Having starting issues
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 511
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Having starting issues
My truck had a slow start a week ago, worked fine since and then today it wouldn't start at all and had to put it on the charger. I took it to OReiley's and they said the alternator output is 40 amps, but he also said that Fords sometimes test bad in the vehicle, but good off of it. The batteries are Diehard golds, so they have been replaced, but I don't know when.
Since I haven't had any issues until it got cold, should I assume it is the batteries or no? I could really use some advice here before go spend $200 on some new batteries or more on an alternator.
Thanks,
Sam
Since I haven't had any issues until it got cold, should I assume it is the batteries or no? I could really use some advice here before go spend $200 on some new batteries or more on an alternator.
Thanks,
Sam
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
I bought one of these BatteryMINDer Plus 12 Volt 1.3 Amp Battery Charger: BatteryMart.com it helps to remove sulfation build up that all batteries suffer from after the normal charge/discharge cycle.
I'm currently reconditioning a battery that is 5 years old and gave me a slow start...but my buddy swears this thing works wonders...and for $40 plus shipping...I figured it was worth a try...you should know that it could take 1-2 weeks per battery to desulphate depending on how bad it is...I believe the sulfate growth is what eventually kills a cell inside the battery...this thing is supposed to really prolong the life of a battery...I'm in my testing phase now...but again my buddy has this and swears by it...and instead of dropping another $200...it may be worth a try?...don't know...just a thought.
Good luck,
Joe.
I'm currently reconditioning a battery that is 5 years old and gave me a slow start...but my buddy swears this thing works wonders...and for $40 plus shipping...I figured it was worth a try...you should know that it could take 1-2 weeks per battery to desulphate depending on how bad it is...I believe the sulfate growth is what eventually kills a cell inside the battery...this thing is supposed to really prolong the life of a battery...I'm in my testing phase now...but again my buddy has this and swears by it...and instead of dropping another $200...it may be worth a try?...don't know...just a thought.
Good luck,
Joe.
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: southern california
Did the batteries fail a load test? They need to be fully charged to get an accurate test. Could have a parasitic draw from something not turning off. First things first. Charge batteries completely, load test, then alternator test. Bad batteries can cause misdiagnosis of alternator.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 511
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Joe,
Thanks for that link. I'll look into it, but I'm wondering if the batteries are reconditioned to begin with. I'm not finding the date sticker that is usually on them. I may just break down and get new ones if necessary.
Starrs,
I didn't have them run that test since I only had it on the charger for about 30 min to get it started so I could pick up my son from school, then had them check it out. I'll put the charger on it overnight and have them check it all tomorrow.
Thanks guys!
Thanks for that link. I'll look into it, but I'm wondering if the batteries are reconditioned to begin with. I'm not finding the date sticker that is usually on them. I may just break down and get new ones if necessary.
Starrs,
I didn't have them run that test since I only had it on the charger for about 30 min to get it started so I could pick up my son from school, then had them check it out. I'll put the charger on it overnight and have them check it all tomorrow.
Thanks guys!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Good luck,
joe.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
From: Shelbyville, Indiana
I had the same issue earlier this year and after going through each test for the batteries and the alternator we determined that it was BOTH the alternator and the batteries.
I replaced both at the same time and for me me it just wasn't worth using anything less than top notch batteries, becasue me and the family depend on this vehicle as our main transportation. So I put Interstate batteries in my truck. I'm not sure what kind of batteries you can get for $200, but I would be VERY leary of something like a WalMart branded battery...IMHO...
I replaced both at the same time and for me me it just wasn't worth using anything less than top notch batteries, becasue me and the family depend on this vehicle as our main transportation. So I put Interstate batteries in my truck. I'm not sure what kind of batteries you can get for $200, but I would be VERY leary of something like a WalMart branded battery...IMHO...
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 407
Likes: 2
From: Mobile, AL
You might want to search the 6.0 PSD forum for help. I know the 7.3 one has a lot of info re GP/GPR/Batteries and related issues in cold starts. Worth a shot if you haven't looked there yet.....
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 511
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Thanks again for the helpful tips everyone! I had the charger on it all night and it started faster than it ever has. I couldn't believe how quickly the starter was spinning the motor! It has been too hectic so far today to get the truck to the parts store to test it.
It was 25 degrees out this morning too!
It was 25 degrees out this morning too!
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 511
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Since I put it on the charger that one time I haven't had an issue at all. I wonder if all the shorter trips combined with the cold morning starts is what caused the batteries to drain. I'm definitely looking at getting that battery minder, Joe. I saw it at Oreiley's yesterday for $60 something, so I'll be using that link you gave me.
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