What's going with my truck? When I put it in accessory position, just to listen to the radio, I go to start it and the battery goes low to where it won't start. Do I have a battery that's going dead?

 

Most likely or an alternator that's is not charging it..how old is the battery ? There's a sticker on most batteries that show when it was put into service.. 4-5 years depending on location.. if you have a multimeter we can troubleshoot.. if not advanced auto or auto zone will test it for free for you.

 

I will check and let you know. I do have a multimeter but not with me. So I'll run by one of those ones and have it checked.

 

Make sure your connections are clean and tight. That can contribute to low charge. High heat is a killer, too.

 

Same thing happened to me with a 3 year old battery. Bought the Motorcraft that went into it initially and its been strong ever since.

 

What year truck? How long are you listening to the radio?

 

Are you getting a bunch of white crud building up on the positive battery terminal? My truck was doing the same thing as yours was; unable to turn over after having just the radio on for no more than 20 minutes. The positive terminal and clamp were completely covered in that blue/white build up. The battery was only 2 years old but it looked like the post may have been damaged and fluid was slightly leaking from where it penetrated the plastic. I replaced it with a new battery and the truck starts with authority now. Even when the old one was at 12+ volts, it sounded like a cold start every time. This new battery cold starts once, and then fires up like a champ when it's still warm.

 

Year of truck, how old is battery?

 

Sorry y'all. But its a 2010. It doesn't have any corrosion on the post at all. I've had it checked and the charging system is all good. I don't have to listen to the radio long, say like 10 min and it dies. But with most any vehicle you can pit it in accessory to listen to the radio. It shouldn't die.

 

Not sure if your 10 has it, but these newer trucks are intentionally designed to not fully recharge the battery! Its a Ford design. There is a bigger post on it, I believe its called smart charge system.


Anyway, its a 10, I would change the battery if it is 7 years old. I only got 3 years out of mine!