Last week, my '02 E150 van, parked conveniently in my yard, failed to start due to a dead battery. 7 years and 3 months after the production date of the van. This is a record for me on battery life, and I'm really glad to hear it wasn't a more major problem for you.

George

 

Coincidence.

My '95 Bird that I picked up this Spring did the same thing one day in August. Running perfectly, then I shut it off and next day went to start and "click" and I could hear noises from the trunk area like buzzing, but no attempt to start. I thought the ECM was fried because even when I pulled the key, a noise continued until I disconnected the battery. I stuck a charger on the battery, it would not even flicker the needle like it was fully charged but as soon as you put a load on it, nothing.

Pulled the 2001 dated battery I keep in a cart like a portable power scorce in the basement, it's the original Motorcraft from the Merc ... dropped it in the Bird, all was OK! Took the useless TSC battery from the bird, it was in it when purchased but appeared near new, and traded it in on a new yellow Everstart group 65 and it's doing fine.

 

Exactly what I was thinking. Sounds like you already went out and bought a new battery though. That clicking sound right after the connections are exposed to moisture is typical of loose or dirty connections.

 

Thanks again, truck is running great now. Off to service transmission, replace fuel filter and do the front/rear brakes.