Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) engine slow cranking - batteries>

[Duluth Diesel]

My '02 never cranked this slow. This morning, albeit 1 degree air temp, not plugged in, it barely cranked over. This truck has started at -22 not plugged in. At -22 last winter, it cranked faster than it did this morning at 1 degree.

During the past couple weeks, my driving has been mostly short trips (<20 miles). I normally plug it in, but I forgot last night.

Question is: When I am doing mostly short trips, and starting the truck means cycling the grid heater each time, am I not allowing my batteries to charge? I assume that I am discharging them slowly. I've never hooked a battery charger to this truck. Which battery is best to hook it up to, or does it really matter?



Thanks for the help. I better get these batteries back up to snuff before I get stranded.



DD

 

[duaneparks]

If you are still running the stock batteries, charging them may not make a difference long term.



I went through this exercise in August. Ended up replacing both batteries one morning when she wouldn't start. Had the same symptoms you describe (except this was in 70* weather). Slow spin during start degrading to not even a click when the key was turned to the start position.



HTH.



Duane

 

[bmoeller]

If the batteries aren't charged up, they can freeze. It is possible they are no good. However, I drive 15 miles, one way, to work, and don't always drive it during the day. Haven't had a dead battery yet. It hasn't been that cold here, so who knows.



If you park outside alot, I wonder if one of those solar chargers that sits on the dash and plugs into the cig. lighter would help keep it charged enough?



OEM batteries must not be very good if they are shot in 2yrs.



Have a battery in a skidsteer loader (OEM) that is 7yrs. old. This machine starts up alot, and only run for short periods most of time since it is mainly used for loading hay for the cattle and scraping lots. Just have kept the terminals clean, and added water when needed. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.