battery problem
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
see: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...archid=1156074
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Central Mississippi
I easy to find posts from other forum members.. Just click on their "name" in the upper left hand corner of any post by them... you will get a drop down window.. click on "find other posts...."
see: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...archid=1156074
see: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...archid=1156074
Great to learn, or relearn ways to find old subjects i remember reading about and have an easy reference to find them again.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: wisconsin
my trucks batterys die if my truck isnt started once a day, i just went outside to start it and it almost didnt start, the batters are at 12V at least most of the time but when i load tested it one droped to 9.8v (about) i havnt checked the other yet cause if i dont let the batterys recharge a little the truck wont start again. anyone know whats wroung? oh, and the alternator was changed last year and it charges my batterys when running to 14.3v. do i need new batterys?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
Probably need new batteries.. (replace both at the same time)... I would charge both of them to "full" charge and go to Napa and buy a battery hydrometer, about $20 and test each cell..Any weak cells, buy new batteries..
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
Not sure on that.. you should start a "new" thread with that question for better response..
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: wisconsin
ok thanks. i was just wondering if u knew, ive seen lots of posts on how to delete the code and ways around the code but no real solutions.
i guess no one really uses theres....
i guess no one really uses theres....
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
I bought mine from Schucks ( O'Reileys) a couple of years ago and got their 1000 CCA batteries.. Been great so far.. about $90 a piece..
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 1
From: Northern Idaho
I didn't read all the posts but here is my input....
7 months old? Free replacement time and check to be sure you're maintaining proper voltage.
I had a 89 toyota pickup and one thing I learned was that if the alternator is bad but barely working then it will damage your battery(s) by not properly charging them.
If you have bad batteries and your alternator is working over time then your batteries will fry the alternator.
My suggestion would be get your replacement batteries which should be free and also replace the alternator at the same time. I did this on my old '89 Toy and never had a problem since, but it took 3 batteries and 2 alternators to figure this out in a 3 year period.
Why 2 alternators?
Look at it like this....
Bad battery... Replace....
Bad alternator.... Replace
Bad battery... Replace
Bad alternator... WTF... Replace battery and alternator, ahhhh, problem solved. Neither have been touched since and it's been about 6 years.
7 months old? Free replacement time and check to be sure you're maintaining proper voltage.
I had a 89 toyota pickup and one thing I learned was that if the alternator is bad but barely working then it will damage your battery(s) by not properly charging them.
If you have bad batteries and your alternator is working over time then your batteries will fry the alternator.
My suggestion would be get your replacement batteries which should be free and also replace the alternator at the same time. I did this on my old '89 Toy and never had a problem since, but it took 3 batteries and 2 alternators to figure this out in a 3 year period.
Why 2 alternators?
Look at it like this....
Bad battery... Replace....
Bad alternator.... Replace
Bad battery... Replace
Bad alternator... WTF... Replace battery and alternator, ahhhh, problem solved. Neither have been touched since and it's been about 6 years.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga, TN
You can also use a VOM going from cell to cell to read each cell's voltage with truck not running.
I think each cell should be 2 volts + or -. This is similar to using a hydrometer, but not the same.
I think each cell should be 2 volts + or -. This is similar to using a hydrometer, but not the same.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Central Mississippi
Where do you put the leads to check each cell, just into water?? Positive or negative lead?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
to add to the previous discussion, Your truck must have 10.5VDC for the IDM to fire and to start the truck. If your batts are falling below 10.5VDC then you most likely have a bad cell or a bad alternator. Stock 120Amp alternators will output about 13VDC at idle, but will ramp up voltage to about 14.1 at 1700rpms. IF you alternator is putting out below 12V at idle then it is not charging the batts. A bad alternator will ruin a good set of batteries in a short time frame. Make sure your Interstate batts are not "blems". the word BLEM is heat stamped into the palstic of the batt case somewhere. BLEM batts carry no warranty from Interstate. Used car and truck dealers have been known to install blems just so they can use new batteries as a selling feature. Always install two new batts at the same time. An upgraded alternator ( 160amp, 180amp, 220amp) is a really good idea if you are running extra electrical equipment( big stereo, winch, inverter) on the truck.
