Starting Problems
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 106
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Starting Problems
My 1980 F350 won't hold a charge. I replaced the battery because I figured the one that was in it was getting old. Even with the new battery I turn the key and nothing happens at all not a click or anything. After I put the battery charger on for about a half hour it starts right up. I did notice that the fusible link by the solenoid is worn out and the bare wire is corroded. I haven't looked at the alternator yet. I'm not quite sure what to do about it right now so if anyone has had similar problems let me know what you did. Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Franklin, GA
Charge the battery. Then disconnect the negative cable from the battery and connect a test light between the (-) battery terminal and the (-)cable. If the test light illuminates bright, you have a parasitic drain in the electrical system. To determine which system is the draw, remove a fuse from the fuse block and see if the test light goes out. Do this with all the fuses, one at a time till the test light goes out. When the light goes out, you have located the circuit that is drawing the battery down. Then it is a matter of tracing the problem down in that circuit. If you don't have a parasitic draw (the test light never comes on at the start of the test), clean all electrical connections, including the battery cables (both ends and what they are attached to), and test that fuse link to see if it is good.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
It could be either a drain, or it's not charging the battery. Measure the voltage at the battery terminals with the truck off, and then with it running. If the battery voltage is higher with the truck running, then you must have a drain like the other poster said.
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