I attempted to start my 2019 F350 diesel and at 1st not much happened. At the running boards did extend but the engine would not turn over. Then the running boards would not come down when I went to get out to open the hood. Nothing seemed wrong so I literally climbed back in the truck (no running board extension) and tried to start again. All the lights on the instrument panel started intermittently flashing and a "turn off ignition to save battery" light came on. It was very hard to tell what position/stage the ignition was in as everything intermittently flashed on and off, including the center console light which came on after a faint click from the vicinity of the passenger firewall. This went on for about 5 minutes and then everything went off, Then randomly lights would flash. Some times the door panel lights, some times the main instrument panel, and occasionally the navigation screen which would give a "turn off ignition to save battery life". The status bar would never finish before it clicked off. I called Ford Pass, and a tow truck was summoned. As I waited (nearly 3 hours) I sat in the cab of the truck and watched things flash or turn off randomly. The "click" sound always was accompanied by the center console storage light coming on. Oddly, the mirrors always extended and retracted. No power windows though. I finally gave up waiting for the tow truck, cancelled the request, at went to bed. Any suggestions?
To be continued...

 

Battery s#!^ the bed...

 

Get the batteries load tested at least one is toast !! Replace as a pair or the old one will kill the new one !!

 

Buy 2 new Northstar or Odyssey agm batteries, yours are factory junk and need to go now.

 

Sounds like a dead battery.

 

Yup, almost assuredly a battery issue, one or both bad.
Always replace dual batteries in pairs, even if one checks out good, it will be weaker than a new one and will pull the new battery down.

 

Hi Responders
Thanks for the replies. I looks like new batteries are in the cards. The batteries are not yet 3 years old and the truck has only 18K on it. I hadn't seriously considered this as a possible cause for this reason. Is there a way to be sure this is the cause? There were no previous indications of weak batteries.
The garage the truck currently sets in is inaccessible by jumper cables so I'm stuck with between a rock and a hard place. I'm in my mid 70's and the batteries are not accessible where the truck currently sets. So roadside assistance and a trip to the dealer (to get the electrical system checked out) is most likely in my future. If anyone has any additional suggestions, I'm open to them.
Thanks
Bill

 

know anyone with a jump box? Maybe the local auto parts store would loan you one to get it running. It’s common on superdutys. My advice is spend the money on agm’s and don’t worry about it again.

 

Nothing you can use to pull the truck back so you can access the batteries?
At worst, call roadside assistance, your warranty is still in place so it should still be available.
The wrecker they send could probably jump start it, so no expensive trip to the dealer needed.

 

Bill,

Unless you are in a great weather area, Ford batteries, even the ford replacement batteries, die like clockwork at 30-36 months. It is usually the drivers side that dies first. It is the one that feeds all of the minuscule monitoring needs that really add up (think remote entry, anything instant on, anything timed off, clocks, anti theft) when the truck is parked.

I have been replacing these same batteries since 2008. On my 08, 11 and 15. Only solution to avoid getting stuck someplace is change batteries every 32 months, the more expensive batteries mentioned, or a trickle charger when garaged (pia to plug in every time you know you won’t use truck the next day) or a dash solar charger when parked outside.

These batteries are heavy, especially in confined areas, and a step stool needed for old guys like me to get them over the fender. Wear old worn out clothes or plan on replacing at least your shirt as the battery acid from old battery will eat holes in it during first washing. Your pants are likely to continue to lose threads every time you wash them.

if you pull it out of the garage and jump start it, the Alternator will keep it going when on the road, but batteries will likely still be useless if you turn the truck off before running it for at least 20 minutes.

 

AAA will replace them.

Or get a jump box and most parts stores will install them for you. I ask them to install them and I am about half your age

If you do that make sure to call ahead because batteries are in short supply too.

 

Hi Responders
Just about every response was correct and of the similar general opinion. Thanks everyone.
The batteries were replaced with Costco AGM batteries (we got the last 2 @ our local store).
They definitely are in short supply and the core charges are up to $30 each.
And They are HEAVY. I used a 2 @ 3ft ladders to lever them in. All the nuts are 10mm and the insulation pads around the batteries are a pain to get back in. A couple of bungee cords were definitely helpful in keeping the cables pulled clear of the mounting boxes when dropping the batteries back in. Maneuvering the batteries and insulation pads is somewhat of a challenge and it took several tries to get them in right. I was fortunate that there was literally no corrosion in the battery compartments or related bolts, nut and hardware.
On a down note, the running boards are still not working. A real pain in the ole body and a definite anti-wife determinate. Need to check the fuses, where ever they are. If no luck its back to the dealer on monday.
Best Wishes and Thanks ALL
Bill (and Carole)

 

Glad to hear you're back online. You may need to go into your vehicle settings on the dash and turn the running boards back on in the menu. The truck killed them when you were running out of juice.

 

Hi morehouse7
You have saved me a huge amount of anguish, frustration and further work. I can't thank you enough. If you ever get through Vacaville, PM me and I'll buy you a beer (if that's what you want.
Regards and Thanks
Bill

 

Take Carole out to dinner Bill, this is what the Forum is for my friend.