absolutely no power
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Kingwood, TX
absolutely no power
Just went out to start the expedition (2008 EL with about 35000 miles). I got in, the power running board opened, started to turn the key, the power seat started forward, it made one very short noise as if it were going to start, then the power went completely out. It has no lights, no power anything, and it won't even try to start. The battery has a green "eye". Is there some sort of master relay? Worst part is, without electric, I can't get it out of park to drift it forward. HELP!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 0
From: south western pa
Sounds like the battery terminals are corodid or maybe even loose.Check the terminals make sure they are not loose.If they are tight loosen them and then twist the terminals back and forth and see if you get any power.If you get power tight the terminals if this dosent work check the ground wires and make sure they are tight and no rust under them.Thats about all I know to do.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
X2 Everyone should at least have a $10 test light, that will help isolate many common problems. At least with it we could guide you thru the simple stuff. Franklin2 should find this post, best I've seen on this forum for electrical issue's.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver Island
X3
If not a test light, a $10 digital multimeter from Walmart, Harbor Freight, whereever. Or a secondhand Fluke from a pawn shop. That's more complicated, but it'll tell you the exact battery voltage, or the voltage drop between battery stud and cable. If you don't understand what you're reading, post the numbers to a forum for help. It'll diagnose charging problems better than a light bulb.
If not a test light, a $10 digital multimeter from Walmart, Harbor Freight, whereever. Or a secondhand Fluke from a pawn shop. That's more complicated, but it'll tell you the exact battery voltage, or the voltage drop between battery stud and cable. If you don't understand what you're reading, post the numbers to a forum for help. It'll diagnose charging problems better than a light bulb.
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
foxcoupe, what was the final problem? I encountered the same thing just as you've described tonight on my 2008 expedition. Had just parked it an hour earlier, jumped in it and hit the key to start and as soon as the starter engaged everything went dead. Battery tests at 12.8 volts, the number 55 relay clicks, the headlights are very dim and fade out after couple of seconds of disconnecting and reconnecting the ground cable. I would appreciate any information on the solution to your issue.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Kingwood, TX
it was under warranty, so they towed it to the dealership, and said the battery was dead. The replaced the battery, and no problems since. Interestingly, the tow truck driver jumped it to drive it onto the flatbed towtruck, and it did start, but was almost in limp mode, the power running board would not even close again after he jump started it.
Ron
Ron
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Foxcoupe,
Thanks for the quick reply. I initially didn't think it was the battery since it showed 12.8 volts on the multi-meter. I jumped it and it fired right up so I made a quick battery change and it fired right up. You saved me a day off work tomorrow and hassling with the dealer to get them to pay for the tow. I've never seen a battery die that quick. Much appreciated!!
~Kelly
Thanks for the quick reply. I initially didn't think it was the battery since it showed 12.8 volts on the multi-meter. I jumped it and it fired right up so I made a quick battery change and it fired right up. You saved me a day off work tomorrow and hassling with the dealer to get them to pay for the tow. I've never seen a battery die that quick. Much appreciated!!
~Kelly
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Just a reminder; You can't check a battery just sitting there, you have to put a load on it. If you would have held the meter on the terminals while someone else tried to start the vehicle, that would have given you a true reading on the condition of the battery. The battery testers they use at the stores have a large resistor pack inside with cooling holes. They put this resistor pack across the battery while the meter on the front gives you a voltage reading to get a true indicator of the battery condition.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Cobra Highboy
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
May 16, 2014 07:55 PM
SpyFoxx
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
15
Jul 12, 2010 11:00 PM
