Even though this was a quick one I wanted to bring you along and just go through the process again. Experience led me right to the problem but it may be helpful for someone. -Enjoy!
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50 thoughts on “Ford escape: battery dies overnight”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars xlr8wme says:

    Thank you!!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Karen Giddis says:

    Ford tells me that my battery is only 76%, so my stop-and-go light is not working will that cause it

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Rieger says:

    Awesome video, this tip saved me hours of time and a big repair bill i'm sure. My company's 2011 Escape was doing the same thing, draining battery at night. I knew it wasn't a battery problem, I just replaced it last year. Sure enough the wiper motor started cooking as soon as I started charging the battery. Thanks, South Main!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jonathan smith says:

    I'm gonna look into this my 2012 escape is doing the same thing. But it also stalls if I hit the brakes to hard or if I turn. Has a brand new battery and the alternator tested fine.. Any other ideas to check?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Fink says:

    Good detective job!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wauneda Hall says:

    We have a 2014 Ford escape around 50,000 miles never had a problem with th battery being drained well the had a recall for the door lock latches so Ford did it how ever we started hearing our doors start clicking when we started it up to drive then it stop then do it again we wake up to a dead battery replaced 2 batteries now and still have the issue we unplugged the rear wiper motor thinking that was it but nope this is starting to get very frustrating never had an issue at all math the car till Ford replaced the latches . Yes we did take it back to them they told us they could not find any thing wrong grrrrrrr I am disabled raising 2 grandkids one with autism can not afford thousands of dollars to figure it out. What could be causing this to happen? Any help or suggestions please.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Aaron Johnson says:

    MY 2011 FORD ESCAPE THE REAR WIPER JUST WENT OUT IT WAS FROZEN TO THE WINDOW I TURNED IT ON AND HEARD A POP AND NOW I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND DEAD OVER NIGHT IM GLAD I FOUND THIS VIDEO GIVES ME A GOOD PLACE TO START

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Timmy Walden says:

    Thanks, man. It just helped me fix my daughter's escape, much appreciated.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt Harold says:

    I have the same thing amine and rear wiper doesn’t work. Will check tomorrow

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peppi says:

    I'm still having battery drained with the back wipper motor unplugged. It burned 2 years ago . And this is my 3rd battery in 6 years and my engine light was flashing in and off fast last night and this morning dead and a clicking noise in the speedometer area. Any help on suggestions as I bring this in again? Thanks.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Linda Sharpton says:

    My 2015 Ford Escape is doing the same thing, just not overnight. It happens more randomly. Your video definately helped me figure out what to do! Thanks!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andreanne Taschereau says:

    OMG.. I have a similar problem with my car but no one can figure out what it is. Basically, during when its cold during winter (I live in Quebec, Canada), my car just won’t start or have a really hard time doing it. During warmer weathers, it starts ok, but you can always feel that it’s king of slow. I have a Ford Escape 2013 and my sister has a 2018 – you can really feel the difference. I changed my battery twice in the past for years, and it’s still not working.

    Any idea ?

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ronald Scott says:

    Thanks for posting!
    Working on a ‘11 Escape myself right now.
    Twenty seconds of 5A draw, forty seconds off, rinse repeat. If left to itself, DOA battery.
    No clicking detected. May end up pulling fuses until I locate the source.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave Wylie says:

    YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!! My wifes car had me cometely puzzled and i went thru some Youtube and your comment being one that i watched i thought lets check this rear wiper motor and soon as i touched it i knew where the draw was coming from. Would have never checked there if not for your video. THANKS MAN!!!!

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Julian Gosse says:

    When you unplug it the washer fluid in the on the front wipers don’t work

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Knorr says:

    A disconnect doesn't deal with a parasitic drain. Something is remaining on.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars twwtb says:

    Could you please fix my car "for real". ha ha ha.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keoni k says:

    I am having the exact same problem, hoping that is what is killing my battery. Same situations, car worked fine for last 2 years just normal service, BUT I started hearing that click also the last 2-3 months maybe thinking WTH my rear wipers are on, which they are NOT. So I will check for that issue when the sun arises and since the battery is totally dead(New Battery I got this Sunday) thinking it was that and hoping not the alternator. Will check and let you know. Never thought about where I am getting a elec. draw continually, but totally makes sense.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Elizabeth Ocampo says:

    Sitting here in my Ford Escape, I guess I’m going to unplug the battery so it doesn’t drain until I take it somewhere! Is it true this car doesn’t have an alternator?

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LE3 Aerial Photography says:

    Excellent analysis.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pa Kuz says:

    Great Job!!! Wish all the mechanics knew as much as you or were as thorough!

