1988 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat Supercab;V8 5.0L

SPAZ23

MEMBER
1988 FORD F-150

I had been using the truck a few days ago, it was running fine, just had a little trouble starting up.

I got in it the other day to do some more work around the yard, and it just wouldn't start at all. I just kept getting a clicking noise and nothing else, so I figured the battery was either dead or didn't have enough juice to start it. My neighbor checked it out, said everything else was fine cause he could hear the starter trying to kick on with his jumper box hooked up. So he told me to try charging the battery.

I charged the battery that night, brought it out the next morning and tried starting it again. I could hear the starter trying to turn over, but it wasn't starting the truck at all. After letting off the key, I saw a little smoke coming from the negative terminal on the battery itself.

What could be causing the smoke coming from the negative terminal on the battery?

1 Reply

SPAZ23

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well, nevermind about the question. I figured out the problem myself. I think the starter is on it's way out. I had a little trouble locating it, but finally found it under the engine on the passenger side, just above the exhaust.

I gave it a few love taps with my hammer, hopped in the truck and she started right up.

So, that's going to be a future problem right there. Gonna have to get that repaired soon. Hopefully I can get to the nuts and bolts myself to remove it. I have replaced one in an '89 Buick Regal Custom, but that was really easy to get to. This one is going to be a bit of a challenge.