so i got a new electrical gremlin this weekend, i walked out to my truck to go to work and it wouldnt start. my aftermarket alarm all of a sudden started going off so i pulled the battery cables cuz my remote wouldnt turn it off. put them back on, get in the truck and there is a clicking noise coming from under the dash. i turned the ignition on and all the gauges started freaking out, going all over the place. it acts as if the batteries are dead. i tested the batteries, relays, fuses, and checked all the wiring that i could find, everywhere, all is okay. does anybody know why my truck wont start. all grounds and cables are perfect.

 

found where the clicking is coming from. the instrument cluster. if that helps.

 

It would help if you tell us what year truck, what equipment package, and what motor, but I'd guess you either have an issue with your alarm system or the Ford VSM (vehicle security module).

 

dirty battery terminals. Been through that already. Clean them up and tighten them down. that clicking noise is a relay.

 

Sorry For The Lack Of Info. The Truck Is A 2002 F-250 With A 7.3l, Zf6, Crew Cab Short Bed. Already Cleaned The Terminals And Checked All The Relays They All Tested Fine. The Clicking Is Coming From Inside The Instrument Cluster. When I Push The Brake Pedal It Goes Away. Batteries Tested Fine, But When I Turn The Truck On It Acts As If They Are Dead.

 

Something is causing the relay to click. Dead batteries is the most common issue (or bad connections), but you mentioned the alarm went off and you had to pull the cables to get it to go off. I'd be worried your alarm has the truck in anti-theft no start mode, since a thief could pop the door open, pop the hood and pull the cables too. If that defeated the alarm the could simply hook them back up, hot wire the truck and be gone.

I'm not an expert on these, except I know the VSM would have to be programmed by the dealer if you replace it. My guess is still that you have an alarm issue, and if the alarm is wired through the VSM that could be a possibility too. If it were something simple like your clutch pedal position switch there would be no clicking.

Did you check the connections at the other end of the battery cables just to be safe? A weak ground connection can do this too. Good luck.