Just washed my 2016 Edge. Tried to start and heard clicking. Motor wouldn't turn over. Display showed "system shut down to save battery." What does that mean?

 

That is a feature to "hopefully prevent" the battery from being drained to the point you can't start the engine.
There is either something draining the battery or the battery is questionable.
Three years is not a long time and the battery should be able to last little longer, but a lot depends on where you reside and what if any add on s might be on the vehicle.

What might be a good idea would be to have the battery and charging system tested to confirm if all is well. If so, then the next thing is to try to determine if something is staying on that is draining the charge from the battery. Are there any added things like phone charger and things like that presently being used on the vehicle? A lot of times when add on s are added everything is OK ," for a while" ! You might need to have your vehicle checked for something like a Parasitic drain. That can open a whole new can of worms.

 

Thanks for the help. Going to take it to a reputable shop tomorrow. Or rather have them come get it. I wouldn’t expect the battery to go this soon, but after hearing “parasitic drain”, etc. I’m hoping it IS the battery! Thanks again.

 

I am having this issue on a brand new ford fusion. I am getting stranded everywhere. Car won't start up and says 'system off to save battery
.

 

Your best bet is to get it back to the dealer. You might have to leave it there for them to create the problem. The more info you provide the easier it makes it for the tech.

 

I made an appt. They want the car for at least a day with no rental or anything to get to work. They want $128 for diagnostic fees. The car is only a year and a half old. The whole thing is ridiculous.

 

Not sure if this is helpful but I've encountered this a few times with people in parking lots where turning the key yields no battery life.
If the battery cables are even a little bit loose, enough that you can turn them on the pole by hand, then you won't get proper voltage, making it appear like a dead battery.
Sometimes, the same problem is noticeable if you're idling and the vehicle is stuttering like it wants yo shut off.
Hope that helps.

 

Simple, but often overlooked or ignored.

 

Battery has a 3 year warranty, after that its prorated for 2 more years I think.

Replace battery and retest, you have to reset the battery age using a scan tool, something about different charging plan depending on age of battery.

 

I'm watching a snowbird's home in Florida and struggling to keep owner's battery charged in a 2018 Edge. I have started it and driven it and alternately put it on a charger in his garage. Charger turns green, indicating a full charge but the Edge won't start and I get the "system shut down" message. Can I jump it off a vehicle? Also, owner has a charger with a 55 amp jump setting available.