Battery problems
Battery: It accumulates the electrical energy generated by the alternator. It provides energy to all the electric and electronic circuits of the car.
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How to test your F-150‘s battery, step by step
How do I start my F-150 with a dead battery?
More specific problems:
Related problems:
See owner's manual
Top problems
Whats draining my battery? 
Solved
Ford F-150 2002 F150 167000 miles
When my truck sits overnight, something is draining on the battery. When i open the door the dinger goes off and the radio turns on (off whenever i turn vehicle off). Start truck up and bam... No radio sometimes no wipers. It has a brand new battery i installed a month ago. Testing says alternator is fine. Only new in the last year is a fuel pump.
Help!
Help!
5 reports
2
VI
Damm even I am having a similar kind of issue, I have searched all over the internet and even have posted on number of threads on different forum, no solution seems to work. I am really frustrated, can anyone of you here help me resolve this issue, I am very much tired now
Vote helpful6
PA
I have read that a front windshield leak causes the GEM module to short out if at any time you have things that come on and off without you turning them on. It is a box connected directly on top of the under dash fuse box. It is very hard to get out, and they are hard to find for the older trucks. You either have to buy used or remanufactured, and the model number of your part has to exactly match or all of your options will not work. I’m still trying to get one for mine, but haven’t had any luck. I have looked for a cross reference part #, but haven’t had any luck. Even my call to Ford ended with them telling me to find an electronics repair shop that can refurbish mine. I still haven’t found one that will guarantee the part for more than 30 days, and they want me to send my part to them and then wait for them to make the repair and they will mail it back. The cost is astronomical too! To have mine repaired it was $400, and if I want to take a chance on a junkyard part, I can get one for $150. The junkyard part is only guaranteed with an exchange if the part they send don’t work. I can’t find any information on specs, or any testing methods. I’ve even tried to get nomenclature to find out what the model #digits mean. There is mot much good info on this part. I hope this helps. Make sure you have the windshield resealed before replacing the part if that’s what yours turns out to be.
Vote helpful1
AC
I think that's my problem. When I brought it home. I had break lights and turn signals. Now I have none. Bad arch when putting battery cable on. Positive or negative? What do you think?
Vote helpful6
Best answer (according to Ksj1)
KS
So driving down the road and the solution came to me, in the form of my under dash fuse panel. It caught fire! Got it out with minimal damage. New fuse panel (and a couple short wire repairs), no more issues! Not my preferred way of finding the issue but it is solved and fixed.
Vote helpful1
AN
Did you replace the relay ?
Vote helpful
CommentRadio Not working since New Battery Installed
Ford F-150 2012 F150 XLT 82000 miles
I had a new Battery installed and since the Radio Shuts Down after turning of engine.
4 reports
I replaced my trucks battery and the radio, phone and clock are not working. Any help It is a 2010 F 150 crew cab 5.4 liter V8
I just found a YouTube video this morning for the same thing. Press the power button and the fast forward button together for about 15 seconds and it will reboot for you
CommentHave a short somewhere but can't find it. Battery saver relay coil
Ford F-150 2003 Supercrew at 4.6 v8 321000 miles
Ignition/run circuit short to power, safety belt lamp circuit short. Where might these all com into contact?
2 reports
Frustrated Ford owner from United States 2 years ago
Turn on the ignition dash lights up turn the key to start dash lights go out and the battery saver relay starts clicking won't stop until I disconnect the battery
Probably under your seat you might have a pinched wire if ypu move the seat often
CommentWill not Start/crank. New battery,
Ford F-150 2010 138000 miles
Will not crank. I installed a new battery / Starter relay & fuse. Nada not even a click click click ?
2 reports
Sounds like your starter motor is stuck or has completely failed try putting the vehicle into gear and rocking it back and forward then try again if this fails I’d replace the starter motor hope this helps.
Creed reed from United States 3 years ago
Im having same problem. I put it in gear and rocked back and forth it worked! The next time I tried to crack same thing won't start. Is it the starter relay?
CommentBattery and Radio issues...
