This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional monitoring of the electrical system and status of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system failure, or the vehicle battery conditions are deteriorating, electrical load reduction actions will take place to extend the driving time and distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing power to or turning off non-essential electrical loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is running. It will display a message if there is a risk of battery depletion to the point where the vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply, or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message “Battery Saver On Some Systems May Have Reduced Power” will appear in the instrument cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery has a low state of charge and continues to lose electrical charge at a rate that the charging system cannot sustain.
The charging system is independent from load reduction. The charging system performs a diagnostic on the charging system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it may indicate a problem with the charging system Battery Charge Warning Light.
The following are electrical loads that may be switched off (if equipped), and vehicle functions which can be affected by load reduction:
Heated Seats/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough electrical power to the vehicle system because the electrical loads are larger than the capability of charging system. The charging system is still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior lights, overloaded power outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports) during certain driving conditions (city driving, towing, frequent stopping).
Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was not charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period with the engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers, +12 Volts portable appliances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles and similar devices.
What to do when an electrical load reduction action message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior).
Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports.
Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).
Check the audio settings (volume).
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms) and review specifications if any (load and Ignition Off Draw currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if the message is still present during consecutive trips and the evaluation of the vehicle and driving pattern did not help to identify the cause.