Battery and Cables

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Locating Battery System Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

PRIMARY

WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When charging or working near a battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide ventilation.

WARNING: When lifting a battery, excessive pressure on the end walls could cause acid to spew through the vent caps, resulting in personal injury. Lift with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite corners.

WARNING: Keep out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Also, shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of the acid solution. In case of acid contact with the skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.

All gasoline engine (6007) Econoline vehicles are equipped with a 78 ampere-hour, maintenance-free primary battery, mounted in the forward right-hand side of the engine compartment. A gasoline engine vehicle with only a primary battery has the following electrical configuration.

Fig 2: Primary Battery Cable Configuration - Gasoline

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

AUXILIARY

The auxiliary battery option includes a 78 ampere-hour primary battery. A remotely packaged auxiliary 75 ampere-hour, serviceable, deep cycle battery is an option for all gasoline engine Econoline vehicles. The auxiliary battery is located on the right-hand frame rail to the rear of the B-pillar. The auxiliary battery is used to supply the trailer circuits with power when the vehicle is not running. The auxiliary battery is connected in parallel with the primary battery through the auxiliary battery relay when the engine is running. A gasoline vehicle with the auxiliary battery uses the same primary cable as gasoline vehicles with only the primary battery, and has the following electrical configuration.

Fig 3: Primary And Auxiliary Battery Configuration - Gasoline

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

DIESEL

Two 78 ampere-hour, maintenance-free batteries are standard with the 7.3L DIT diesel engine. The secondary battery is connected in parallel with the primary battery and provides more current to the starter motor when cranking and to the vehicle under load. The secondary battery is located on the right-hand frame rail to the rear of the B-pillar. An Econoline equipped with a 7.3L DIT engine has the following electrical configuration.

Fig 4: Primary And Secondary Battery Configuration - Diesel

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 5: Identifying Environmental Protection Symbol

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal.