Battery issue?
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
Battery issue?
I have a 2007 F550 with a 6.0. It has dual alternators. I've been having a problem where sometimes you turn the key to start it and all you hear is clicking. Once jumped it will run fine anywhere from one day to a week. No problems. And the truck is started an average of 20-25 times per day. Then it will need to be jumped again out of the blue. The other day I left it running after jumping it and it stalled out after running for a good while. I tested the batteries and they tested good. Any ideas what's going on?
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 376
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
X3. Just the glow plugs are taking a huge amount of amp draw when cold. Out of everything that running (The PCM/FICM/Gadgets/lights/ doodads) the FICM is the most needy. They don't like weak batteries.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 59
Starting a 6.0 constantly isn't a very good idea. Each time up to 2 minutes after starting the glow plugs are running and drawing over 90 amps, plus you have the normal running amps of the engine which is around 60 amps at idle.
And then.... right after you start the engine with 150+ amps drawing on the system you turn on the heater and headlights you are running off strictly batteries and then you shut the engine off, only to repeat you are never getting the batteries charged.
I suggest the high idle mod and limit the amount of times you shut the engine off.
A good charge might revive your batteries, but they'll need ot be load tested to verify.
Also, the FICM is the weak point and needs 45+ volts to fire the injectors. If it is constatly ran on low voltage you'll start eating injectors to the cost of $2400+ in parts to replace them.
Sorry for the negativity, but battery and charging voltage is cruical to the survival of the FICM and injectors in the 6.0
Josh
And then.... right after you start the engine with 150+ amps drawing on the system you turn on the heater and headlights you are running off strictly batteries and then you shut the engine off, only to repeat you are never getting the batteries charged.
I suggest the high idle mod and limit the amount of times you shut the engine off.
A good charge might revive your batteries, but they'll need ot be load tested to verify.
Also, the FICM is the weak point and needs 45+ volts to fire the injectors. If it is constatly ran on low voltage you'll start eating injectors to the cost of $2400+ in parts to replace them.
Sorry for the negativity, but battery and charging voltage is cruical to the survival of the FICM and injectors in the 6.0
Josh
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
Thanks for all the responses. Yes, the batteries tested good under a load. We do landscaping and lawn maintenance so we go to 20-30 stops a day, hence the constant on and off. I agree it keeps coming back to the batteries but why is the truck fine for a week after jumping it before it needs a jump again. That's a week of starting the truck 20-30 times per day.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 59
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 4
When it starts, does it turn the engine over well or is it slow?
When it doesn't start, you hear a click? Not multiple clicks? No engine movement?
I think you are looking at the beginning of the end for your starter solenoid.
When it doesn't start, you hear a click? Not multiple clicks? No engine movement?
I think you are looking at the beginning of the end for your starter solenoid.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 655
From: Sioux Falls Area
you should have your starter load tested while you are at it. Have it checked in the vehicle. pulling it out and testing it in a free-spin condition on the bench will tell you almost nothing.
a starter that is drawing too much current will act a lot like a weak battery, and constant start/stop exacerbates the problem.
a starter that is drawing too much current will act a lot like a weak battery, and constant start/stop exacerbates the problem.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 376
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
Yes, please post back in a few weeks or so. I'm always curious. As mentioned above though the constant starts and stops are very hard on the diesels. They aren't really designed for that. Mine runs for 20 or 30 hours straight sometimes while we're traveling and pulling the camper (if we're marathon driving and switching off drivers). I don't shut it down to fuel, eat, anything. Just my thoughts for what it's worth.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Leichardti
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Dec 14, 2011 12:03 PM