Battery Question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Battery Question
Ok, here's the deal: I bought a used '08 F250 a couple months ago. I work offshore. The first time I came back in from offshore (being out 7 days) the batteries were dead. I didn't have time to mess with it during Christmas, so i went offshore again for about 19 days, batteries died again. Had the batteries tested and the one on the drivers side was bad. I replaced it with a new one.
I know having one weak battery will pull the other one down, but to make sure there isn't something drawing the batteries down also, I need ya'lls help. Does anyone know what the amperage draw is supposed to be when the truck is not running. I took both battery cables off and measured a draw of about 2.3 amps. I pulled some fuses and found that when I pulled the radio fuse it dropped the amperage draw down to about 1.0 amp. Any help would be appreciated.
I know having one weak battery will pull the other one down, but to make sure there isn't something drawing the batteries down also, I need ya'lls help. Does anyone know what the amperage draw is supposed to be when the truck is not running. I took both battery cables off and measured a draw of about 2.3 amps. I pulled some fuses and found that when I pulled the radio fuse it dropped the amperage draw down to about 1.0 amp. Any help would be appreciated.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Which type of radio came with your truck? Nav radio, Sirrius, 6 cd changer? I'm not an electronics expert, but when you replace these batteries, Ive heard to ALWAYS replace them both, regardless of the condition of the other one. While leaving any diesel un-started for close to a month is not good for various reasons I've heard people here say, I'd find it odd that the radio would pull down the batteries all by itself. Also, you didn't say, but did you put a charger on both batteries the first time or did you just jump it and drive? Ive seen many alternators burned up after jumping a completely drained battery and just letting the alternator push a charge in it.
New User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
The alternator will detect a full charge from your new battery and never fully charge your old battey, even if it's good. Always replace them in pairs. Are you doing the parasitic draw test properly ? Sometimes it takes several minutes for the modules to go to sleep after you disconnect the battery and reconnect it with your multimeter.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
I would suggest that you disconnect both batteries, then turn the headlights on for a few minutes before testing to see if there is a draw.
Totally agree with the two battery replacement as well.
I think you are ok with the truck sitting for a few weeks without running, but when you get back you need to ensure that thing gets up to temp and work it.
Totally agree with the two battery replacement as well.
I think you are ok with the truck sitting for a few weeks without running, but when you get back you need to ensure that thing gets up to temp and work it.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I have the 6 disc radio system with Sirius.
If the alternator is working properly there should be no reason it would die from having to recharge the batteries after jumping.
No, I was not doing the parasitic test correctly, I read up on it last night and am going to attemp it again today, I'll let you know the results.
I did not know about replacing both batteries at the same time, thanks.
Thanks for the help guys.
If the alternator is working properly there should be no reason it would die from having to recharge the batteries after jumping.
No, I was not doing the parasitic test correctly, I read up on it last night and am going to attemp it again today, I'll let you know the results.
I did not know about replacing both batteries at the same time, thanks.
Thanks for the help guys.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sanger440
1997 - 2003 F150
2
Aug 2, 2014 03:14 PM
