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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 02:00 PM
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Battery Drain Issues

Hi Folks,

I have a 2001 F-350 (PS). It’s not my main vehicle so it sits in the garage for periods without being used. As of late, I’ve noticed that the batteries seem to get totally discharged in a couple of days. One of the batteries is about 3 years old, the other is 2 months old. I guess I need to pull them and take them to get them tested, but it seems strange that this overnight discharge would be happeneing when both are connected to the truck.

Anyone seen anything like this before? I would think that even if the 3 year old battery was dead, at least the newer one should hold a charge?


Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 03:12 PM
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tjc transport
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two things. the batteries are hooked in parallel, so they will both dies at the same rate.
also, batteries should always be changed in pairs. if one is weak, it will kill the new one.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
two things. the batteries are hooked in parallel, so they will both dies at the same rate.
also, batteries should always be changed in pairs. if one is weak, it will kill the new one.
I agree...Batteries for these trucks should be changed out as pairs. I've seen alot of guys just replace the weak battery and don't understand why they have starting and battery issues. Here's a link for a battery tender:
Schumacher PSC-15AOB DSR ProSeries 1.5 Amp 12 Volt Automatic On-Board Battery Charger/Maintainer : Amazon.com : Automotive

jeff
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 04:14 PM
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I'll bet that's the problem. Funny thing is, the reason that I had to replace the one side about 2 months ago is because the battery literally exploded, blew the top off it. It happened when my battery tender was on it! BOOM! So I had not been using it and the truck had been starting fine until the last few days.

Thanks guys. I'll get the batteries tested and probably end up shelling out another $300 for a couple more and learn by my mistake.

Mark
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by lotus-eater
I'll bet that's the problem. Funny thing is, the reason that I had to replace the one side about 2 months ago is because the battery literally exploded, blew the top off it. It happened when my battery tender was on it! BOOM! So I had not been using it and the truck had been starting fine until the last few days.

Thanks guys. I'll get the batteries tested and probably end up shelling out another $300 for a couple more and learn by my mistake.

Mark
Mark, I'd have the alternator amperage output & voltage checked also. Make sure your new batteries are rated 850 cca. How do you think the batterytender blew up your old battery? The reason I ask is I keep one on my Nova from about October through April, every year. Never had a whisper of trouble.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by nlemerise
Mark, I'd have the alternator amperage output & voltage checked also. Make sure your new batteries are rated 850 cca. How do you think the batterytender blew up your old battery? The reason I ask is I keep one on my Nova from about October through April, every year. Never had a whisper of trouble.

Not sure how it blew it up. It just did (at least the battery blew up whenthe truck was parked and the tender was attached, so I have to assume it hadsomething to do with it).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

The funny thing is, I also keep a tender attached to one of my other carsand my motorcycle and never had a problem either. I wonder if it was just a freakcoincidental thing?<o></o>

I'll get the alternator checked too, good idea.<o></o>
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 05:14 PM
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i think it was a freak coincidence.
more than likely the one of the plates in the battery corroded off and fell,shorting the battery out.
if the other battery is only 2 months old, i would fully charge it, let it sit for 2-3 days, and load test it. it is still probably perfect shape and you can get buy with only buying one more battery.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
i think it was a freak coincidence.
more than likely the one of the plates in the battery corroded off and fell,shorting the battery out.
if the other battery is only 2 months old, i would fully charge it, let it sit for 2-3 days, and load test it. it is still probably perfect shape and you can get buy with only buying one more battery.
That's exactly what I'm doing right now. I just disconnected the other one and I have the charger on it right now pushing in 40 amps. I'll do that for 45 mins then drop it down to 10 amps for 1/2 hour, then put the trickle charger on it. If it still has power on Monday, I only have one to replace :-)

Thanks for all your help. You guys on this forum are great!

Mark
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
more than likely the one of the plates in the battery corroded off and fell,shorting the battery out.
Remember ... charging a lead acid battery (car/truck battery) produces hydrogen sulfide and other explosive gases. An arc inside of the battery and you have plastic shrapnel.
 
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