Couple of weeks ago my 2005 F150 truck just lost power while driving. Battery died, but was fully charged. Bought an alternator and changed it. Now the headlights are on even there is NO key. Truck won't start still. Could it be something else? PLEASE RESPOND WITH ANY HELP....tnx.

 

The 04+ truck can't turn the headlights on without the key? Anyways sounds like you may have a short somewhere then.

 

Possibly, when we moved the cable wire that runs from the alternator to the battery, the lights came on & off. The truck will not crank, so we figure it might be the ignition switch and the starter. Feeling frustrated bc truck parts are so costly. Just hope I don't order these parts for nothing. Tnx for replying

 

Where do we start looking to find a short??? Any suggestions, bc I have no idea besides the fuse box.

 

You may be money ahead by towing it to a shop for troubleshooting instead of shotgunning any more parts at it.

 

That's the biggest problem I have is getting it to a shop. Bc I live in a remote town where there's no road access anywhere. My truck would have to go by barge to the nearest town, and that's several thousand dollars just for freight. Super bugged.

My bro said it might be the distributor and caps. That was the problem on one of my former vehicles, but it could be any number of things. Oh well, I guess that's part of the consequences of living in a remote area. Thanks for answering. :?

 

If you are driving down the road and truck dies because of lack of electrical power, either your alternator is dead or you have a significant enough load/short that drains more power than can be provided. And lights alone won't do it. Did you guys check to make sure the new alternator is providing power?

Honestly though, since you are mentioning a distributor cap which hasn't been used in the F150 since '96, you would be better off finding a way to get the truck started and get it to a dealer. If you ever have to turn the truck off, disconnect the battery cables if there isn't a major short/drain on the system?

 

Yah it gave the truck power again. Darn truck couldnt start thoigh. If it cant be the distributor than it must be the starter and ignition switch. I hope nothing else is wrong. Thanks for your input. Really appreciate it.