Electrical Problem

govandals · 07-02-2009, 09:28 AM

In the last couple days I have noticed that the truck gets harder and harder to start in the mornings. The starter cranks and cranks then it finally starts. Once it starts I notice the Speedo and Tach needles will bounce rapidly below the 0 and the trip odometer is reset to 0.

My question is do you think this is battery, alternator or something else? I have an 04 SE 4wd.

Any advice is welcome, as always everyone on here usually has an answer or 2 that saves me $.

**Carbeaux** · 07-02-2009, 09:32 AM

Battery. Mine just did this last week. Identical issue, including the needles. New battery and all is well.

**vipzach** · 07-02-2009, 09:40 AM

Battery is the cheapest to replace. Take it to an auto parts store and have them check it. Might also make sure your cables aren't corroded.

**Carbeaux** · 07-02-2009, 09:47 AM

If you're still sitting on an OEM battery, go get a new one. If it's not that yet (and I'm certain it is) then you haven't wasted anything because the OEM one at 4 years old is more than on it's last legs.

Like I said though. I had the identical issues last week. Slow to turn, trip meter reset, needles, everything. There was no corrosion on my cables. It was just a 3 year old OEM battery that gave up, probably accelerated from the heat we've had here.

govandals · 07-02-2009, 10:43 AM

Am I making it up in my head or do I remember seeing something that said the Big Tow had a different battery than little tow?

**vipzach** · 07-02-2009, 10:45 AM

I believe it has a bigger battery.

HRTKD · 07-02-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by govandals

Am I making it up in my head or do I remember seeing something that said the Big Tow had a different battery than little tow?

I can't speak to what voices you're hearing in your head but the Big Tow battery is 710 CCA and the regular battery is 650 CCA.

mjw357 · 07-02-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vipzach

I believe it has a bigger battery.

you are right, BT has slightly more CCA. Both sizes are more than adequate to start truck when in good shape.

But, no matter the battery size, dead is dead.

govandals · 07-02-2009, 12:14 PM

I just spent some time with my friendly auto-supply employee (and neighbor) and found hat beyond the CCA of the big tow, the physical dimensions are bigger than a standard battery.

I need a "27F" size battery. This takes care of the reverse terminals and physical dimensions.

Thanks for all the help.

govandals · 07-02-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRTKD

I can't speak to what voices you're hearing in your head but the Big Tow battery is 710 CCA and the regular battery is 650 CCA.

I don't think anyone wants to speak for those voices.