Just went out to start my truck and am having a starting problem I can't figure out.

It's a 2004 F-150 xlt with ~80K miles

I jump in, turn the key, hear a thump and then nothing. Try again, and I notice the airbag light blinking is the only light on the dash and all my needles are shaking on their low peg irradically. When I get out of the truck I hear a clicking sound coming from around the fuel pump. Mind you the key is in my hand at this point. When I put the brake on, the clicking stops, whether the key is in the ignition or not.

I disconnected the battery and some sparks flew when I pulled the lead. This has me thinking there is some draw on the battery with the lights off and key out. I checked the voltage and got 12.9V (I know I need a load test to tell me anything definitive about the battery, but it's all I have at my house). My other ride is a motorcycle, which is a little difficult to strap a battery to in order to get to the parts store for the load test.

The clicking has me thinking/hoping it's just the battery, but I've never had my dash go crazy like it's doing, and why the clicking stops when I put the brake on is keeping me wondering.

Any ideas?

 

Bad cell in the battery. When the voltage drops below a certain point Ford electrical systems act possessed. Got a good deal on a 99 Lincoln a couple years ago because they said the electrical system was shot, wounldn't jump start, etc. Needed a new good battery and it started and ran fine. I have seen some Fords where the headlights will come on and stay on with the switch off when the battery starts to go.

 

I have an 02 Taurus that the battery went bad. The passive anti-theft system went ape with lights blinking, buzzers buzzing, and all kinds of wierd stuff. No load voltage checked 12.4 until you opened the door. Then it dropped to 9 volts. Replaced battery and problem solved.

Greg B

 

Dead battery, mine just did it the other day ( dome light left on). Put it on a trickle charge and she was good to go. Mine had the same symptoms, to the tee.