went to start my truck (1997 ford f-150 4x4 4.6)made a clicking noise like bad connection on battery.tried to jump it off did not help. put boat battery in finally got it to crank drove to town came back for the night.next morning tried to go to work same thing.went and bought new battery same thing just clicking.what can be the problem?bad connection?if so where?please help frustrated

 

maybe an alternator not charging the battery
if so just replace alternator

 

thanks for the reply but unfortunately the alternator went out and was replaced a month and a half ago.

 

Just because it was recently replaced doesn't mean it can't be bad. I can't count how many times I've had a part fail immediately. I would still have it tested. Or you could have a battery draw, to test for that disconnect the negative cable and connect a test light in line with the cable and battery, just be sure everything is off and disconnect your underhood light. If it's bright you've got a draw.

 

Also check the battery cables from one end to the other. I had the same symptoms awhile back and found the positive cable had been rubbing about halfway to the starter and was eaten up with corrosion where it rubbed through the insulation. You might even just find a loose connection at the starter.

 

I have a '97 F-150 that is on its third starter (and battery), and they're both dead again. Also had my headlights go out about 6 months before this last starter/battery funeral. My mechanic said the starter motor wasn't disengaging, and was subsequently draining the battery. A friend suggested it might be the solenoid. I'm still trying to get the truck back on the road (after nearly four years of mechanics' visits, new parts, etc.).