2004 - 2008 F-150

Unknown Smell

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Old 09-23-2010, 09:25 PM
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Unknown Smell

Alright, I've got a little problem and looking for some advice.

Today went and got something to eat and came home no problem with the truck. An hour later I went to start the truck and when I did it wouldnt start and made an awful noise (like a dead battery). Turned the key to the off position and restarted and no problem. Drove about five minutes and when I got to my buddies house he said that my truck smelled like something was burning. Drove back home and when I got there I also smelled it. However it seemed more like an acidy smell. The truck seemed as though it was having a harder time than usual accelerating.

I opened the hood and the smell didn't appear to be any stronger. I noticed that I had a considerable amount of corrosion around the battery so I cleaned that off. Now I'm not noticing the smell.

Just a little worried as I'm heading to Houston then to Austin so will be on the road more than normal.

Any clues? Someone mentioned that it might be my battery however I just got a new one a few months ago.

2006 F150 60,000 miles
 
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Old 09-23-2010, 09:48 PM
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Where did you get the battery? Maybe you could take the truck there and have them inspect it, and describe the situation. They will be able to perform a battery test, and if you purchased it recently, they may have a warranty on it, if it is infact defective. Otherwise, take it to a dealer or trusted mechanic and have them take a look at it. That's what I would do, at least.
 
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Old 09-23-2010, 11:17 PM
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Purchased the battery at Autozone about two months ago, so I would think it should be covered under warrant. I'll run by there first thing in the morning. The staff wasnt very helpful on my last visit, hopefully someone different will be there.
 
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Old 09-24-2010, 12:05 AM
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Worst case, you could try another Autozone or a Sears, a dealer, etc, if there is one near by. You won't get a replacement by anyone but autozone, but you could have a battery test done for a minimal charge, from someone independent of the original installer.

I bought my new battery at Sears, luckily I haven't had any issues with it, but it has an 8 year warranty, which helps.
 
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Old 09-24-2010, 12:59 AM
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corrosion = resistance bad connection & heat. i would treat the corrosion with baking soda to neutralize the acid battery connectors and post and install and spray a corrosion preventive and see what happens and make certain your connections a secure.
 

Last edited by jetech00001; 09-24-2010 at 01:01 AM.
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Old 09-24-2010, 01:28 PM
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ya... you shouldn't have visible corrosion after only 2 months.

Did you clean the contacts when you put the new battery in?
Did you grease them too?

Something definitely is not right.

If the battery is properly installed you will never have corrosion at the terminals.
 
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Old 09-24-2010, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by mkosu04
ya... you shouldn't have visible corrosion after only 2 months.

Did you clean the contacts when you put the new battery in?
Did you grease them too?

Something definitely is not right.

If the battery is properly installed you will never have corrosion at the terminals.
x-2 possible leaky post or didn't clean terminals before installing new battery
 
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Old 09-24-2010, 03:04 PM
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almost 5 years and two bats later and not a spot of corrosion on my battery.

Sounds like a bad battery to me anyway, id have it looked at.
 
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Old 09-24-2010, 06:29 PM
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Could also be an overcharging alternator - get that tested too.
 
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Old 09-24-2010, 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by glc
Could also be an overcharging alternator - get that tested too.
bad voltage regulator?
 
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Old 09-25-2010, 08:14 AM
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I would take a good look at the alternator also..one that is overcharging the Batt will overheat the Batt to the point of boiling the acid out of the vents. Definitely have that tested !!
 



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