Ford F-150 2012 F150 XLT 6.2L V8 178549 miles
1st my radio just quit one day few months back. Fuses are fine, according to repair shop radio is perfect, wiring perfect. They don't know what happened and I wasn't replacing my radio because I want music for over 900$. Then today(June 2022) my battery indicator light popped on, then five minutes later it popped off. Alternator fine, battery only a year old and reads fine, checked cables connecting battery and all are tight and where they are supposed to be. I cannot figure out why my battery light is popping on. And as far as I can tell while driving I am not losing power. 2012 f150 xlt with almost 200k miles and now everything wants to start going wrong. Any suggestions on what else I should check for battery issues and radio issues since everything seems to be checking out perfect?
11 reports
I have a 2015 Ford F150 XL my radio screen is blank but the radio works fine I tried holding the buttons down like it told me to reset the screen but it is not working what can I do
CommentBattery issue
Ford F-150 2013 72000 miles
Battery went dead due to some heart problems on my part. Finally able to get out. Put batt on charge and after 8 hrs of charge the charged light is on, but there is no electric going to the truck. No lights come on or any other of the electronics. Any hints? Thanks.
5 reports
Check the ground from the battery to the engine and from the engine to the chassis. There may be a break or corroded connection.
CommentHeadlights come on when battery is connected
Ford F-150 2003 200000 miles
The passenger side headlights comes on when battery is connected
1 report
The sensor for the light is a small bubble on the dash near the windshield, try cleaning it. Let me know if this solved it!
CommentBattery will not charge
Ford F-150 1995 5.0 218158 miles
Changed battery,solenoid and starter what e could it be
1 reply
Need help if anyone can please it is the only thing me and the wife has right now
CommentWont turn over replaced battery and starter starter engages but motor
Ford F-150 2002 long bed 1 miles
Motor wont turn over replaced starter and new battery when turn key starter engages but motor wont turn
6 reports
CommentBattery Draw
Ford F-150 2004 lariat 5.4 180000 miles
Fuse 21 Cluster keep live
Draws 2.29 amps
Is it normal
Draws 2.29 amps
Is it normal
3 reports
Same here took fuse#21 , 31 and 107 out seem to stop battery drain but door locks windows radio and odometer and dome lights does not work really confussed been at this problem for a month now
CommentBattery light now dead battery
Ford F-150 1998 194437 miles
Battery light came on going down the road and battery power dropped to 8 pulled in parked and cut it off tried to restart now battery is dead
I put a new battery alternator in filter on my truck in it wil
Ford F-150 2007 5.4 titans xlt 17634456 miles
It will not start in it have a new battery in a alternator, fuel filter in it well not still not work
No power battery fully charged
Ford F-150 1995 100000 miles
Battery is fully charged but there is no crank no power won't start
1 report
Connected negative on battery to positive terminal
Ford F-150 2006 King ranch 163390 miles
I connected the battery from a Nissan titan to my ford f-150 king ranch. The alarm came on n the wires going from the battery to alternator started to smoke I quickly disconnected it. Then connected it correctly drove truck about 3 miles: once I was home I put in new battery and new alternator. But the battery wont stay charged. & head lights stay on. On the fuse box in the passengers side one of the fuses keeps blowing out.
No power to the ignition switch or nothing except the battery and new
Ford F-150 1990 F150/300 6cylinder/4.9 350000 miles
No power to the ignition or no where just the except the battery and solenoid relay
4 reports
There is no battery power to the vehicle
Ford F-150 2006 Super crew 5.4l v8 168000 miles
There is no battery power to the vehicle the battery reads 12.9 and I tested the cables and cant get any power. No response at all when key is in the ignition the car seems completely dead and tried jumping it and got nothing.
3 reports
No power to the trailer battery
Ford F-150 2015 250000 miles
The seven pin connector will not deliver power to charge my trailer battery.250
2 reports
Draining battery
Ford F-150 2012 Truck 50000 miles
Every now and then my battery goes dead? Something is draining the battery for no reason. Even now on a hot weather.
