Ebrake light and battery light started flashing in the instruments panel screen this morning as I was turning into my son's school and seemed to want to stall or had loss of power. After I walk back to the truck, didn't start back up.

 

Dead battery or bad alternator?

 

It was the battery. Wonder why it needs to be replaced from 1.5-2 years. Alternator always testes as good.

 

These trucks are very finicky with both batteries and especially the alternator, Ford only parts replacement.

I'd also check all major grounds.

If you have access to a code reader, that may help.

I've seen batteries go bad in less time than that, but with those lights on, leads me to the alternator, but I'm sure others will have input.

 

That's why batteries have warranties.

If one of the main switches goes bad, it usually creates a draw and eventually kills the battery. Ignition, brake, shift-interlock switches. But, you usually have obvious starting/running problems before the battery gets damaged from that.

 

So I replaced the battery because it was under warranty, and in between that 10 minute drive home this showed up. I will add, that when I start up the truck at the beginning there is a burning plastic smell.

 

I'd track that smell down. You may have some electrical problem somewhere, a short that's burning something.

The battery light may be normal. Is that a 2004-2008 truck? Doesn't look like this gen, which have a battery monitor that needs an 8 hour dormant period to learn the state of a new battery. After it sits overnight, then the system is happy. Don't know if earlier trucks have the same system.

It really would be beneficial if you mentioned what vehicle you have.

 

HINT/TIP: Put your -complete- vehicle information (year, model, cab, trim, engine, wheelbase, _x4 drive, mileage, modifications, etc., etc.) in your signature -OR- provide it in your posting(s).
.

 

Sorry, it's a 2010 Lariat.
First day posting.