Question? Need answers please
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 16
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Question? Need answers please
The last few days my 97 f150 with a 4.6 has been acting up. Every time I let my truck sit for long period of time like over night and I go to start it it acts like the battery is dead but I will keep trying to turn it over and it will gradually get power and start. I asked a ford mechanic over the phone and he wasn't for sure, he thinks it might be the starter or maybe a bad connection. Says he would have to here it to be sure. Has anyone ever had this problem or have a clue what would cause this, I would really appreciate some suggestions! 
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 52
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From: West Tennessee
Question? Need answers please
I would think its your battery also. Have you swap out battery's to see if it is that? Maybe take it up to a Auto Zone and tell them you need to check your battery if its good. They can run a test on it and also your alternator. I would believe its your battery if its still the one from the factory. Its about 6 years old.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 772
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From: White Sands, NM
Question? Need answers please
Check for corrosion build up on your battery terminals. A can of coke will do an amazing job of cleaning your terminals if nessacary. Also check the starter for loose cables.
If you have a voltmeter at home stick it on your battery before you try to start it in the morning and see what you get. Otherwise, you can get a feel for battery condition by turning your headlights on with the truck off and see how bright they are.
If you have a voltmeter at home stick it on your battery before you try to start it in the morning and see what you get. Otherwise, you can get a feel for battery condition by turning your headlights on with the truck off and see how bright they are.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 45
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From: Pa
Question? Need answers please
Had this exact same problem on my other truck and it turned out to be a poor negative terminal connection. I removed the connection and cleaned it up and put it back on tand the problem went away. That is where I would start.
Kevin
Kevin
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 351
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From: Delaware
Question? Need answers please
Remove the battery cables from the battery and clean the inside contact surfaces as well as the battery terminals. Don't rely on just looking at the outside of the terminals. Sometimes they look clean on the outside, but are coroded on the inside.
If this doesn't fix your problem, the battery is probably the answer. Get someone to do a load test on it. But be sure to clean the cables/terminals first.
Many a good battery has been replaced because of dirty connections.
Good luck.
If this doesn't fix your problem, the battery is probably the answer. Get someone to do a load test on it. But be sure to clean the cables/terminals first.
Many a good battery has been replaced because of dirty connections.
Good luck.
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: New York
Question? Need answers please
I also had this same problem......Turns out it was a loose connection at the positive cable connection at the starter itself...P.S............This is the original starter and it was never removed....Musta just worked loose!