3 reports
3 reports
14 reports
Check battery light comes on
Ford F-150 2011 crewcab 5.0 4x4 123411 miles
Jump off truck every time i get in check battery light comes on at slow driving or engine idling have the third alt an second battery in last year and the light still comes on now at night a front running light and a side marker on front right stays on when u lock the doors with key fob used to beep once now it beeps twice like the door is not shut
4 reports
Battery won't charge
Ford F-150 2002 Extended cab v6 4.7 188000 miles
The battery won't charge an it has brand new battery an alternator
3 reports
How to take out raley or fuse no. R2 Battery saver
Ford F-150 2002 4.6 1800 miles
Nois on raley and dead Battery
1 report
Dies after removing battery cables
Ford F-150 1997 F150 4.6 33300 miles
First i thought it was the altenator ,so i did the start up and removed the cable and sure enough it dies ,so i buy a new and did the same thing and it still dies battery is good almost new cant figure out the problem
6 reports
Anti skid gauge check brake gauge are on and battery corrosion is bad
Ford F-150 2009 f150 stx 4.6 90000 miles
Battery corrosion is very bad
Truck wont start until i disconnect and reconnect the battery
Ford F-150 2002 f150 5.4 170000 miles
Truck wont start until i disconnect the battery then reconnect the battery and when this happens the radio does not come on but when the lights to the radio are on then i dont have a problem starting
1 report
Battery Draw 8 amps
Ford F-150 2004 lariat 5.4 180000 miles
Battery goes dead every thing is working first started hearing static like speaker noise with radio off then few months later battery is getting 8 amp draw with key off
6 reports
Controls on Dash Console not working - A/C, Heater, Radio, etc.
Ford F-150 2012 XLT 75000 miles
Controls on Dash (center) console not working; A/C, Heater, Radio, defrosters, etc. 1) When radio volume/pwr knob pushed the clock shows briefly in the led window above the console. 2) Hazard button works and turns hazards on. 3) CD Player controls work. 4) Cigarette lighter works. 5) USB port provides power to MP3 player. 6) Entry bell has a different sound and speed. 7) Keyless entry (remote) no longer works.
Removed negative cable from battery over night to try and "reset" systems. No change.
Removed negative cable from battery over night to try and "reset" systems. No change.
18 reports
I have the same exact problem. Has anyone resolved this ????
I'm bout to rip into my dash. It has gone on for to long. I'm guessing that it has to do with the blend door one part at a time. Once I know what cuase this I will share
We had the same problem... truck map and radio and a/c we dead going down the road and ultimately the truck engine check light came on and went dead. Turned out to be a loose harness on the driver side under the hood near the firewall. Lasted 2 years but on hauling a trailer, Problem has reoccurred now and not sure the cause. F150 king ranch 2012
With LED tail lights equipped... a cracked tail light,, and water getting into connections can cause network communication failure , reflecting the problem in a number of systems , no communication. Believe it or not...
TikiTim321 from United States 2 years ago
I have the same issue that started after the truck wouldn't starte because of what seemed to be a dead battery.
Can a bad battery cause these problems?
Can a bad battery cause these problems?
This just started happening to me about 1 month ago. It is intermittent, so one day all works well the next I have nothing. Controls on Dash (center) console not working; A/C, Heater, Radio, defrosters, etc. 1) When radio volume/pwr knob pushed the clock shows briefly in the led window above the console. 2) Hazard button works and turns hazards on. 3) CD Player controls work. 4) 12v outlet works. 5) USB port provides power. 6. ) Keyless entry (remote) no longer works when the center console controls aren't working but works on the days the controls are working. Anyone have any updates on a repair that will fix this??
I took my truck into Ford Dealership. Of course, everything was working fine that day. Told me they couldn't duplicate the problem in the shop or on a test drive. They decided to perform a self-test on all the modules and found multiple modules lost communication with the BCM (Body Control Module). Ran a self-test and network test on the BCM and it passed. Performed an inspection of the BCM itself and found C2280B on the bottom of the BCM to not be fully seated and locked. While wiggling this connector they were able to duplicate the no radio, heat, defrost or center console controls. Reinstalled the connector and made sure it was fully seated and locked. 3 days later and I haven't had any issues since. Cost me $190 labour but I wouldn't have been able to figure this out myself.
