Cold weather and batteries

[Sesco4]

So I go out today to start the truck and it started fine but the radio cut out and a couple of the lights on the dash lite up and flickered. I get back from Mcd's only to find out they shorted my order. So I go back out turn the key its cranking and my fingers slip off the key so I wait a second and turn the key again nothing just clicking. Haven't had any problem until today don't know how old the batteries are only had the truck for about a month. The temps have been in the teens today. So does it sound like new batteries are in my future.

Thanks

[obsidian]

Sounds like dead batteries to me.

[Wildstang]

Might also have the alternator checked to make sure it's putting out, and check that all the grounds are solid.

[scotty2280]

load test your battery's.

[Hawgslayer]

Same was happening to me. It was a harrrdddd start at first but then after a few days of nearly starting just click click click click. So I pulled the terminals and cleaned them reall good. Works great now! Not a problem. At first I thought my ficm was out because the hard starts. After about 700 miles on the clean terminals no prob bob!

[Sesco4]

I tried cleaning the terminals and tightening everything but did not help. I notice that there are two different batteries in the truck. The one on the drivers side is a motorcraft guessing its an original almost 6 yrs old the other battery is something else. I also noticed that the eye on the motorcraft battery is red so I assume this means its bad. So should I just replace the one or go ahead and do both at the same time.

[Dietoremain]

sounds like the previous owner made the mistake of only replacing one, you ALWAYS replace both or the weaker one will take out the new one way quicker and you'll end up needing two batteries sooner then later...

[russf]

It's not your batteries, its your alternator. Lights flickering on dash etc. signs of an alternator going but not enough for the battery light to come on.

edit: obviously test them first but ill guarantee its your alternator

[007.3Powerstroke]

WHAT HE SAID...
I HAD THE SAMETHING HAPPEN TO ME A FEW WEEKS AGO WHEN IT STARTED TO GET COLD OUT. ALTERNATOR WAS BAD AND THE BATTERIES GOT WEAK. SO I JUST DID IT ALL WHILE I WAS UNDER THE HOOD. STARTS FINE NOW. GOOD LUCK

Originally Posted by russf

It's not your batteries, its your alternator. Lights flickering on dash etc. signs of an alternator going but not enough for the battery light to come on.

edit: obviously test them first but ill guarantee its your alternator

[Sesco4]

If it is the alternator should I replace it with a ford part or something else.