Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power issues

[madmanmanick]

I am having issues with the electrical system on my truck. I just returned from a 7 month deployment and my trucks batteries were not dead, and the truck started. I drove the truck around for about 25 minutes and the next day it was real hard to start. I ran the truck for 45 minutes driving it to work. The next morning when I went to go home it again was real hard starting. I drove it home, which took about 20 minutes. The next morning the truck would not start at all. Both batteries were completely dead. I had a buddy jump start my truck and then I ran it for about 30 minutes. The next day I drove to work. I had to stop for fuel. I had the truck off for about 5 minutes and it was real hard to start. The real quick answer is that the batteries are bad, but they are 4 yrs old and I didn't think that was the answer. I was told by a friend that it could possibly be the alternator is bad and is draining the batteries. And one last thing to add is that mice decided to make a nest in my hood liner, I have inspected what i can see for the electrical system and I am not seeing any chewed cables. Does anyone have suggestions on what to look at or any tests to do.

 

[KBurgoyne]

get yourself a volt meter for 10 bucks. test both of the batteries individually unhooked. test tem again with the truck running. You want 14v running and 12.5 shut off. If the batteries sat for 7 months they might be bad. You can get them load tested for free at auto parts stores.

 

[JR]

The best bet is to check to make sure they don't need any water, charge them up and drive to your nearest autoparts store and have them load tested. They will do this for free along with a check of the altenator if the batteries pass the load test.

Also make sure all battery and ground connections are clean and corrosion free and tight,

 

[SnoKing]

You also need to check the air cleaner box for a nest if you had mice under the hood. Some find the box clear full of nest material! Snoking