Battery dead or not

[Mikeeg]

I have 2001 F53 which has had no battery problems until now.I turn the key and nothing no lights no power.I boost off the house batteries and instant start but dash oil and battery lights blinking and I get clicking from the dash area then they stop like they are resetting.I turn it off and restart and get instant start of chassie battery, so I don't think the battery is dead just won't start until booster starts it first. Thinking dirty cables on battery but have had no time to clean them. What do you Guys think.

[SRT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeeg I have 2001 F53 which has had no battery problems until now.I turn the key and nothing no lights no power.I boost off the house batteries and instant start but dash oil and battery lights blinking and I get clicking from the dash area then they stop like they are resetting.I turn it off and restart and get instant start of chassie battery, so I don't think the battery is dead just won't start until booster starts it first. Thinking dirty cables on battery but have had no time to clean them. What do you Guys think.

Do you have a switch that would "turn off" the starting battery? Don't ask me why.....

[RoadRohrers]

If the battery is nearly or over eight years old, I would probably replace it for general principles. Most do not last that long. The clicking is a sign of low voltage. Probably starting battery takes just enough charge to crank engine and engine is easier to start since it is a little warmer when you turn it off and try again.

[Wizard]

Agree with the above post. Batteries can have normal voltage readings but not enough amp capacity to turn over the engine when cold. They will usually take a little more charge then and crank it the second time.

[Tinkerer]

Clean the battery post and connectors. If you have the same result, have the battery load tested. Test bad, replace.