Is it the starter solenoid on the firewall? Or battery? I looked at the little clear spot on the battery thats supposed to be green and its not quite green so im suspecting a battery is the issue... but the smell throws me for a loop. i literally just shut off the truck about an hour ago

Help please!
Thanks!

 

I'll guess it's the starter cable terminal at the starter. Have someone wiggle the cable under the truck while you start it. Don't run them over

 

Sounds like maybe your alternator wasnt charging and you ran your battery down.

 

it is the original battery from ford so 5 years on that battery isnt that bad. i will be replacing it tomorrow and hoping for the best

 

Sounds like the battery to me.

 

Sounds like a battery to me too.

It's worth the money to invest in a battery charger/alternator tester. I picked one up at Sears for $40 a few years ago. It's all digital. Charges batteries, tests batteries under load, reconditions batteries, tests the alternator under load. Hook it up, push start and it tells you what's working and what isn't. A great tool to have, in addition to a code reader.

 

I actually have a battery tester / charger but its packed since were moving.. can you believe that crap
I just got a new battery and it started right up no problemo

That motorcraft battery lasted 5 years and was the original battery so hey i cant complain! The one i have has a 108 month warranty!! 40 month straight replacement no questions so meh not bad for 75 bux. Im just glad its not something else since usually when a battery dies it just dies it doest cause the truck to power cycle and make clicking noises atleast this is the first ive ever experienced this sort of stuff and ive built several cars that have got in a few hotrod magazines.

So thanks guys!

 

Just hook some jumper cables up and see if it cranks. Tell you what you need to know in less than five mintues. If it cranks, get a new battery. Not, look for other problems.