Wierd no start
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From: Kamloops
Wierd no start
Ok, I just went over to my buddys house to drop off some Xmas cheer, and decided to leave my truck running with my command start that I had installed recently, the truck started fine after sitting for the last 7 hours. I drove the 6 blocks and left the truck running for about 15 minutes while I visited inside. When I came out and got in, I accidently hit the brake and it shut my truck down. (Obviously not used to the command start) Well, I went to start the truck and click click. The batteries were almost completely dead. I had my buddy jump me with his truck and it wasn't enough juice to either battery to start. We decided to get 2 cables, and luckily he drives a 6.slow and hooked both batteries. Now it starts, but then it did wierd things, like the lights in the cab dimmed out to nothing, then returned. I got my truck home fine, but she don't want to start again. I have never had battery problems with her before.
My question is what do you guys think is the problem? I will check the battery connections in the morning, but it seems odd that both batteries would fail simultaneously doesn't it? Is it the alternator? Or is something siphoning off my power somewhere? Any suggestions as to my next course of action would be appreciated. Merry Christmas!
My question is what do you guys think is the problem? I will check the battery connections in the morning, but it seems odd that both batteries would fail simultaneously doesn't it? Is it the alternator? Or is something siphoning off my power somewhere? Any suggestions as to my next course of action would be appreciated. Merry Christmas!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,162
Likes: 1
From: Vilonia Arkansas
These psd's take a lot of juice and if 1 battery is weak it will pull the other one down with it . I would first check your recent installation ,then your battery connections,then get both batteries load tested either pull them out or make sure that the cables are disconected when they check them.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 413
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From: Holden,La.
I would also check the altinator as well. It is possible for it to charge but not enough to keep the battery charged. Had that happen to me before. spent money on batteries and that was not the problem.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
While the other suggestions are the most common, I would check the installation of the Command Start. Even with the alternator good, and the batteries both good, it is too coincidental that this would happen. It seems that something could be shorting the batteries from the install that is draining them pertty hard. But that would usually also lead to smoke and burnt wiring if it can drain the batteries that fast and while running. So the only other thing I would think of would be a bad connection due to the install. Do you know if they used a harness to connect to the ignition wiring in the column or did they cut into it to make the connections? The lights dimming them coming back would lead me to think it was a bad connection. And having to jump both batteries to start also leads me to think bad connection.
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 6
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I am having the same problem. I replaced the batteries and it worked fine for about 1 week. Then it would not start again. I had the batteries tested at the local Napa store and they told me the alternator (I just replaced it this summer) and batteries were good . So we assumed it was the starter, replaced it, and still would not start. Out of fustration I took it to my mechanic who helps me when I can't figure somthing out. He said that it is the alternator. I am going to change it wendsday and see what happens.
I also have a Bulldog remote starter that has been installed for over 1 year, and it has not been workin right for the past few weeks. I think it al stems from the bad alternator.
This will be the third alternator change in the past 1 1/2 years. Is Napa selling garbage alternators?
I also have a Bulldog remote starter that has been installed for over 1 year, and it has not been workin right for the past few weeks. I think it al stems from the bad alternator.
This will be the third alternator change in the past 1 1/2 years. Is Napa selling garbage alternators?
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PMS: an obsession
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From: Kamloops
I thank you all for your suggestions and opinions. I value tham all. I am going to do battery load tests, and also check to see if the alternator is producing the right amperage. Over 14 correct?
The battery connections are clean and tight, so I will also try some different batteries I had from my motorhome that is in storage right now, and try charging the old ones after the battery load tests are performed and see if they maintain a charge if required.
If it is the alternator, what brand is the best to go with? Should I use a Ford part or go with another?
Thanks
Merry Christmas!
The battery connections are clean and tight, so I will also try some different batteries I had from my motorhome that is in storage right now, and try charging the old ones after the battery load tests are performed and see if they maintain a charge if required.
If it is the alternator, what brand is the best to go with? Should I use a Ford part or go with another?
Thanks
Merry Christmas!
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by HighOctane
I thank you all for your suggestions and opinions. I value tham all. I am going to do battery load tests, and also check to see if the alternator is producing the right amperage. Over 14 correct?
The battery connections are clean and tight, so I will also try some different batteries I had from my motorhome that is in storage right now, and try charging the old ones after the battery load tests are performed and see if they maintain a charge if required.
If it is the alternator, what brand is the best to go with? Should I use a Ford part or go with another?
Thanks
Merry Christmas!
The battery connections are clean and tight, so I will also try some different batteries I had from my motorhome that is in storage right now, and try charging the old ones after the battery load tests are performed and see if they maintain a charge if required.
If it is the alternator, what brand is the best to go with? Should I use a Ford part or go with another?
Thanks
Merry Christmas!
Too much voltage is just as bad it will boil your batteries away very shortly.
Don't bother with anything but Motorcraft or Bosch.
Sorry NAPA, but I've been wrenching for nearly 30 years and they need to find a different rebuilder. Too many failures of thier parts. I will never install one of thiers unless it's the only one that I can get.
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Snowboard season cometh..
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,406
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From: Gulf Coast of Florida
I think my alternator is dying/dead and found one that is rated for 200A output @ 12V. Any problem with a higher amperage alternator? I plan on adding a car stereo amplifier & hooking up my 4 rally lights up front.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Buckingham, IA
No problem with installing a 200 amp alternator. They generate the amount of power that is required up to their maximum output, so you won't be hurting anything with 200 Amps max. It's nice to have some capacity in reserve if you are planning to add electricity using toys in the future.
Don't use NAPA. A neighbor put in 3 alternators in less than 2 weeks. Said he would never use NAPA alternators again. It is hard to find a source of reliable alternators and starters. If you could get your original one rebuilt by a reputable local rebuilder, you would be money and time ahead.
Don't use NAPA. A neighbor put in 3 alternators in less than 2 weeks. Said he would never use NAPA alternators again. It is hard to find a source of reliable alternators and starters. If you could get your original one rebuilt by a reputable local rebuilder, you would be money and time ahead.
Thread Starter
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PMS: an obsession
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Kamloops
Well, I replaced the batteries and after a week+ the truck is still starting fine. I guess this was a case of one bad battery bringing down the other. Alternator is putting out 14.5, so that is good. What is wierd is that all I had to do was replace the drivers side battery and it fired up, even though I had to jump both batteries at the same time to start it the night she failed. Anyways, both batteries are replaced now, and I thank all for responding.