Bought a new '01 F150 Supercrew back in November, and three times now the battery has died on me after sitting for a few days.

The first time, it was actually about 10 days over Xmas, but twice in the last month, when the truck has sat for, at most, 3 days, it refused to start. I do leave a radar detector plugged in, as well as a cell phone charger (though it's not actually charging the phone). Additionally, I'm using the dealer-installed alarm, so there are 3 or 4 LEDs burning, but that really shouldn't be enough to drain a battery in just a few days.

Has anyone else had problems like this on a new truck?

 

I think you have enough stuff on that it is draining the battery. It's like leaving a light on. One light is not too bad but add a couple and the drain is more severe.

Disconnect one item at a time until you find what your battery can stand.

 

If I leave my Radar detector plugged in it only takes 2 days for my battery to drain to the point the truck won't start. I live out in the sticks too, so it isn't like it is going off all of the time either, just keeping a constant load on the battery.


YD

 

Hey Big,

It's your radar detector.
If I left mine on in my Mustang, it would drain the battery over the weekend.

Bru
2002 F150 Super Crew
Black 4X4 Lariat
5.4 Engine Ford Chrome Bars

1979 Bronco 351M 75K orig.

 

I wouldn't think it would be enough to drain the battery down either. I never had any problems on anything.I have left lights on dome/glovebox. Then I do have two batterys in my truck. And any car I replace the battery in, I put as big a battery I can in it.

 

ITS ACTUALLY MOST LIKELY THAT ITS THE ALARM , THE LEDS ON THE OTHER STUFF ONLY DRAWS A FEW MILLIAMPS OF POWER , A NORMAL CAR BATTERY WILL LIGHT MANY OF THOSE FOR OVER A YEAR WOTHOUT NEEDING CHARGING, ALSO THE RADAR DETECTOR WILL DRAIN MORE IF THE CONTACTS IN THE LIGHTER OUTLET ARENT CLEAN, TRY USING A PENCIL ERASER TO CLEAN THEM

 

I have the same problem with my '97 150. I've changed batteries twice, I've had my electrical system checked. I am beginning to believe that it may be my alarm system also. Please let me know what you finally figure out, and I'll do like wise on this end. Thanks.

MJ

 

I've got an E150 van with the same problem. It's a conversion van, and it came with an accessory that has really saved my butt a few times. It's called a Battery Buddy. If the battery starts to get low it automatically disconnects it. When you get in the vehicle there's a button on the dash. A red light flashes if the battery has been disconnected. All you do is push the button & you're ready to go. The only inconvenience is the radio presets have to be reset. I definitely recommend it.