Hey all,


New to the forum (even though I have browsed it many times), and in need of some help. Hoping to become more active since this truck isn't going anywhere and it seems like tons of knowledgeable people on here.

Went to start my truck this morning and it wouldnt start. At first, my remote start caused the starter to click a few times but not start. Then I went outside and tried to crank with the key and it clicked and died. Now there is absolutely no power to anything. Battery is approx 5 months old.

Truck has two amps, a poly electric salter, and snow plow all wired to the battery. Had absolutely no issues with battery issues or things drawing power up until now. Checked wires, and appears everything is still connected properly - couldn't find anything that might be a short.

Does anyone have any ideas why this would happen? Truck was used numerous times on Friday and only sat idle for one day... The lights were left in the auto position. Salter is off. Plow is off and disconnected. Amps are run through a remote wire and will only power if the truck is powered to on. I cannot figure it out. Jumping the truck doesn't provide any power. It will no longer click or beep or light up at all..... At a loss.... Hoping for some help.

Thanks all.

 

I'd try a new battery first, as it may be a simple fix.

My 2011 6.2 with its original battery died last fall. Nice warm day, drove it, parked it for a half hour, and everything was completely dead. No warning or issues before it happened. Stuck a new battery in and everything's been fine.

That may not be your problem, but it would be the first thing I'd suggest.

 

I find it really hard to believe it isn't something else. The original battery was replaced in November and this one hasn't sat unused for more than a day since then... So I am not completely sure. I can try that though.

 

Check all of the wiring then; make sure everything's tight, clean, etc and the grounding wires are also clean and tight.

 

Checked those connections. All I saw looked good. Looked at everything i could...

Had a friend tell me it could be my alternator.... Is that possible?

 

I'm no mechanic, but if it's the alternator, then that's why the battery would drain (not recharge). If you hook up a new battery and it starts, then have the alternator tested.

On a similar tale, my plow truck died on me while I was plowing a few months ago. Completely dead; went back sn hour later and it started right up. Turned out the plow motor wiring was wearing out and overheating causing too much power draw on the truck. Point being that it could be anything. I'd still start with a new battery just because it hopefully is that simple.

 

OK. Changed the battery and truck started just fine... Nothing seems to be on when the truck is off...

Old battery was down to 5.5 volts. Waiting to hear on if its dead or not. Plan is to take it to get the alternator tested since the parts store doesnt carry them...

Thanks.

 

If you're running a plow, spreader, and amps all at the same time, get a larger replacement alternator and up-size the battery wiring. And get a voltmeter wired into a gauge in the cab so you can catch something like this before you have a dead truck over it. Putting high electrical demands pretty much makes adding a real voltmeter a necessity.

 

What parts store are you going to that doesn't carry Ford alternators?

 

Any idea where I can get a higher output alternator? I have googled it but haven't found much that I was comfortable with... Hard to find reviews, etc.


And the parts store can order the alternator but its special order from the dealer as only Motorcraft is available...

 

He's right, that's crazy. O'Reilly, AutoZone, Advance, they don't even offer it period. Napa does, but it's not stocked, order only, $294.00. NAPA AUTO PARTS

 

In my 2006 F350 5.4l (which is my main plow truck), I replaced the stock alternator with the highest one that was supposedly available for it, which was only 140 amps I think. It does work better thsn the stock one though.

 

Call Ed:
FICMRepair.com - FORD Powerstroke 6.0 FICM Repair, PHP Tuning and Truck Parts

His website stocks all the DC Power alternators for the 6.0L, but I'm pretty sure he can order other DC Power products, and he can order Ford/Motorcraft parts also. He's a Site sponsor, very well regarded on the boards, and has a long customer service here, so he's definitely worth a call, at least to get pointed in a good direction. DC Power DOES make high output alts for the 6.2L, and they have a good reputation with the diesel guys, especially the 6.0s that plow.

But really first, get a real voltmeter wired into the cab. I prefer one with a digital readout, but anything is better than the dash meter. You can see what really loads it down and if you're consistently running low.

 

Thanks a ton for the info. Looking into all of those things now.

Much, much appreciated all!