Alright, so here is the deal. One morning I wake up and the battery is dead. I jump start the truck and go about my business. I go christmas shopping and make a number of stops with no problems. The next morning, however, the battery is dead again.

That is kinda where I stand now. The truck starts fine if it sits for a short period, but the moment you let it sit for a couple hours or more the battery dies. To the best of my knowledge, everything is turned off in the truck.

Furthermore, it no seems that I am having additional electrical problems. The radio doesn't respond, neither do the dome lights or heater. The only thing that works is the power windows and locks. (not sure about the headlights).

Anyway, does anyone have thoughts or suggestions? I'm suppose to drive 300 miles away for Christmas so I need to figure something out. Unfortunately it is 0 degrees outside today. I can bring my jumpstart unit but that only works a couple times per charge and a radio would be nice anyway.

 

It sounds like you have a weak battery. How old is it? Now is the time of year that all the weak batterys come out to play. This is a normal symptom of a weak battery (the short charge-holding time...)

As far as the things that are not working, it might be a corroded battery terminal. (another sign that your battery is getting weak, as the alt is charging it more, and the battery outgasses more, and this outgassing causes corrosion.)

But this is just a guess, with out being there with a meter to check things out further...

Let us know what you find.

Matt

 

Thanks for the input Matt. A half hour ago I remembered there is a Napa about 50 yards from where I work. Duh. Anyway, their tester indicated the weak battery as well. I bought a new one and I'll throw it in during my lunch hour and see if things improve. Thanks!

 

A battery could act like that if a cell has buildup on the bottom causing plates to short and discharge the cell but my bet is the alternator has a defective rectifier stack that is discharging the battery.
A way to tell is feel the alternator case after the engine goes cold. If it feels even a little warm or neutral in temp, that's your problem.
It is heating from the power being drawn from the battery.
Another way is to remove the heavy charge lead and see if there is substantial sparking that should not be there at rest.