Batteries!!!

[hoffbrew]

My truck batteries are too weak to start her up. I had a stereo/GPS installed yesterday and I was messing around with the unit last night for about 2 hours, so the batteries got a good work out. Now, what is the proper way to jump start? or are the batteries done? they are the original batteries too, 5+ years.

[Jim W]

Do you have the owners manual of the ford truck? I am guessing that the ford is what needs to be jumped. IF so follow the owners manual. I would also look into replacing the batteries since they are so old. I know with the newer trucks, that when the batteries go bad they will cause issues with the ECM and throw CELS on the truck.

The way I jump vehicles may not be the proper way or the correct way that the vehicle manufactures tell you to do it.

But here goes.
Wear safety glasses always when working around batteries.
1. Clean the battery post first on the the vehicle that needs to be jumped.
2. Place the other vehicle close to the one that needs to be jumped but do not touch vehicles.
3. Open both hoods of vehicles.
4. Place the Red jumper cable on the positive to positive post on both batteries in the vehicles.
5. Place the Black jumper cable on the good vehicles battery post. Then place the other black clamp on a grounding spot on the engine. My vehicle has a tap on the alternator or some others have a different spot to grounded on.
6. Start the good vehicle and let it idle for a while, than try to start the other vehicle. Should start.
Jim

[hoffbrew]

Started!! Just went the ol fashion way, battery to battery. Going to go ahead and replace with the Optima Red Top's... I think???

[hoffbrew]

Installed Optima's today, 1000 cranking amps.... starts right up!