Giosantana3 from United States a year ago
Can you share a picture of the connector? I’m having the same issue here
CommentBattery drain issues! Solved
Ford F-150 2001 crew cab/4.2 150000 miles
Battery draining battery would drain down Neil driving. And after parking for the night. Would have. To. Boost off. Would make Clicking. Sounds in the. Dash. Area light would go dim when driving. Would pull a full Charged battery. Down quickly. Horn has not worked several. Months. ABS light stays on all the time still stays on all! the time after. Replacing alternator. And battery cranks up but dont take no time for lights to dim. Down to. Where you cant see at all it. Drains battery all the way down Alt!ernater done Á volt. Test on the alternator while truck was running. Registered. 11. Volts… Read complete
10 reports
Best answer (according to Ruby)
Please help. With this. Has been. A headache getting stranded too much have been checking. Wires, and fuses, still got more to check can you have a certain type of computer. To finde out. The direct. Problem whAT Type if possible????
In the 2004 ford f150 if you have that problem its the ground screw on the passenger side because they left out sealent around the windshield,water gets down in the passenger side. Take off the panel by the fuse box towards the door and check the ground,its usally russted away. Take and put in a new ground screw or use one already there.
CommentNo sound from the radio Solved
Ford F-150 2015 5.0 engine 4x4 XLT 100000 miles
Okay. So on the entertainment screen. (radio) said "system down to save power "
Had the charging system check. Found battery was bad. Replaces the battery. Now we have no sound from the radio, BUT have sound if you play a CD??
Any ideas what is going on???
Had the charging system check. Found battery was bad. Replaces the battery. Now we have no sound from the radio, BUT have sound if you play a CD??
Any ideas what is going on???
4 replies
There are a few possible causes for this issue, but here are the most common ones:
Blown Fuse: Check the fuse panel in the engine compartment and inside the vehicle to see if the radio fuse has blown. If it has, replace it with one of the same amperage.
Wiring Issues: Check the wiring to the radio and the speaker system. Make sure there are no cuts, frays, or corrosion on the wiring.
Radio Unit Failure: If the wiring and fuse are both fine, the issue may be with the radio unit itself. This could be caused by a malfunctioning amplifier, a problem with the wiring, or an issue with the unit's firmware.
Speaker Failure: If you have sound from the CD player but not from the radio, it's possible that the speakers are at fault. Check the speaker connections to make sure they are secure and the wiring is not damaged. If the speaker cones are damaged or blown, you may need to replace the speakers.
It's always best to consult with a professional technician who can diagnose and repair your car's audio system. They will be able to properly diagnose the issue and repair it so that your car's audio system functions properly.
Blown Fuse: Check the fuse panel in the engine compartment and inside the vehicle to see if the radio fuse has blown. If it has, replace it with one of the same amperage.
Wiring Issues: Check the wiring to the radio and the speaker system. Make sure there are no cuts, frays, or corrosion on the wiring.
Radio Unit Failure: If the wiring and fuse are both fine, the issue may be with the radio unit itself. This could be caused by a malfunctioning amplifier, a problem with the wiring, or an issue with the unit's firmware.
Speaker Failure: If you have sound from the CD player but not from the radio, it's possible that the speakers are at fault. Check the speaker connections to make sure they are secure and the wiring is not damaged. If the speaker cones are damaged or blown, you may need to replace the speakers.
It's always best to consult with a professional technician who can diagnose and repair your car's audio system. They will be able to properly diagnose the issue and repair it so that your car's audio system functions properly.
Best answer (according to Stillabower)
Stillabower from United States a year ago
We have figured it out thanks!! It was the fuse!!
