gauges zeroing when starting...need help
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Florida
gauges zeroing when starting...need help
When I started my '00 5.4 Expy today, all the gauges (tach, voltage, oil press, etc...) read the normal ranges and then zeroed for a few seconds before returning to normal ranges. I think that I have read here that this may indicate a weak battery. I wasn't able to find the thread on a search. Has anyone seen this problem? Did a new battery take of it?
My battery is from the factory, I have had the truck 48 months. I live in Florida and know that the heat is hard on batteries. Your responses are appreciated.
My battery is from the factory, I have had the truck 48 months. I live in Florida and know that the heat is hard on batteries. Your responses are appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,297
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It's the battery. The guage sweep is a sign that the engine computer is being deprived of enough voltage to retain it's memory of stored operating parameters while the engine (and therefore alternator) is not operating. The same thing would happen if you disconnected a healthy battery for a period of time, hooked it back up, then turned the key to the run position.
New battery time.
New battery time.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Thanks PaulC...that's what I thought. I hope it starts in the morning, or I'll be stuffing my family into the Acura sedan. It looks like battery replacement will be my project for tomorrow.
Best replacement battery anyone?
Best replacement battery anyone?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
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From: All over Texas
Someone posted that like 90% of all replacement batteries are made by the same company. I think it was a company called Johnson.
FWIW, I've had good luck with Die Hards, but bought an Interstate a few months ago.....buy one with the longest 100% free replacement policy.
FWIW, I've had good luck with Die Hards, but bought an Interstate a few months ago.....buy one with the longest 100% free replacement policy.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 268
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From: Florida
Thanks for the responses. I bought an Exide. I had good luck with one in my other car. I probably could have done better with the warranty. Its an 18 month free replacement with 72 month pro rating. But, for $55, I should be able to get my money's worth out of it. The gauges did one sweep maneuver when I first started the truck, but operate normally now....problem fixed. Thanks again PaulC for the quick response.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Houston, Tx
Originally posted by 1999XLT
Interstate Megatron.
Interstate Megatron.
FYI - both the Interstate battery and the original MotorCraft battery that it replaced, had a "Johnson Controls" trademark logo embossed in an inconspicuous place on the plastic case of the battery!
