Strange problem starting.

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Tosh
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Joined: Thu Jan 20, 2011 9:52 am

Strange problem starting.

Postby Tosh » Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:32 am

Hi guys,
I have a strange problem, that seems intermittent and I'm hoping you can offer a suggestion or two.

I bought this 2006 SE almost a month ago and this has happened twice.

Once at the gas station, got out, left car on but not running so just radio and maybe lights. Pumped gas, paid and got in to start it.

When I tried starting it turned over SLOW twice then clicked a few times and the gauges "fluttered" after I took the key out, like they were moving up and down only slightly but quickly. The truck would not start and I only had it on for 5 min, this was after a 7 min drive to the gas station and it was warm and started fine at home.

Second time was today, I had the car on, programming the stereo for no more than 10 minutes. Tried starting it and the same thing happened as above.

Both situations were corrected by boosting it. And when I boosted it and even before boosting the battery level was at the normal 75% level. Also when I started it when connected to another car, it started like there was no issue, first try.


Has anyone come across this before? I have 4 days left if I want to return it or complain (we have 30 days here in Canada) so I could really use any input from you guys.

Thanks!!!


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eieio
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Postby eieio » Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:15 am

classic symptoms of a weak or failing battery

Tosh
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Postby Tosh » Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:16 am

I thought so too but why would it show a good charge and be intermittent?
I am happy to go buy a good battery today, I just want to be sure I'm putting $$$ in the right place.

I have never seen gauges flutter like that before, didnt think it was indicative of a bad battery.

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eieio
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Postby eieio » Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:24 am

Tosh wrote:I thought so too but why would it show a good charge and be intermittent?
I am happy to go buy a good battery today, I just want to be sure I'm putting $$$ in the right place.
how did you check the charge on the battery? load test? voltage? fluid level?
"even before boosting the battery level was at the normal 75% level" :?
both of my R51s showed the exact same symptoms when their batteries were about 3 yrs old
i replaced them both with Optima Red Tops (excellent batteries BTW)
always be sure that your charging system is functioning properly when considering battery replacement
:)

Tosh
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Postby Tosh » Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:33 am

Only on the meter on the dash showed a good charge...
What do you mean charging system? (Sorry for a stupid question) :?

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eieio
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Postby eieio » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:01 am

Tosh wrote:Only on the meter on the dash showed a good charge...
What do you mean charging system? (Sorry for a stupid question) :?
not a stupid question at all............
too many people replace a battery, only to have the new one discharge because their alternator or voltage regulator had failed
normal static voltage (checked at the battery terminals with no load/ ignition key off) of a normal battery in good condition should be about 12.1-12.4 VDC
same test @ idle should read approximately 14.5 VDC
the key here is that the readings must be taken with a "known good battery"
doing these tests with a compromised battery will probably give inaccurate results
more info in the service manual (3rd "sticky" at the top of this forum)

Tosh
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Postby Tosh » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:16 am

So are you recommending I have the battery tested then replace?

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eieio
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Postby eieio » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:23 am

Tosh wrote:So are you recommending I have the battery tested then replace?
yes, but also check the charging system output (as above) after battery replacement
OEM batteries seem to typically last 3-4 years in these trucks
it probably just needs a new battery, but best to get the whole picture.......
do you have a volt meter?

NYPathfinder
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Joined: Fri Aug 13, 2010 9:53 am

Postby NYPathfinder » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:43 am

same thing happened to me recently. Replaced the battery and no problems. The OEM battery wouldnt even hold a charge. I charged it overnite and couldnt even start the truck..

cbagn
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Postby cbagn » Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:48 am

Just to you ride to any major auto parts store, they can hook it up to a tester to make sure the battery and its cells are good


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