I started up my 2001 f250 v10 but when I put it in reverse, it died. Turning the key does literally nothing. No lights work, no gauges either. There is no type of noise coming from the engine.
I tried to jump it, but that didn't work, so I disconnected and reconnected the battery. It started again, then died after about 30 seconds. I left it for a few hours and it did the same thing again.
I messed with the fuses and that didn't do anything either. Anyone know what the problem could be? Is something up with the ignition?

 

this could be a number of things. But I can help you get going to find the problem.
1st put a charger on your battery for about 40 minutes . We dont want a full charge.
If your truck starts and runs for a longer period great ! If not then Check your to see if your Alternator is charging. this is easy way is to start your Truck then pull the positive battery cable from the post. if your truck dies right away then We know its the alt.

If none of this works ..
If you have keyless entry on your truck. Your battery in your key could be dead. I had this happen on my Expedition I took me 10 days of reading through these forums trying to get a better Idea.

 

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

NEVER 1) unhook the positive cable first (dangerous for personal safety) and 2) NEVER unhook the battery on a modern computer-controlled vehicle while the engine is running. To so do creates a very large risk that the electronics will be damaged from voltage spikes. There are ways to check the alternator without risking damage.

Basic battery and charging system status can be simply checked with a voltmeter. This isn't rocket science, after all.



The OP's symptom points to one of the following:

1) Defective battery
2) Discharged battery (not charging)
3) Defective battery connection or cable


Seriously???? F150/Expedition keys don't have a battery.


Readers, be cautions who you take advice from.