I have a 2006 F-150. The battery appears to be dead. There is no response at all when I turn the key. I have checked the battery and the wiring. The wiring appears fine. The indicator window on the battery is orange, not green. I have tried jump starting the truck but still nothing. One thing, when the ignition is turned off I can hear a rapid clicking coming from the truck. It's faint but it's there.
Do I replace the battery or is there more to it? Or is it even the battery at all?
Any help would be great!

 

The rapid clicking is probably the relays under the dash and/or the instrument cluster chattering because you have a LOW VOLTAGE condition. A full 12V is missing and is probably down near 9-10 volts. Measure the battery at the terminals. If you do not read 12.1 (digital volt meter) you most likely need a new battery. Most auto parts stores will test your battery if you take it out and bring it in. Try to buy a battery that is made by Johnson Controls and NOT EXIDE.....

 

I agree- Johnson Controls gets about a C- and Excide gets a D- or F.

 

Thank you very much for the advice! I will definately replace the battery with the better of the two. My one remaining concern is the fact that I couldn't even jump start the truck. I figured that even if the battery was finished, I should still be able to get the engine to turn over while the jumper cables are hooked up to a running vehicle. Am I wrong in assuming this? Will the battery not allow the jump to take?
Thanks again.

 

Same thing happened to me. Everything was fine, no indication what so ever. Came out of a store and it was totally dead. No lights, no nothing. There was a clicking coming from the security module. Tried to boost it and it would turn the lights on dimly, and kind of grunt. New Interstate battery and it has been good ever since. First time I have had a battery go totally dead instantaniously. It was 35 months old, one month before I intended to replace it as part of preventive maintenance, so I would not get stranded.

 

Same thing that happened to Blue happened to me as well. Took the truck to the grocery store, came out and it wouldn't turn over. Left it there over night, tried to jump it the next day, no dice. The thing that got me is the lights, radio, etc all worked.

A new battery fixed everything up.

- NCSU

 

If you have a SHORTED cell, you can try to jump the thing all day. If you only have a BAD/DEAD cell, you probably could jump it. Try disconnecting your batteries POSITIVE terminal and connect the jumper cable to the end, bypassing your battery. It will most likely start....................

 

You can by connecting the opposite terminal - to + but too risky and sparky

 

Better test the "better of the two" batteries, to make sure it is not in bad condition as well.

If the battery is that dead, no a jump would not do the trick. Don't try to hook the batteries in series either, ( opposite terminal - to + ), as if the problem battery had a sulfated cell, and it let loose for some reason, this would put 24 v into your truck. At that point kiss it good bye.

Best route is to stop messing around with it, and put in a new battery.

 

Thank all of you for your helpful advice! I purchased and installed a new battery and presto, she's churnin up the pavement again! Had the old battery tested when I turned it in for the core fee and it had a short in it, so there was no hope for that bugger.
Once again, thanks a ton folks!

Creature