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars C4b0o5e bAzZiSt says:

    Same issue here, was stuck in a none parked position. Man was that motor hot!!!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! rc fun Dyer says:

    i have a 05 explorer with the same thing going on lol have a great day

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Zundfolge1432 says:

    You do idle learns right??? why cant you do a rear wiper motor park learn??? Or the rear wiper motor cut that crap out connector delete learn lol

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars michtwn says:

    Really like your channel. I had a friend years ago that had a Camaro that had a battery that would die overnight. He first replaced the battery. No luck. He then changed the alternator. It still died overnight. I had just graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics where I received my Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics License and he ask me to look at it. I followed the positive wire from the battery down to the starter and found that the positive cable was resting against the exhaust manifold, where it had melted the insulation on the cable and shorted the cable. It wasn't a direct short, but was enough to drain the battery. Oddly enough, the car started fine when the battery was fully charged.

    Your trouble shooting skills and methodical approach to a problem are amazing. I noticed while watching you test drives, that the countryside looked familiar. When I saw where you are located, I found out why. You're not that far away from Syracuse, NY, where I live. I'm retired now, but I used to be in charge of an aircraft maintenance shop, which had 14 mechanics.

    Keep your videos coming, they're addicting. The people in your community are lucky to have you.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Colon says:

    Quick disconnect as a fix? Was she just desperate for a really quick fix or did the shop just give up and propose that as a solution? damn man…

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Weeks says:

    what the hell is that hat on top of your head? ive never seen a snap back beanie before lol

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sean Gowan says:

    Fire hazard?

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Heyyy says:

    12 volts into 5 amps is 60 Watts. More than enough to start a fire. You saved that lady from burning down her car.
    To me this feels like a design fail. A limit switch failure should not cause your car to go up in flames.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sally Weaver says:

    My son's 2013 Ford Escape has the same dead battery by morning issue, however the rear wiper is not faulty! 😕 The detective work continues.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars xelaju8 says:

    Short but very informative. Thanks again.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dodgeplow says:

    Where do these engineers get their stupid circuit logic ideas?? Constant hot to something as trivial as a rear wiper?? Earlier model Explorers had the cruise control constantly powered. One short and the engine would rev up out of control. VW/VAG – the idiots design circuits so that a blown fuse makes something energize and stay there (e.g. radiator fan) Chrysler – designs a circuit where the fan switch will overload but never trip a fuse. Seriously, where do these guys go to school?

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars herman jimenez says:

    Great job bro! Keep on truckin

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christopher Allen says:

    Good diagnosis!

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rick Deckard says:

    What gal can you imagine paying them real money for bulsh** like that.W T F?

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris G says:

    Thank you so much for making me better every time i watch a video

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hydroman99 says:

    Haha! Great find. I found out the hard way on both our 2004 Ford Explorer and 2006 Mazda Tribute(Ford Escape). When you turn rear wiper on then to off, the car wants to do one last wipe. The wiper spindle bushing(through the rear glass) gets coroded and seizes up but the motor is being prompted to complete one last wipe. I would assist the wiper by hand to save my battery or until I lubed the bushing.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris's Tech TV says:

    engineers @ Ford that warned their bosses about this scenario are going "See! I told you so!"

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kenneth Puppe says:

    Good thing you checked back with customer when she told you she wanted it fixed id went ahead and replaced motor on that but you are right to check back

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lonnie Kiger says:

    I have a similar problem on a 98 Chevy Tracker. Hope it's something simple like this

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bret4207 says:

    Thanks Eric, got an Escape in my yard that does the exact same thing. Might not be the wiper, but the investigation is the same. Wish you were closer, I'm up in the Thousand Islands.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ed Shepherd says:

    Nice video. My battery kept dying so I replaced it. Old car, but new to me, so I thought it just needed a battery. So I got a new battery. 1 day later, dead again. Charged battery, everything ok. Died again!! I checked with the trusty ole multi meter and it showed a slight draw. It had an aftermarket alarm system installed, so I removed it. Thinking that I had FIXED it, I charged the battery. Dead again in a couple of days. Dang! Getting in the car, I noticed that the passenger side sun visor was down and the mirror flap was open. I flipped the mirror flap closed only for it to fall back open. It was the vanity light the whole time. I unplugged the vanity lights and haven't had a problem since. Boy did I feel stupid doing all of that work for nothing. Since then I try the easy stuff first.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Marty Killick says:

    Excellent info, great job!

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John & Christina Mattoon says:

    I’ve got an 07 Expedition that has this exact problem every couple years, the actuator rod sits inside a brass bushing that eventually gets plugged up with crud and corrosion, pretty quick disassembly and clean out and relube gets another couple years out of it, first symptom is the wiper starts getting stuck while it’s on randomly.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Leighton says:

    This was a cool one

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TakeDeadAim says:

    I’ve got a 2015 that I had an issue in 2019 where the battery would go dead if the car sat. I replaced the battery and no issues until last week when it happened again. I charged the battery and drove the car, it’s been bitter cold but again today nothing, and it seems like the battery is not taking a charge now. I’m just wondering if I have a draw thats pulling the battery down, potentially killing this second battery. They have the battery stuffed up under the vent cowel now so it’s hard to access

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars R K says:

    Which FLIR thermal camera are you using and how do you feel about it? Thanks.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars uthgard123 says:

    always awesome videos

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Research and Build says:

    Great work!