"Please turn ignition off or start engine..." Message

[Darrian B]

I have a 2015 Ford Fusion Ecoboost SE. I bought it used. My car is saying turn off engine or start ignition this comes on after my car has shut off within about 1-4 minutes into driving. This has been very dangerous. It has happened 5 times Since 08/01/2021. I am also now getting a message saying low key battery replace soon. Could it just be a battery issue in both or maybe a battery system issue? Can someone please help? Did anyone finally get to the bottom of their issue?

[Tiexen]

2 hours ago, Darrian B said:

I have a 2015 Ford Fusion Ecoboost SE. I bought it used. My car is saying turn off engine or start ignition this comes on after my car has shut off within about 1-4 minutes into driving. This has been very dangerous. It has happened 5 times Since 08/01/2021. I am also now getting a message saying low key battery replace soon. Could it just be a battery issue in both or maybe a battery system issue? Can someone please help? Did anyone finally get to the bottom of their issue?

So have you changed the battery in the Key? and after 6 years you may need a new battery if its the original.

[unofix]

1 hour ago, Tiexen said:

This has been very dangerous.

Why?

This only is a message, not a warning that your car will self destruct in 10 seconds. Fully charge your car battery for 24 hours or it may be time to replace the battery.

1 hour ago, Tiexen said:

I am also now getting a message saying low key battery replace soon

So you're also being told your keyfob needs a new battery. Replace the battery with a 'good' quality Duracell or similar (not the 5 for a £1 from Poundland).

[Eric Bloodaxe]

Bit confused here. This thread was originally about low battery warning on the Mk 8 Fiesta. The Fusion Ecoboost SE is, afaik, the US equivalent of a Mondeo.

I have had this message on entering the car, when the car first detects the presence of the key,when the battery voltage has been a bit low, as it often has been during lockdown. All it is saying, in effect, is either start up the car and charge the battery, or get out and stop depleting the battery even more. 

Not sure how it can be dangerous unless the car is shutting down while driving, but I didn't read that from the OP?

Low key fob battery is a separate issue. Coincidentally the batteries in both my key fobs went a week apart, at the 3 year mark.

[Stiff Escape]

Have a 2020 Escape hybrid. The message is displayed often, but car does start. However, it does prevent remote starting. Dealer can't figure out what the issue is. Any ideas?

[Eric Bloodaxe]

This thread was about the issue on the UK Mk 8 Fiesta, but I would expect the issue is the same - low state of charge of the 12v battery. See earlier posts in the thread.

There are lengthy threads on most makes forums on the same theme - modern "intelligent" charging systems failing to maintain battery charge unless the pattern of use suits the system parameters. Toyota hybrid forums, for example, have many posts on this subject.

Usual answer is to use a "smart" charger (Noco, C-tek and Maypole are the usual recommendations) to keep the battery topped up.