2003 Ford F-150 Got me Stumped

Tiny
JEEPGOD
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
Ok here goes. About 6 months ago we noticed that when we started the truck the gages would all surge to peak then return to normal. Then the other day after I had driven it for a medium roadtrip it didnt want to start. My thoughts are that it may be the alternator or something in the fuse area. As the not wanting to start has just begun the alternator should not be the only culprit here. I am not a professional mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but after doing my own mechanic work for the last 25 years or so You would think I know a bit about cars. I removed the battery cables with the truck running and it continues to run so maybe it isnt the alternator. Just got me confused on what it may be. Thanks for your time.
Sunday, June 1st, 2008 AT 12:02 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
How did u get it started?
If you get a jump
and it stay running after it then I would say check and or replace battery

90% of shops will check charging system and battery for free
and you should take advantage of that
disconnecting the battery on newer car may result in a serious damage to the electric and electronic system
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 1st, 2008 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
JEEPGOD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It was a Slow wirr wirr wirrr then it started no jump required. This morning I took a volt meter to the battery before starting itit shows 12.6 and after starting it showed 14.7 so I would say that the battery and the alternator were both fine. I think it may be a Fuse or a wiring problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 1st, 2008 AT 10:06 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
I would still have the battery tested
if it has a bad cell will ruin the alternator
alternator charging volts are OK
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 1st, 2008 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
JEEPGOD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I will have the battery tested tomorrow. Thanks for all the info I appreciate it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 1st, 2008 AT 10:49 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE