Stupid Question

[D. Hall]

Before anyone says there is no such thing as a stupid question, I should let you know that I have been a classroom teacher for 20 years and that I know for a fact that there is such a thing as a stupid question, so here's one for you. I have an E99 F250 with a ZF6. When I started it up to come to work yesterday morning, it cranked right over like it usually does. However, I had to leave in the middle of the day to take care of something and when I started it, it cranked over a little slow. It started with no problem and ran fine. About three hours later, I started it up again to go home and, again, it strained a little to turn over. On the way home, I stopped and got the batteries checked. One checked that it needed to be replaced and the other checked okay, so I only replaced one. My stupid question is, should I have replaced both batteries at the same time? After the I replaced the bad battery, it felt like the starter spun a little on start-up. Then this morning it felt like it was dragging again, so I'm thinking starter problems also. If I can get some good advice on this issue, I promise more stupid questions in the future.

Thanks

[Dave]

Always always replace both at the same time

[D. Hall]

That's what I figured.

Thanks

[02strokerlbcc]

Originally Posted by D. Hall

Before anyone says there is no such thing as a stupid question, I should let you know that I have been a classroom teacher for 20 years and that I know for a fact that there is such a thing as a stupid question, so here's one for you. I have an E99 F250 with a ZF6. When I started it up to come to work yesterday morning, it cranked right over like it usually does. However, I had to leave in the middle of the day to take care of something and when I started it, it cranked over a little slow. It started with no problem and ran fine. About three hours later, I started it up again to go home and, again, it strained a little to turn over. On the way home, I stopped and got the batteries checked. One checked that it needed to be replaced and the other checked okay, so I only replaced one. My stupid question is, should I have replaced both batteries at the same time? After the I replaced the bad battery, it felt like the starter spun a little on start-up. Then this morning it felt like it was dragging again, so I'm thinking starter problems also. If I can get some good advice on this issue, I promise more stupid questions in the future.

Thanks

Always want to replace both batteries at the same time because they are on a loop, meaning that eventually the one you didn't replace will eventually drain the charge on the new battery until they are both equally charged, resulting in 2 dead batteries again. I know it's hard to bite the bullet on 200 bucks worth of batteries, but it'll save you a headache in the long run.

[85_305]

You cannot test these batteries when in the truck and when they are connected. Also, you must replace them at the same time.

Are you sure your alt isn't dying? Make sure you buy the best batteries you can afford. These big trucks kick batteries asses and if you cheap you you will be SOL in a short period of time.