Starting Anomoly
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,544
Likes: 2,505
From: West Michigan
Starting Anomoly
So, this morning I get in my truck, and it wont start. Tried to turn over for a second or two, and stopped. Noticed the glow plug indicator wont go out. Seems like low voltage to me. I jumped it with my wifes car, and it fired right up. Had Torque Pro running, Alternate output was good, went for a ride, its output % was 30-50% for a few minutes but then settled down to 10-15% which is normal it seems.
I replaced both batt's 18 months ago with Autozone Platinum AGM's. So I run over to Autozone and ask them to test them, and of course they come back 100% charged, and alternator putting out 14.4 volts while running. And he says "no problem"
I asked the clerk if we needed to remove at least one of the ground wires from one of the batteries to isolate them for the load test? He says no, not necessary. I guess I'm not buying that, but wanted to verify with you guys. I'm thinking I've got a bad battery, and will go back there (with a wrench to disconnect myself) and have them test again if needed.
What do you guys think? If I need to go to the dealer so be it, just want to rule out something simple like batteries before I do that though. There are no codes, or dash lights indicating a problem.
I replaced both batt's 18 months ago with Autozone Platinum AGM's. So I run over to Autozone and ask them to test them, and of course they come back 100% charged, and alternator putting out 14.4 volts while running. And he says "no problem"
I asked the clerk if we needed to remove at least one of the ground wires from one of the batteries to isolate them for the load test? He says no, not necessary. I guess I'm not buying that, but wanted to verify with you guys. I'm thinking I've got a bad battery, and will go back there (with a wrench to disconnect myself) and have them test again if needed.
What do you guys think? If I need to go to the dealer so be it, just want to rule out something simple like batteries before I do that though. There are no codes, or dash lights indicating a problem.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Batteries have to be isolated from each other during a load test or the results are invalid. Disconnect the gnd. from one battery, test it, reconnect and do the same for the other battery. That way you don't lose all of your presets.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,544
Likes: 2,505
From: West Michigan
thanks CJ. I should just be able to remove negative from one of the batteries, and then they are both isolated from each other, right? I don't think there is a need to do it to both, even separately. Just trying to minimize the time the autozone guy has to stand there waiting for me.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,544
Likes: 2,505
From: West Michigan
and of course that begs the second question. in the event that one of them is bad. At 18 months old, do I spring for a new second battery, or stick with it? Problem just started today.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 572
Likes: 29
My Ford dealer tested my batteries with both connected, then I explained how it really should be done. He had no clue.
All you need to do is remove one cable from one battery, then test each battery.
All you need to do is remove one cable from one battery, then test each battery.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,963
Likes: 2,662
From: The Great State of Texas
Assuming 1 battery went bad today I would think replacing the 1 bad battery would be sufficient since they're both relatively new.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Had one AutoZone go bad early and they replaced both free of charge since it's a diesel. You may have to ask for the manager but they did that for me twice when I had my 6.0.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,544
Likes: 2,505
From: West Michigan
Thanks all, for the feedback. I will go back to autozone soon, and retest. I have not had a reoccurrence yet though, either. Truck is sitting for a week while I am out of town, so hopefully it will start at the airport....
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,544
Likes: 2,505
From: West Michigan
Well, as it turns out, I needed a jump after the truck sat for a week. Went straight to autozone, had to explain once again to the clerk(a different one) that he needed to disconnect negative terminal on one of the batteries. Turned out the passenger side batt was the problem. they initially were not going to replace it without doing the "required" put it on the charger for a couple of hours. I asked him, how that would work, and if he expected me to sit there at the store that entire time. He said, no just come back..... He couldn't seem to grasp that the truck needs both batteries to start/run. I told him that if he couldn't do the warranty swap right now, that I would just pay for it and be on my way. He relented, and did the swap.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post