1997 Ford F150 Dead New Battery

1997 FORD F-150
184,450 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LUANNKENNEDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I was driving my truck three days after installing a new battery. I noticed my panel lights were extremely dim. Then all my indicator lights came on. Next all my instrument indicators went to zero. My headlights became very dim. I got the truck home. When I parked in the driveway I turned the truck off, then tried to turn it back on and got nothing but clicking. I let it sit 30 minutes, jumped it and it started. I had some panel but the voltage indicator showed little voltage. Once again when turned off, I got clicking when I tried to turn it back on. What could the problem be?
Dec 3, 2009 at 11:32 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
It sounds like the alternator is the problem. Have you checked it? If you have a volt meter, here is a how to for checking it:

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_alternator.htm

If you can't do it yourself, fully recharge the battery and take it to a parts store. THey can check it in the truck. If you don't feel comfortable driving it, remove the alt and have a parts store bench test it for you.

Let me know what you find, but that is what it sounds like.

Joe
Dec 3, 2009 at 2:17 PM
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