My wife and I now commute together most days. I've noticed that when I try to start the X the batteries seem drained (sometimes I get the clicking noise when trying to start or it will crank for 10+ seconds before starting). It could very well be that I just need new batteries, but I also wonder if a trickle charger/battery tender should be used. Does anyone else drive their truck very little?

 

Yes, you should be worried about the battery.

A typical acid battery loses it's charge at a rather fast rate while in storage.

On top of that, they need to be stored at full charge or they slowly deteriorate from sulfation.

The best way to keep it at full charge is to use a Battery Tender charger. The junior or waterproof 800 is probably just the ticket for your use. The only downside is you have to plug it into the wall.

Car Battery Chargers - BatteryMart.com



If you ever need to change your battery, you may want to get a AGM type battery. They have a very low charge loss over time.

I like the Sears Platinum battery. It has the same specs as the Oddessy, but a lot cheaper.

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

 

My Ex gets driven about as often as yours and I have never had an issue with the battery being weak in that short of time. Might want to have your battery checked and check your connections.

I have used a small solar battery maintainer before in the past in a vehicle that rarely got driven ( once a moonth maybe ) and it worked fine for me. Think we got the maintainer at Costco.

 

I rarely drive mine more than once a week. Batteries last me a few years before they start to crank slow and get replaced.

 

How about the Optima red and yellow top batteries? Are they any better than Ford or Sears batteries?

I do have the ability to plug in the truck - I just run an extension cord from the garage.

 

With the 6.0 PSD, you want to avoid weak batteries to save your FICM.
I've left my Ex sit for 2 weeks - so far that's the longest mine has sat , and it started up no problem.
- so it sounds like you need new batteries (always replace them BOTH).

But, you also check the alternator to ensure it's healthy too so you
don't then ruin new batteries.

The battery tenders work, but don't drive away with it connected!

 

What is the FICM and how could I damage it?

The alternator is fairly new but yes, I will also have it tested.

 

Fuel Injection Control Module.

I have never had a diesel, so that is as much as I know.

I did find this vid to show how a engine acts when one goes bad. That would drive me up a tree!!



<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/76N9_mjoODc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>