Ive been having this problem with my truck for the last 3-4 months sometimes its starts up normal but other times it struggles like there is not enough power to turn over the engine. When it does actually start all the gages go to dead and they flutter for about 10 secs then start reading normally. My battery gauge is always at full so I dont think its the battery or the alternator. Also in the last week or so when I start it after its been sitting overnight or a long period of time where the odometer is the word TEST comes up. Then I shut off the vehicle sometimes it doest turn over at all then I turn the key a few more times and it starts up again. Does anyone know what this problem might be?? My truck is a 04 F150 5.4. Also my check engine light did come on a few months ago then it went off and the truck started great again but its back to the problem.

 

You are having a battery issue, could be the connectors or the battery itself. Don't trust the dash gage for the battery, have it tested at the parts store.

 

i was having the same problem for a while myself. finally it just died after my gauges were fluttering and it said that the battery was fine. towed to teh dealership and they replaced the battery at 31000 miles. pretty weak huh?

 

Well I through in a new battery today so I guess ill see how it does this week the truck has 180,000km on it so it was still the orginally battery. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Did changing the battery help? I have a 06 Lincoln Mark LT that is doing the same thing during really cold weather. The batter will die after 2 days and also after a week during the warmer months. I also noticed yesterday that the gauges flutter when starting first off in the morning then all is fine?