SOMETIMES, when i start my 2001 F150 Screw, the speedo and tach needles spin all the way to the right and then bounce back (tach to 800 or so and speedo to zero). this only happens sometimes.
why?

 

battery gets low voltage. mine does it too when i have my lights on or run my radio for a while

 

does this occur because it's supposed to tell us low voltage, or it's a gremlin?
i have the original battery....half of me says to replace it soon so it doesn't leave me stranded.

 

did it do it after you left your radio or some other electronics on or plugged in?

because mine only does it if i drain the battery a little low, but other than that it starts just fine

 

come to think of it, it might be only after i use my hypertech...will have to keep an eye on it.
thanks.
Rob

 

Probably time for a new battery.

The gauges sweep at startup when the battery supply voltage drops below a certain threshold (a reset function).

If the cluster does it frequently or consistently, replace the battery less it strands you.

Steve

 

I agree with the battery. Your truck is a 2001. So, your battery is around 8 years old. Just let it go.

-Matt

 

thanks guys...it did it again yesterday.
I put an Everstart in the Civic, seems like a good deal.

anyone know who makes it? or another suggestion for a battery?
I don't run amps or anything, but don't mind spending the extra cash if it's worth it.

 

I got a duralast redtop from autozone. I had my doubts when I bought but it works just as well as the original, even when it's zero out. I think it ran about 70 something. I was going to get a optima but after all the problems the guys in the lincoln forums have with them I passed.

 

thanks guys....LAST question....should i bother programming back to stock before pulling the battery? then reprogram after installing?
wasn't sure how it will work since i use the hypertech to change the WOT shifting.

Consumer Reports says the Napa 8465 is the best....
but many sites list three different sizes for my truck....

 

it won't let me edit my post, even though it's recent.

I read the manual and it says Group 59 and then a Group 65 for the heavy duty, which i plan on getting....hope it actually does fit!!!

 

Your truck uses the group 65 battery. Motorcraft BXT-65-850 would be my recomendation.

 

thanks...let's hope i don't have the same problem as this guy...whatever it is
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post5844775

 

well, i replaced the MC BXT59 with a Megatron Plus MTP65.
cranked right up, no gauge sweep.

but as always, something has to go wrong.
broke the hold down bolt, will have to drill when i have time in a month or two. heavy a$$ battery and no offroading, i think i should be fine.

one other thing, the OEM battery cover didn't fit back on....either it's only designed to cover MC batteries or i just didn't try hard enough.