Turn Key One Crank

[jb73Mach]

Usual Ford nonsense. Could be low battery, the connections at the starter are bad, the ground is bad, or the solenoid is bad. Any advice before I dig in? Battery was on a trickle charger for two weeks and is showing 12.85V - bit low but enough?

Thanks

 

[basstrix]

A quick and dirty check is to turn on the headlights when you crank. If they dim substantially, it's a voltage issue....likely a battery or connection. If they remain bright, it's switch issue...solenoid/ignition.

Out here in Phx, the change in season is the most common time for batteries to fail. The inner-cell connectors fatigue and crack and when they cool down, the crack separates and you lose a portion of the battery. They can still produce good voltage until you load them up.

 

[jb73Mach]

It is the change of season here. I put a quick charger on at 50 amps and at least got the lights and radio back. Sounds like the battery is shot - that will be my first move tomorrow before actually getting dirty.

 

[c9zx]

It sounds like one of the 6 cells is dead. Chuck

 

[jb73Mach]

Took the battery and let it sit overnight. It dropped to a bit less than 8 volts. Problem solved without getting dirty or having to get under the car.