ok i just want some other opinions before i go out and but a new battery. Im pretty set that that battery is just in its last breath though. symptoms=

1. turn truck off, have ONLY the cb on and kills it in less than a minute

2. trickle charge all night, and still dies fast

3. just recently, after a trickle charge, i go to unhook it and i literally almost passsed out from this horrid acid smell.

i dont know what else, you get the picture, this may also explain my longer starts. Im pretty sure the battery itself just needs to be replaced but i just want some input first. the only other explaination could be all the stuff i have drawing off it, but (at least i dont think) does or is suppoesed to, when its off.

1. off road lights, switch controlled

2. back up lights, switch controlled

3. cb

4. amp for subs

5. interior lighting, switch controlled

as i said, none of this stuff should draw off it, but im juss giving you everything to work with. THANKS

EDIT: forgot to add this- when i have my system up really loud, the lights dim when it hits hard.

 

Um judging by the horrible acid smell, I'd say it's time for a yellowtop, to match your truck!

 

have you put a battery in the truck since u got it? if its been in there over 3 to 4 years it has had its serviceable life. anything more and you got lucky.

so if older than 3yrs time to invent in a new batt

 

AP stores test batteries and alternators, every day, for free.

 

check the fluid level and fill it with special type of water

 

the "special" water is distilled water. fill it about 3/8 inch below the top casing of the battery.

also, did you ever invest in a voltmeter? you can do a parasitic load test is you have a volt meter with an amps setting. call or pm me and ill help you

 

"special" hahahaha do you have to get that @ a "special" store?

 

yes, and only by "special" people

my mom sayz im "special"

 

Heres your bus Justin

 

Justin, phil does have a voltmeter/multimeter. We used it for my hid install. I think he needs to fill the water then check it.

 

i would def check parasitic load test first, then replace the battery if needed.

 

haha i knew that i just forgot what it was called when i posted

 

My battery lasted 6 years.

When it finally gave out, it's symptoms were longer,harder starts, needed to be boosted to start, even after running for 20+ mins,shutting it off and trying to start again with just a dead click.

 

why not just buy a new battery?

 

^ thats what i plan to do, i just want to make sure thats what the problem is.

you know its kinda hard for a junior in highschool to just go out and buy all sorts of **** for the truck, thats why i always make sure thats what is needed first.



yes, i believe this is the original battery, so it going on 9 years now...

 

If you got nine years out of a battery (with normal usage) it sure doesn't owe you anything.

Average, you can expect 3 - 5 years out of a battery; some "premium" ones are warrantied for 5 or 6 years, but for these you will pay extra.

I just replaced my original battery - it lasted six years, but for the last year or so, I knew it was on the way out - it had a couple of bad cells, and it was only a matter of time.

BTW, a bad battery doesn't do your alternator any favours either.

 

id highly recommend buying a Motorcraft bettery.

3 reasons...

my 1996 F-150 had the original battery until 2wks ago
my dads 1993 Ranger had the original battery until 6 months ago
my 1998 Ranger still has the original battery

 

i have an interstate battery. how do you guys like them? no, yes?

 

Motorcraft FTW! I still run my original battery in my 02. No problems so far. Cold starts take a little longer, but that's with most any battery.

Phil, you need to email dgraber@richford.tv and see how much a Motorcraft battery is.

 

orrr...just come up and ill get you one at my cost? and a bates burger?

 

OOOO! Bates! Phil...next week..road trip. When my underdrives and stuff come in I smell a mod day for everyone! Maybe a thursday?

 

i bought an Optima battery and i love it, but as you said being in highschool you cant afford everything you want.

 

^ well maybe with the system and all that other crap, a higher end battery might be best....

 

i got an interstate megatron II. 600cca. so far so good.

 

That's doing fantastic - too bad I didn't see this post before I got my replacement (aftermarket) battery!