Hey guys an girls..

I have noticed sometimes on startup, all the gauge needles on my 2002 F150 Lariat sweep all the way over and then go to the normal position. Anyone know what this is all about?? Doesn't do it all the time, and usually after it has sat for awhile.

 

Replace your battery before it leaves your stranded.

Steve

 

Battery voltage is low.
1- replace battery.
2- inspect charging system.

Fritz

 

...oh, and turn your stereo down until you get the battery replaced....

Steve

 

NEVER!!

 

Hey, if he wants to walk sooner than later......

Steve

 

ok, since i may need a new battery, i am looking at Optima, possibly a red top. I don't listen to my stereo too often without the truck running, have never run the battery down. My amp isn't huge, maybe 300 watts to the sub. Would a red top be sufficent, or should i pony up for the yellow?

 

From my experience, you definitely have a temperory "low voltage" problem after start-up. However, I don't believe in throwing parts (a battery) at a problem until I have thoroughly troubleshot the problem and am convinced the part is defective. If the battery is bad, how is it managing to crank the truck? From my experience, low battery voltage will cause the gages to "peg out" as soon as you turn the ignition on; before you even turn it to the start position. As a minimum, take the truck to Auto Zone or Advanced Auto and have them test the battery and charging system before replacing anything. If the battery tests good, check the battery cables, terminals and grounds. Good luck!

 

NKENN,
Thanks. That was actually my next plan, tonight go home and get the battery tested and the alternator as well. After that i can determine what the real cause is. Hopefully, whatever is cheaper and easier fix!! It's the orginal battery, and i am hoping it's just that..

 

A battery will still crank the engine even if one cell is bad. This will drop the under-load voltage to around 10-11 volts. The starter will still crank, albeit slower. However, the entire instrument cluster is electronically controlled by a microprocessor. The dramatic sag in supply voltage is detected and one of the visible symptoms of that dropoff is the guage sweep when the microprocessor resets and reboots.

Battery is the odds-on favorite, other things are slightly possible.

Steve

 

It is time to replace the original battery even if it checks good. It is better to change it out a little early than to get caught.

 

Red Top will be sufficent, I just got one for my truck and it's great. I'm running a 600 watt amp btw, and so far I've ran the stereo for about 15 mins with the engine off with no ill effects.

 

Thanks guys, i checked the battery yesterday, it was down to about 10 volts, alternator checked fine, replaced battery with red top and back on the road! Now i can sit around and wait for Ernesto to decide where he is going.

Luke Duke out