I'm having problems like that , some days raido powers off, something drains the battery over night where is the BMC located
CommentInstrument panel Solved
Ford F-150 2003 114000 miles
Instrument panel lights stay on with the key off and run battery dead
1 report
Best answer (according to Pj hlbennet5)
Pj hlbennet5 from United States 6 months ago
It was a dead cell in battery and I changed battery and performed a code that I found on youtube to reset battery, it was ,flash high beams 5 times , then step on brake 3 times then turn key 2 times and wait , and the battery light went off and it is purring like a kitten again, THANKS ANYWAY GUYS , I appreciate u asking about it
CommentTransmission failure
Ford F-150 2005 203000 miles
I have problems with the transmission, when I'm driving and I go over 30 mph it stays as if in neutral, and one time I had a blinking stick light (overdrive), but I disconnected the battery and it went away. What can I do? Thanks!
4 reports
I had the same problem with the overdrive warning light, it could be two things: an electrical failure or a mechanical one inside the trasmission (either the gear cogs or the solenoids), let's hope it is electrical as it is easier to repair. What I did to fix it and you should do is get your user manual, download it if you don't have it, and then check the fuse box on the side of the engine: there is one that is of the transmission sensor, with the help of the manual you can identify it. If it's blown, you only have to change it. Then just pay attention and check it periodically, if it blows again it could be that is overheating either because the oil level is low, or that the oil is too dirty and the filter clogged, in the latter case doing an oil and filter service is what you need. This worked perfectly for me, hope it helps.
Like my transmission has a mind of it's own. All forward gears dissappear only have reverse.
Ford 2003 f150 was running hot if go above 50 and get about 2 miles be in the red took thermostat out by passed it , check water pump fuel pump hoses you name it. Worked good for bit then when I turn air on not even quarter down road runs hot. What could it be I’m female and we’ll not much I know but I’m learning help me please?
Possibly have air trapped in the cooling system. Google that model of engine and see if there is a bleeder for air around the thermostst housing?
If water passes through too fast without a thermostat at all an engine can overheat as well. Passes thru the system too quickly!
CommentRan out of gas, Carberated, won't start now
Ford F-150 1989 Pickup 156 miles
My son has a 1989 ford f150. He ran out of gas, put gas in it, sprayed started fluid, changed the fuel filter, checked the air filter, and reconnected the battery. It tries to start, but won't catch. We don't really know much else to do, any suggestions for a newbee diy'er? :)
2 reports
Oh, we also can't figure out how to open the carberator to pour more gas in it...:/
First, make sure you have enough gas in the tank. Then, turn the key for 2 seconds, and let it rest for a couple of seconds. Do this again a few times: the goal is to fill the gas system. Pay attention to see if you can notice whether the fuel pump is working or not, it might have broken. Good luck, let me know how it goes!
2010 F150 4x4 supercab will not start. No lights or power to instrument cluster. Replaced cluster now have power to cluster but engine will not crank. 4.6 24 valve
netdrummer from United States a year ago
You ran out of gas so you probably picked up crap off the bottom of the tank into the filter so check or just replace the fuel filter first.
CommentPower windows not working and stereo
Ford F-150 2001 Automatic 20000500 miles
I tried to change the stereo and ufter that. My power windows stop working and the stereo not working at all... I already checked the fuses under the dash inside the car and outside under the hood all the relays i already changed i disconnected the terminals of my battery overnight and nothing what else i can do ?
14 reports
Check the ground it should be by the botem of pasenger door in the front under the plastic
CommentCranks slow but will not start
Ford F-150 2001 275000 miles
New battery and starter. Anti theft light no longer on or blinking when truck is at rest. Engine turns over better when the fuel relay is removed.
4 reports
Think it may be a bad ground. Need to find out how to check the grounds. I did manage to reset the anti theft though.
CommentNo fuel pump sound Solved
Ford F-150 1999 4.6 V8 104000 miles
Changed battery now engine will crank, but will not start. No fuel pump sound.
2 replies
Need to change your fuel pump relay or change the fuel pump.
Best answer (according to TomP)
Yes, it was the fuel pump relay. I put a wire jumper in place of the relay, and the pump started. Thank you.
