Hesitation when starting up

[ezzrider]

I own a 2008 F250 6.4 that has about 44,000 miles that I purchased new on 2/28/2007 so it is about 3 1/2 years old. Starting this week when I go first start up my 6.4 there is a slight hesitation as if the batteries are getting weak and an error message stating check brake system. That quickly goes away and the truck starts right up. If I start up the truck when after driving it there is no message and the truck starts right up with no hesitation so this is on "cold starts" although it is still in the 90s here. I can't believe the batteries need changing and I read that you really cannot add brake fluid to this truck. Anyone have ideas or experienced this before? I will call the dealer but they will just say to bring it in and my next service is not due until 50,000 miles.

[rlpzzz]

I had the same problem with my truck, it ended up being one bad battery. Try going to an auto part store and have them test the batteries for you. Just remember to disconnect the batteries while testing or they will both test good since they are wired together.

[rlpzzz]

Also, if you do end up having a bad battery it's best to replace both at the same time instead of just one.

[TEX420]

I have recently noticed the same thing on my truck, including the check brake system message. What could that mean? I have been running Spartan for under 1,000 miles so I dont think I could have anything to do with that..
If all it is are the batteries then I will check that out.

[ezzrider]

My truck is completely stock.

[ezzrider]

Thanks. I will check the batteries. These are supposed to be 8 year batteries. Is it possible one has already gone bad? Are there any issues when you disconnect the batteries and the truck looses total power?

[Big Angry Hillbilly]

Probably needs batteries, based on what I have seen with the check brake system message and your complaint of hesitation during startup.

Yeah, they are SUPPOSED to be 8 year batteries... but they aren't... They don't hardly EVER live that long.

[dazed01]

Batteries might last 8 years in ideal conditions I suppose but none of them that come through my shop last that long. Texas heat and lots of around town short trip driving kill them quick.

[ezzrider]

Thanks. I guess it is the batteries. I believe there is some sort of prorated warranty by Ford on these batteries? I believe they are warrantied for 8 years? The batteries would be 3 1/2 years old. Do you know what if any would be the warranty by my Ford Dealer? If no warranty should I buy from my dealer or local auto parts stores? I suspect I will need 2 batteries although Ford will probably only warranty the bad battery?

[dazed01]

I'm not sure about fords prorating but you might be better off going with some interstate batteries.