Hello everyone,

Ok. first thing is that I did my oil change earlier this morning. No problem there oil pressure up and no leaks. I then washed my X since it was really dirty. The I added the exhaust temp gauge probe thats it (already wired).

Now my problem comes in is about 5 hours later, I go to move my truck in the driveway and it it has a rough start. But it does start. I thought that was wierd since it was the first time it has done that for me. S I tried to start it again and it wouldn't start.

First key in the ignition.
second waiting for the lights to go off.
third turning the key to start.
truck wants to start. sounds like it wants to crank over but hesitates. then the lights on the dash (ABS, Engine, Safety belt, etc) start to flicker like christmas lights.

I though it might be a weak battery because the milage isnt as bright as it used to be. I filled up the tank about a week ago. Never even turned on the lights today.

Please help with suggestions, because right now its blocking the wife's vehicle and the X will be a pain in the A#@ to push out into the street.

 

How old are the batteries Al? I'd place my bet there...maybe get the wife's vehicle turned around and put the jumpers to your X. Or push the X out (you could use the exercise right?), yank the batteries and get someone to load test them for you. That's where I would start...Good luck amigo!

 

Most definatly sound like batteries to me. Do what Neal suggested. Try and jump it, then have them load tested. You should also check all of your connections including grounds and grounding jumpers.

 

Agree, sure sounds like weak batteries. The flashing dash lights and clicking relays are a give away. Check you connections and grounds. You can do a redneck battery check by turning on you headlights and then turning the engine over. Weak batteries will cause the headlights to all but go out.

 

Just tried jumping it with the wife's escape. It is a tinker toy escape but, it sounded like it was regaining some juice. Might have to go in the morning and buy new batteries. Dont know how old the batteries are. I just got the X in october, but they do look old.

any other suggestions are welcome.

 

Chances are that you will ruin you wife's battery before you start a PSD with weak batteries. You could pull your batteries and have the store load test them, but it sure sounds like weak batteries to me. Remember, replace both at the same time.

 

I'm not discounting the battery idea with your Christmas tree lights and dim odometer, but since you just changed the oil take a quick peek at the oil level in your HPOP reservoir. Make sure it's within 1" from the top.

 

I'm betting a fresh SET of batteries will be your cure......spring for the Optima's, you won't regret it! You mayyyybe lost your prime with the oil change and got some air in the lines, not likely....but maybe? If you have access to a battery charger, leave it on overnight, even with bad batteries it should give it enough juice to fire it up in the morning. Let us know what happens

 

Thanks all......I went and got two new batteries. Went to the local autozone. Got the Duralast batteries. Sorry couldn't pay the $189.00 a piece for the optima ones. Thanks for the help. All is well now.

 

Cool.....thanks for the follow up! Glad you're back in action now

 

Just to be on the safe side, you may want to run by A-zone and have the check you alternator out (free). Make sure it is not the reason for your failed batteries.

 

You can also take a DMM and check voltage at idle should be around 14 volts or so.