Understanding Your Ford's Dashboard Warning Lights

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The battery is essential to provide the power that starts your Ford's engine. As time passes, a battery will weaken or become damaged and need replacement. As your Ford dealer, we want you to know a few signs you need to visit us for a new car battery. 3 Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealer Slow Cranking A slow crank is one of the most common signs of a weakening battery. When you hit the start button, the battery sends a large electrical charge to the starter, which cranks the engine, and your Ford's cylinders will begin firing within seconds. If this doesn't happen, and you hear the laboring sound of an engine struggling to crank, your battery could be failing. A battery could fall due to age, recharging issues, or loose wiring. An older battery loses most of its storage capacity, which makes starting difficult, while a weak alternator might not supply enough power to recharge an otherwise healthy battery. Loose cables or wires can restrict the flow of power into and out of the battery and restrict the power supply to the starter. We'll examine your engine, identify the problem, and repair it. Overcharging As we've seen, a battery uses a large portion of its stored electricity reserve to start the engine. Once the engine is running, the alternator begins to spin and generate electricity for your car's systems. It also recharges the battery, charging at full power for ten minutes then switching to a reduced 10% charging until the battery is replenished. The reduced charging level protects the alternator and the battery from damage. The switchover to reduce charging occurs when the battery signals it received the initial charge. A damaged alternator might ignore this signal and continue to charge at full power. Overcharging will cause the battery's electrolyte solution to boil. Our technicians will test your alternator and install a new one if necessary. Swollen Battery A battery contains sulfuric acid, copper plates, an electrolyte solution, and other chemicals. The battery contents are contained within a thick plastic casing that protects them from damage. Almost all battery casings are rectangular with straight, flat sides. If you examine your battery and notice bulges or distortions in the casing, your battery is failing. The swelling is caused by a build-up of hydrogen gas caused by the natural breakdown of sulfuric acid or an expansion of the electrolyte solution due to sustained low temperatures. This increases pressure inside the casing and forces the battery walls outward. A swollen battery can't be repaired, but we will replace your battery to fix this issue. Battery problems develop over time, and there are usually multiple warning signs that something is wrong. Visit us today at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL.

Ford's full-size SUV lineup offers two equally powerful yet distinctive siblings: the 2024 Ford Expedition and the Expedition MAX. If you are unsure which one is right for you, your local Ford dealership is here to assist with details about each model's cargo space, towing capacity, fuel economy, and more. 2024 Ford Expedition vs. Expedition MAX: What's the Difference? The Expedition MAX Offers More Cargo Space Measuring 221.9 inches long, the Ford Expedition MAX offers more room to store your luggage than the 210-inch Expedition. Inside the larger model, you will find 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 73.3 behind the second row, and 121.5 behind the first row. The Expedition MAX is the right choice if you regularly plan weekend trips with your family and carry a lot of gear and suitcases. On the other hand, the Ford Expedition offers 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.3 behind the second row, and 104 behind the first row. The Expedition serves SUV shoppers who are looking for a daily driver with a lower entry price, but don't necessarily need a vehicle with extraordinary cargo space. The Expedition Boasts Better Performance A capable 3.5L EcoBoost V6 powers both SUVs, generating 380 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The smaller framed Expedition converts the power output to an incredible towing capacity of 9,300 lbs. The Expedition MAX follows closely behind with an impressive 9,000 lbs. The extra 300 lbs of towing capacity is also accompanied by better fuel economy; the Expedition achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, whereas the Expedition MAX manages 16 and 23 mpg. If 380 hp doesn't satisfy you, numerous trims and packages are available to bump up the performance figures. For instance, the Limited and Limited MAX trim levels boost the engine's output to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the Stealth Performance Package, both SUVs produce 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition Offers Additional Trim Levels The Expedition MAX is available in four trims, including the luxurious Platinum model. On the other hand, the Expedition offers six, with the two additional configurations being the XL STX and Timberline. The XL STX trim is the Expedition's base model and offers a lower entry cost than the Expedition XLT MAX. The Expedition Timberline trim level prepares your SUV to go beyond the pavement with increased ground clearance, skid plates, and underbody shielding. Find out more about each SUV's features, pricing, and warranty at our dealership. Visit us at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL to browse our inventory. Our staff will help you find the Ford Expedition model that's perfect for you.

You've picked out the Ford Escape you've been wanting and you're signing all the paperwork. Now, the sales manager has asked you how you want to finance your new car. Should you go through the dealer, or your bank? Here are six benefits of car financing through your Ford dealer. 6 Benefits of Financing Your New Vehicle Through Your Ford Dealer 1. Convenience Financing your new Ford through the dealership offers one-stop shopping. We work with a number of lenders to help you get the best terms for your loan. You don't have to approach your bank or credit union before you come to us. We can take care of all the paperwork here at the dealership to have you on your way and enjoying your new ride as soon as possible. 2. Incentives and Promotions When you finance through our dealership, you may be able to access special incentives or promotions that aren't available with outside financing. Promotions may include 0% interest rates, cash back, or a rebate on your new car. If you finance through us, you could save a significant amount on your purchase price. 3. More Credit Options Since our finance team works with several different lenders, we can offer options for you, even if you have less-than-stellar credit. We can help you finance your new Ford with a lender that will work within your budget. Plus, you won't have to wait several days to see if your bank or credit union approves your loan application. We'll usually have an answer for you while you're still at our dealership. 4. Add-On Incentives When you finance with us, you may qualify for incentives besides cash back or lower interest rates. We may also be able to offer maintenance or service packages, as well as gap insurance so you know you're completely covered if something happens to your new vehicle. These offers are not available if you use an outside lender, so it's a great reason to finance your car through the dealership. 5. Easy Trade-In Options If you have a trade-in, we will appraise and test drive it when you come to our dealership. We will roll the value of your current car into your financing package. You can leave your trade-in with us and drive off the lot in your new Ford. 6. Extended Terms If the standard 36- or 48-month loan requires a higher payment than you can afford, our finance options may offer a longer-term loan, whereby the payment amounts are reduced. Banks and credit unions may not offer extended loans, but we can help you find financing so your payments fit within your monthly budget. If you're worried about financing your new Ford, we can help. Schedule a test drive with Bill Jackson Ford, in Troy, AL today, and we'll have you on the road in no time.