Low Batteries in the winter

treeeman00 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 08:51 AM

Agan, I have a 1996 F-350 PSD with auto tranny. In the winter or when it gets colder out my batteries seem tobe low when I go to start the truck. I know that batteries have a harder time in the cold keeping a charge. When its warm batteries hold a charge excellent. In the winter I always leave my block heater plugged in. Is there a way to tell if the block heater is working properly?

**Banshee34** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 08:57 AM

Your truck should heat up a lot faster than normal with the block heater plugged in. I would have your batteries tested though.

slammedSI · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 08:58 AM

Along with the alternator. just to be safe. Take it by any Advance Auto Parts or NTB and they will test it for free.

Storyridge · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 09:21 AM

Good Afternoon: I am a new user of the Powerstroke Forum. My question is this: Should I be using or is it necessary to be using a fuel additive to offset the low sulphur fuel. I have been told that this low sulphur fuel dries out the seals and hoses on diesel engines manufactured before the new low sulphur fuel came out. I have a 2003 F250 with the 7.3 engine.

***vitalidle*** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 09:28 AM

In my opinion yes its a good idea. Not only the added lubricity but it ups the cetene value and helps clean the injectors. Also if you live in a cold climate get the anti-gel formulation.