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I’ve been troubleshooting an ongoing issue I’ve been having with my Powerstroke. It’s a 2016 350, single alternator. I’ve been noticing as the temps get colder every cold start seems to drag the starter. I tested batteries and have changed them out within the last 6 months yet the problem continues. With the truck running, the passenger side battery measures 14.2 volts nominal charging, while the drivers side battery measures 12.2v. I disconnected the drivers side battery leads with the truck running and cannot get a voltage reading from the passenger side battery/alternator. I have “continuity” between both positive battery leads (150ohms +\-) which I feel is too high to charge through? Any help appreciated. Drivers side battery leads disconnected, passenger side connected.. No voltage Drivers side leads connected, passenger side disconnected, no “voltage” Continuity between both positive leads
Sounds like you still have a bad battery, or need to clean connectors and/or replace battery cables.
Do not ever assume that a new part is a good part, especially with electrical components (even batteries). A new part is just cleaner than the part it replaced, at least until you can prove the new part is a good part.
One thing you did prove, if you're seeing 14.2V with the engine running, sounds like your alternator is OK.
Looks to me like your pos battery cable is broken somewhere between the 2 batteries.
You are only getting started by the one battery is why it sounds like its dragging.
