Barely Starts

[Joe Caughel]

Hello SHO'ers,

I know about the recall Ford has with the SHO right now about the fuel pump but I had a question. Starting yesterday my car like barely starts, like the battery is really close to dead. The lights all come on and it doesn't seem like it is low. I even drove to work this morning and when I got to work I tried starting it back up right away and it was the same thing. Any suggestions? Does this sound recall related? Any advice sure is appreciated.

-Joe Caughel

 

[SHOdded]

First thing I would think of would be a) bad battery, and b) pulling codes from the PCM to see if any have been set. The battery is the source of many a pleasure and displeasure in modern vehicles. Get it tested (digital load tester), and replaced if it shows even a hint of weakness. Testing is important because you need to know the source of the problem, battery or alternator or wiring in between, etc.

 

[Joe Caughel]

First thing I would think of would be a) bad battery, and b) pulling codes from the PCM to see if any have been set. The battery is the source of many a pleasure and displeasure in modern vehicles. Get it tested (digital load tester), and replaced if it shows even a hint of weakness. Testing is important because you need to know the source of the problem, battery or alternator or wiring in between, etc.

Thanks man, I think I am going to go to AutoZone on lunch and see what they say. If they say all tests are well, what would you do next?

 

[SHOdded]

If the battery tests at 12.6V after everything in the car has been turned off (30 min or more), it is likely good. It should be 14-14.5V at 2000 rpm or so. This is assuming the battery terminals are clean and tightly attached to the battery. If you do get a new battery, go for the AGM type battery if available. Last longer, more consistent.

Pull codes if the battery checks out. Could be a fuel/ignition/sensor problem, and it is too early to go down that path right now.

 

[Joe Caughel]

If the battery tests at 12.6V after everything in the car has been turned off (30 min or more), it is likely good. It should be 14-14.5V at 2000 rpm or so. This is assuming the battery terminals are clean and tightly attached to the battery. If you do get a new battery, go for the AGM type battery if available. Last longer, more consistent.

Pull codes if the battery checks out. Could be a fuel/ignition/sensor problem, and it is too early to go down that path right now.

Bought a battery and changed it on my hour lunch break. Solved everything. Thanks so much!

 

[SHOdded]

What battery did you get?

 

[Joe Caughel]

What battery did you get?

Didn't have too many options so I went with Duralast for now. Good enough to get me around for a year if not longer and was a decent price. The AutoZone I went to didn't have a ton to choose from and I needed one ASAP with my car barely starting every time.