Dash gauges not working, not starting

ATWILSONJR

MEMBER
2002 FORD E-SERIES VAN
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

I drove to the gas station and filled it up and added some sea foam to the tank. At my next stop when I restarted the vehicle to leave it wouldn't start. The battery is relatively new, and nothing had been left on, but I grabbed my jump box anyway and hooked it up. The van started but sounded different; struggled, so I came straight home so I wouldn't end up stranded. While driving, all dash gauges were flat except the speedometer, and eventually it went flat as well. After getting home I checked the battery and it's good. The vehicle won't even attempt to start now. Haven't tried with the jump box again.
Any ideas?

3 Replies

KEN L

ADMIN

How did you check the battery? Also, the battery light on while you drive. Because it sounds like the alternator is not working. To be sure this guide can help walk you through how to test it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

If it is not charging here is how you can change the alternator out in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 1:47 PM

ATWILSONJR

MEMBER

Turns out it was the battery all along. I didn't want to believe that becasue it was only 7 months old with no sign of failure beforehand. I've replaced it but I'm keeping the negative terminal unhooked when the van's not in use for now - until I find the source of parasitic draw or confirm there isn't any.
Thanks for your help!

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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 5:55 AM

KEN L

ADMIN

Good job. yep, a slight draw can cause a battery to go bad. here is a guide that can help you find the easy stuff:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 2:44 PM