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wctriumph
10-04-2013, 13:53
I need some help with my 2000 Ford Expedition this weekend so looking for someone that can help me figure out what is wrong and lend a hand fixing it. It is my only vehicle and I am pretty much broke.

The issue seems to be electrical (my very weakest ability) and I really need to have someone that is qualified help me out. I will happily provide a lunch and a beer or three, I have some funds to purchase parts.

When I went to start the truck yesterday I turned the key, everything lit up and when I turned the key to crank the engine over, everything went out. There was a clicking sound from a relay under the dash, I replaced it last night and nothing except the relay clicks. No dash lights, not interior lights, some warning lights on the dash and the door locks work, that is as far as I could go. I have to work on saturday so Sunday is the day to fix the truck.

Please PM me or call me at ; 970-472-1505 in the evening. I am in the N. Ft. Collins area and I have tools so you won't need to bring any except maybe a multimeter.

Thanks.

Wayne

00tec
10-04-2013, 14:01
Sounds like a battery.

cofi
10-04-2013, 14:03
Sounds like a battery.

yup its been cold out my yukons took a shit this morning

you can bring the batt to any auto store and they will test it for your for free

CHA-LEE
10-04-2013, 14:08
My bet is battery or battery terminal connections. Take the battery to an auto parts store to test out. If it tests out good then get a battery terminal cleaner kit and use that to freshen up the terminal connections.

TFOGGER
10-04-2013, 14:15
5 Bucks says it is a bad ground connection between the battery and the chassis or engine block. Check/clean the negative battery cable connections at both ends.

wctriumph
10-04-2013, 14:19
I will grab a battery load tester from work tonight and see if it tells me anything. Thanks for the tips guys.

Rabid
10-04-2013, 14:24
My bet is battery or battery terminal connections. Take the battery to an auto parts store to test out. If it tests out good then get a battery terminal cleaner kit and use that to freshen up the terminal connections.
Agreed but being it is your only vehicle remove the terminals and clean both the connections and the battery terminals with a wire brush or sand paper or a scotch bright pad and tighten them back down first and see if that works and if it does test your battery anyway.


Edit: did not read all the way, what TFOGGER said with the above method. I had a Camaro that did this every time it got cold and it was the connections every time.

brianakell
10-04-2013, 14:31
Sounds like a battery.

yup, or battery connection

zteknik
10-04-2013, 21:56
Battery.
Did 3 of them at work today.And probably will have a couple of more tomorrow.
Its common to see a battery go on the first cold or hot spell.
I normally see them go bad after 3 years.So when you get an oil change,be sure to load test your battery..

rockhound
10-05-2013, 08:46
More importantly is the battery being killed by a bad alternator? Charge the battery before having it tested, then they can tell if it abke to take a charge and what amperage it is giving out

KS63
10-05-2013, 08:53
Check the battery first. Check the easy things first before thinking too hard.

wctriumph
10-05-2013, 09:39
Alright, followed the tips from you guys, (you would think I knew the basics, just panicked and had a brain fart) cleaned the terminals, checked all the cables for proper and tight clean connections, let the battery charge over night and load tested it this morning. BAD battery. It was purchased about 5 years ago so no warranty, I have a new one being dropped by the shop today so I will put in tonight if I get home early enough, if not then tomorrow morning. I will check the alternator as well just to be sure. I will give you the results.

I hate working on cars. Motorcycles, yeah, I like that, just not cars.

Thanks again guys, you are the best!

Irving
10-05-2013, 09:42
5 years in Colorado is pretty solid battery life.

wctriumph
10-05-2013, 10:36
This will be the second time in 9 years I have replaced the battery on this vehicle. Came with a Diehard, the one in it now is a MotorCraft. The new one will be from Interstate with a 4 year warranty.

tmleadr03
10-05-2013, 10:44
This will be the second time in 9 years I have replaced the battery on this vehicle. Came with a Diehard, the one in it now is a MotorCraft. The new one will be from Interstate with a 4 year warranty.

Napa has batteries with 72 month warranty. Really not that expensive either.

cofi
10-05-2013, 10:56
Napa has batteries with 72 month warranty. Really not that expensive either.

we actially have 85 month battarys now

op pm me if you want our cost on batt from napa so you can beat them down on price a little

tmleadr03
10-05-2013, 11:05
we actially have 85 month battarys now

op pm me if you want our cost on batt from napa so you can beat them down on price a little

When I ran a shop up in Lakewood we used NAPA for almost everything (it was not a Euro shop) and the batteries were very good. I figure if you are going to warranty a part for 85 months it is going to be good to go for a while.

Irving
10-05-2013, 11:08
AAA has free replacement for 3 years, pro-rated for 6 years. According to them, no matter the sticker on the side of the battery, there are only around 6 manufacturers of batteries. I never did look into to that.

cofi
10-05-2013, 11:09
AAA has free replacement for 3 years, pro-rated for 6 years. According to them, no matter the sticker on the side of the battery, there are only around 6 manufacturers of batteries. I never did look into to that.

napa are made by interstate

clublights
10-05-2013, 12:26
AAA has free replacement for 3 years, pro-rated for 6 years. According to them, no matter the sticker on the side of the battery, there are only around 6 manufacturers of batteries. I never did look into to that.


I always heard it was more like 3 manufacturers. ( at least in the US )

KS63
10-05-2013, 13:22
I've used Optima batteries on all my vehicles. I never worry about a dead Optima as long as the alternator is working.

laportecharlie
10-05-2013, 14:01
It's something about Expeditions. I have had a 98 Expedition since 2000 and it is on its fourth battery. I bought a 2001 Ford van new and the original battery lasted ten years. It was still going strong when I replaced it. Just didn't want to chance it for another winter.

Gman
10-05-2013, 14:04
I'd brag about how my original Delco in my 2003 Tahoe is still going strong, but then karma would kick my ass....

cofi
10-05-2013, 14:05
I've used Optima batteries on all my vehicles. I never worry about a dead Optima as long as the alternator is working.

there hencho en mexico now we have had a LOT of warrente returns

Ah Pook
10-05-2013, 14:07
I had the same problem a few years ago. Intermittent and very annoying. The battery would show a full charge, with a multi-meter, but the voltage would drop to below 10v once the key was turned.

I used old style Optimas but wouldn't bother with the new ones. Both shops and the hardware store, up here, carry Interstate. No problems with them.

KS63
10-05-2013, 14:40
Yeah. I remember when Optima used to sell their Seconds. Bought a Marine Blue Top for $60 back in the 90's.

wctriumph
10-05-2013, 15:29
I picked up the Interstate, cost me $95 delivered to the shop. I called around to the local auto shops and all were over $120. Battery is made in Mexico and has a 4 year warranty. I have it on the charger right now and I will install it when I get home tonight. I pray that this is what is wrong and nothing else or I will be so screwed.

Thanks for the offers to get me a battery guys, I appreciate it a lot.

wctriumph
10-06-2013, 14:07
Thanks guys, installed a new battery, cleaned the cable clamps, checked all wiring for clean solid connections. Truck started right up, checked the alternator and charging system, all in good order and working as it should. I will b e able to sleep a little easier now.

Thanks again for your sage advice. I should have known.