A couple weeks ago I got in my truck turned the key and it just clicked like the battery was dead. I tried it a couple more times, each time it worked better and better until it cranked. The gauge read normal but I had the battery tested anyway and it said there were no problems with the battery. After the battery test my truck started without any problems for about a week but this morning it did the same thing again. First try a click, second, a little bit more, third time it built up until it actually started (again the gauge read in the normal area) I drove a few miles home turned the truck off waited a few seconds and it started with not problems. I have to say I'm no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but I'm guessing it's either the Battery, alternator or starter. Anyone have any ideas about how I should persue this problem.
Thanks in advance for any help. I've been a lerker on this sight for a while and have even used some of the information I've gotten from hear. Oh, and if I posted this in the wrong place, please direct me to where I should post such questions, thanks.

 

Which engine do you have? I'm assuming since you say battery instead of batteries, it's either a V10 or the 5.4 L, not the 7.3 PSD. Also what are the temps like where you are? Since the battery checked good, I'm thinking the starter is getting weak. I'm pretty sure it can be tested as well at the parts stores.

If its a Powerstroke, maybe one of the moderators will move you over to that section of the forum. there's a lot more to those systems.

 

Sorry, should have mentioned that. It's the 5.4. It's been cold here, but Texas cold. Anywhere from 40's to 50's. I've considered it could be any part of the ignition system including the starter but it starts so strongly when it starts (which is most of the time) only one incident in the last two weeks. Prior to having the battery tested, I had this problem several times a week. Don't know why the battery test may have changed anything because it wasn't charged.
I will go and have the starter tested because I'd rather deal with it now than have it leave me stranded somewhere. Thanks for taking the time to respond, it's much appreciated.

 

I had a battery issue right when the colder weather hit my area and it made my battery do goofy things, randomly die, charge all night and still not start the truck and jump it with a jump box and it would be fine, and it always tested good. Luckily I had another battery sitting around, and I installed it and haven't had an issue since.

 

Put a voltmeter on the battery, not running should be 12v, running ~13.5v. When cranking the truck over, voltage should not drop below 10v, or else the battery is dead.

NC

 

Solenoid on the right side may be going bad...Mine did. Also starter might need replacing..


Dick