CommentHeating problem
Ford F-150 2015 3.5 liter ecobost 220 miles
Its a 2015 brand new ford f150 truck. The truck sat on the dealer lot for 9 moths or so. The heat is not
Working, you can feel heat but no air is being pushed out this is after the truck has been parked overnight and sits for more than 7 hrs. Once I drive it for 30 min or so and start back up
Then the heat will blow out the vents and floor... Dealer said it may be a dead battery cell??
Working, you can feel heat but no air is being pushed out this is after the truck has been parked overnight and sits for more than 7 hrs. Once I drive it for 30 min or so and start back up
Then the heat will blow out the vents and floor... Dealer said it may be a dead battery cell??
2 reports
Have you checked if the air is coming out of any other vent? Maybe it's a problem with the air flapper. Can you get cold air? If not, check the blower motor, although it's weird that it starts after a while.
Heater barely works on my 2012 F-150 xlt. Takes a long time and then it barely blows luke warm air.
CommentBattery drain, humming noise when not running
Ford F-150 2014 F150, 5.0, supercrew, 4x4 76000 miles
When my truck is parked, it drains the battery. Have taken to ford and had checked and tested. They said it was the PCM. I have had the PCM replaced and programmed. Still having the same issue. Have just put in the second new battery. Truck still has a faint humming noise coming from the engine compartment and draining the battery. If I pull the #53 relay and put right back in it shuts off whatever is not shutting down. I put a maintainer on it over night.
3 reports
mvaldezion from United States a year ago
I am having the same issue with battery drain and a frequency sound coming from passenger side of dash when ignition is off.
Truck Girl from United States a year ago
My sound comes from under the hood. I have found that if I pull the first one to the left (relay) every time I park the truck it stops the drain. I just pull it and put it right back in. Still dont know what is causing it.
@Truck GirlI have a 2012 f150 humming coming from passenger side. Same issue pull the relay it stops been going on for a month. Now sounds like a solenoid clicking in transmission when off with a humming noise now from underneath the hood no codes at all
Truck Girl from United States a year ago
@MikeWhen my problem first started it was having a intermitting clicking noise coming from the passenger side under the hood when the truck was turned off. Don't seem to be doing that anymore. Still has the humming noise and draining the battery though.
Have you found the issue yet? My 2013 just started to do the same;
Fordrocker from United States 7 months ago
I had same battery drain issue and a noise that was coming from middle of the truck -heard best where cab and bed come together. Found the fuse panel - that's a joke...and just by chance came back to drivers seat and started messing with the headlight switch , it stopped the buzzing , now I
Dk how it got into the on position however it is dusk , but that was my noise and my drain...
Dk how it got into the on position however it is dusk , but that was my noise and my drain...
did anybody find out why solenoids keeps clicking in transmssion, because thats my problem, when i shut my engine down then turn key on for a couple second it the clicking stops
I did not find out why, but mine stopped, and I have not had the issue in almost a year. Fingers crossed. I believe it was just a sticking solenoid.
CommentWon't start
Ford F-150 1999 4.2 198000 miles
I turn the key and all it make is a click noise and my battery light is on but I check it and it is good so what would it be
11 reports
The starters are bad on those trucks, in the winter the starter gets moisture in it and it freezes. If you want to get it going heat up the starter with a lighter or acetylene torch. But change the starter.
Wont start just a click sound the dealer said it wa wiring harness and taped it up but it still hapens 2014 f 150
Same issue... 98 f150 4.2 New battery, new starter,relay, fuses. Good ground. Turn key over just a thump sound from the starter relay. Please help.
CommentWon't charge
Ford F-150 1998 Super duty 250000 miles
It won't charge replaced alternator and linjabke fuse still won't charge battery was hooked up backwards
1 report
I had the same problem there a fuse up by the battery on the fire wall you will we box's about 3 ins. Long under them there vere small fuse box it has a 20 amp fuse
Are you talking about main power junction on the passenger side under plastic cover ? Are you saying there are some small fusses in there that relate to thealtnator ?
CommentProblems with a F-150? Share them
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