Truck needs to be jump started every time

Tiny
KRISPEDERSEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1976 FORD F-150
  • 6.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
Once started it drives great. Good power and headlights do not dim. If I turn it off and try to turn it back on again right after it cranks a few times, but doesn't start or just barely starts if I'm lucky (usually it doesn't). I have replaced the battery, alternator, starter, and diode recently, but it still needs to be jumped. When I turn the key it tries to start, but it doesn't want to due to what sounds like lack of power to crank starter. The only other thing wrong that I know about is that the driver's side front blinker recently stopped working. The blinker circuit blew the fuse for a couple days, but has stopped blowing fuses. All other blinkers work. I discovered no juice is getting to the drivers side front blinker filament in the new two filament bulb I put in, but the running light filament does work.
Monday, October 7th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Are the battery terminals clean and tight? I have seen where jumper cables, when attached, tighten the terminal enough to make good contact but don't after the jumper is removed. If it starts and you are jumping it normally, the voltage doesn't change, but the amperage does. Have you had the starter draw tested? It may be drawing too much amperage from the one battery to start.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, October 7th, 2019 AT 6:13 PM
Tiny
KRISPEDERSEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Joe,

Thanks for the quick response! I have not tested the starter draw and will clean the cables and terminals. I'll get back to you after I get a chance to check wire connections and clean/tighten terminals.

Thanks,

Kris
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Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

Kris, you can't believe how often a loose or corroded terminal causes this type of issue. I hope that's all it is.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 AT 5:35 PM

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