Neighbor has 2000 F-150 with 5.4. Recently started having starting problems. Sounds like solenoid clicking, then starts, guages go to full deflection, back down and then to normal. Cleaned battery posts, starts good now but guage deflection still happens. Goes to full deflecton with key on and doesn't come back down until engine start. Any thoughts appreciated. Carroll

 

If thats the original battery its probably about time for a new one.
As far as the gauge discription i believe everything should top out with key advanced and when starting drop off and then to normal readings once running.

 

red dog, Thanks for the response but battery check out O.K. None of my other Ford's guages respond with full deflection??? In this case the needles go all the way over, back all the way down and then to normal. Do your guages act this way? Carroll

 

Mine only did that when I had the battery unhooked. My thought is time for a new battery, do you have a different one you could try so you don't have to spend money on one if its not the right solution??

 

The full-scale defelction is the indication that the HEC encountered either a loss of power or low power.

Failing (weak) battery, faulty electrical connections, etc., are common reasons.

Steve

 

Full guage deflection is the PCM relearning itself, which means low battery power. The first thing I'd do is get a new battery, and check all connections.

 

Appreciate all of the info. No question that battery had bad connection. Positive post was uggy. Will double check with neighbor and see if cleaning helped. If not, new battery. Thanks to all, Carroll ( I will post results)

 

I agree with the battery (or something in the charging system) giving out. Mine did this a few times and then it died. Got a new battery and no more problems.

 

My bad... I checked out how my truck acted while starting and it never went to full deflection at any time. 6 years out of a battery is the most ive ever gotten, its usually less with my luck.

 

My gages are doing the deflection now (not all the time) But

it will crank at full speed but not start.
I guess that still means it is Battery time. ?
Batt. is now 6 to 7 years old.

 

Follow-up on my post. Guage deflection has stopped and starting is right on que. Apparently cleaning the posts of battery corrected the problem, as noted in all of your answers. Thanks again for all of the input. Carroll ( I did advise him to get a new battery, which he is doing today. Original is over 6 years old. Good service, Huh?)

 

Well 3 days now on a new battery and the problem has seemed to gone away.
Happy about that .
thanks for all your info.