Hello gang. I am new to this forum. I purchased a new 2009 Escape Hybrid limited in August 2009. No real problems to date. Today it was approx -2degF outside. I had hit my autostarter to warm up the car in the driveway as usual. I went outside to leave a few minutes later and the Escape was sitting there, dead as a doornail with no power, lights, clicking from the ignition key, nothing. Dead shorted. Lights and all accessories were off. I jump started it off of my 9 year old Rodeo (original battery too) and of course, it started right up. It acted odd though, cycling the engine on and off every 2-3 seconds. I took it to town to gas it up and of course, it is fine now. Ever see this before anyone?

-Steve

 

No problems with mine. No astrostart but left outside to -20° the other night while stealership was diagnosing a drivetrain squeak while cold (hanger bearing for driveshaft). That was a cold drive home.

 

Though its been warmer recently temps below 0ºF are common out here. I've taken to plugging in the block heater when I turn off the engine and leaving it on full time. Usually goes on the battery within 2-4 miles after start.

 

The energy to start a FEH comes from the High Voltage 330VDC battery
located in the back of the car. The energy to run all the electronics comes
from the Low Voltage 12VDC battery under the hood. A trick I used to use
when I was living in Boston ( 60's ) was to bring an extension cord out to
my car, put a blanket over the engine and a 5 watt light next to the
battery. Worked like a charm every time. Do be aware that power steering
fluid becomes syrup at about -30 Degrees and choose your motor oil
wisely.

 

My 12v died earlier this year, could be yours just went out too?

 

It was the 12v battery that was the culprit in your case.
If you could drive away after a "jump" your high voltage battery is/was fine.

You need a healthy 12v battery to close the contacts for the larger battery.
As already stated, it is the high voltage battery in back that starts your FEH.

I've started ok at -20 degrees F.
Below -40 degrees and you will likely have issues.

 

Two or so years ago my 12V battery died very suddenly. Same symptoms as you described, mountainhybrid. Put an Optima battery in; no problems since. The heat here in Houston is what shortens battery life.

I'm moving to the Denver area soon. I'll get to test my FEH at the other end of the temperature range.

 

I also experienced 12V battery failure when my MMH was only 2 1/2 yrs old with 30,000 on the odo. Seems to be a pattern here!

 

... and a warmer climate.