES

2.10.4 Battery

• Maintaining the state-of-charge while vehicles are in Dealership storage is the Dealer’s responsibility.
• Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of grease.
• The initial battery test results of a vehicle must be taken and recorded within 3 working days (72 hours) after first delivery by the Carrier (following the testing procedure found in Section 414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables Diagnosis and Testing of the WSM). This applies to ALL vehicles and Ford recommends that this result is stored on the Vehicle Survey Report (VSR) for future reference;
• If recharging is necessary within 72 hours after first delivery by the Carrier, that recharging is reimbursable (only 1 claim per vehicle). These claims may include the scheduled time taken to remove and install the battery for recharging, plus (in the case of replacement) the applicable warranty material cost for the replacement battery)
• If no voltage is detected on measuring during the in-vehicle condition, replace the battery rather than charging it
• After 3 working days, the responsibility for battery maintenance becomes that of the Dealership unless directly attributable to a defect in factory materials or workmanship
• Ford also advises Dealers to check that the vehicle electrical system is operating correctly and that all “key off” loads are inactive (for example, the boot lamps, glove box and courtesy lamps are not staying “ON”, etc.)
• Inspection and maintenance of batteries while a vehicle is in storage will minimize the risk of failure during early service life. Batteries will discharge while the vehicle is in storage due to normal current draw loads. It is the Dealers responsibility to check and maintain the condition of a battery on a vehicle while it is in Dealer storage. If the new vehicle is not being delivered to a customer within 14 days of receipt, the battery must be disconnected, and further checks carried out at least every three months. For Long term storage, Battery terminal to be disconnected, but not removed from the vehicle.
• The PDI is also the final opportunity to make sure a battery is fit for purpose prior to the customer taking delivery of their new vehicle. The battery must be checked, and appropriate action taken prior to the vehicle being handed over to the customer. Test results must be recorded on the PDI repair order.
• Dealers should ensure that the “key off” loads do not slowly discharge the battery to an irrecoverable state whilst in storage, and the battery condition MUST be checked periodically during storage and at the Pre-Delivery Inspection using the Ford approved tester. Claims for a replacement battery require evidence of the periodic checking and test results whilst in storage. Where the battery:
• Remains connected to the vehicle in storage – a monthly check is required;
• Is disconnected whilst in storage – a check is required at least every 3 months (Note – disconnecting the battery will reduce the need for frequent checks but requires effort to reconnect/disconnect as required);
• All readings taken at vehicle receipt and at periodic checks should be recorded and stored at the Dealership for a minimum period of 12 months after the vehicle is retailed for later reference is required. Checking alone is not reimbursable;
• To ensure a repeat failure does not occur, the condition of replacement batteries supplied by the Dealership Parts Department is checked using the method outlined in the WSM Section 414-01;

Claims will not be accepted for battery Replacements or Recharges made 3 calendar days after Dealer receipt of the vehicle from the Carrier and before vehicle delivery to the customer (i.e., Warranty Start Date).

IMPORTANT: Battery replacement due to damage caused by improper maintenance while in Dealer inventory will not be reimbursed by Ford Motor Company. Please refer to Battery for more information.

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