Electrical issue...I think...

[NismoFire]

So we went shopping the other night, came back out to the X, turned the key, and nothing. It was like the battery was disconnected. I tried again, nothing...popped the hood, looked at my fiance with a "You gotta be $#!++!ng" me" look, tried the key again, then the dash lights started SLOWLY coming back on, and then it sounded like the battery was dead with the clicking, then BOOM, fired right up. I checked the connections/terminals, but everything was clean and secure.

I've had no other issues since that night.

I had driven my truck that morning and afternoon to/from work (60mi round trip), then came home for about an hour or so, then left again. It was cold, yes, and snowing, but it has been colder since then with ZERO cranking issues. I'm afraid my battery is on it's way out.

 

[xterror04]

Hmm sounds like a possible bad ground, triple check the negative battery connection, how old is the battery?

 

[drbandkgb]

I agree.. Check your battery terminals for corrosion

 

[NismoFire]

2010 Never..I mean, EverStart battery. Was in it when I bought it. Believe me, I'd love to be able to replace it now while I can. All connections/terminals were clean.

 

[Muadeeb]

I'm on my 3rd Interstate battery in 4 years, so it's possible that it could be dead already. I don't know how bad TN's been, but here in TX the last two summers have been murder on batteries.

 

[NismoFire]

I hate WalMart batteries. My original intention when I bought my truck was to put an Optima in it, but I decided to lift it first, since the battery was only about a year old. Figured I'd wait til it went dead to buy one.

 

[Xterraforce]

Did you check both ends of all connections and not just at the battery? Also if you have clamp on replacement terminals on either cable at the battery they can cause problems sometimes. Then like mentioned, just because a battery isn't that old doesn't mean it isn't dying. For it to do what you described though it would be some sort of intermittent internal short or loose plate or something. Battery prices have gone crazy so even with the Neverstart you want to be positive that's the issue before spending the $$$$$.

 

[NismoFire]

I checked everything I could see while in the Kohl's parking lot in a Tennessee Blizzard with a flashlight. Nothing seemed out of place.

 

[J Everett]

Definitely check the ground leads from the battery, and from the engine. If I recall, there's a flat braided ground strap to the passenger side fender that corrodes really easily, and is overlooked just as easily. Also, a two year old Everstart is more than likely on its way out. Especially in Tennessee where you guys have been experiencing snow in winter and murderous heat the past couple of summer. That kind weather does a number on a battery. Instead of an Optima, go to Sears and get a DieHard Platinum.

 

[NismoFire]

I spoke too soon...I had to get gas at 0330 this morning on my way home from work and it did it again at the pump.

 

[TKDx00]

... Instead of an Optima, go to Sears and get a DieHard Platinum.

I agree with this!!! The Platinum is the same as the Odyssey.

 

[Silver dude]

Everstarts are some of the worst batteries in the industry. What your describing sounds like a bad battery. Perhaps a bad connection internally inside the battery. One of the cells is loosing connection. You should be able to have the battey tested for free at a auto parts store. They load it down with a high amount of amps and see if the voltage abnormally drops.

Ben

 

[NismoFire]

I had planned on running by Auto Zone this afternoon but I haven't had time yet.

 

[luv2mud]

My battery terminal seems tight to me and does this sometimes and when someone else wiggles it it starts right up. I just had the same issue 2 weeks ago. It does this at the most random times. It actually started doing this a year or more ago but goes forever before needing tightened again. I usually forget about it and one day boom....nothing. My daily driving is on some pretty rough back roads and I cut it no slack so I'm sure that's my problem.

 

[Timrich]

I had the same issue a month or so ago. It turned out to be the negative terminal on the battery. The clamp was as tight as it could go but was still loose. Went to advance and picked up some lead terminal caps and slipped them over the battery terminal to make it a little girthier(is that even a word? lol) and volia! I could tighten the terminal down securly. Think they cost me all of 3 dollars and did the trick.