Ex would turn over, but wouldn't light off.

[JasperDog]

Let me set the scenario:

The end of 4 days of camping at Death Valley. Its Sunday (time to drive 7 hrs home) and I have the wife, 2 kids, 2 dogs, all the camping gear, 4 mountain bikes on the receiver hitch rack all loaded up. I kiss all the relatives camping with us good-bye and hop in the beast. I crank her over and she doesn't start. I try again. Nothing!! My nine-year old yells "goody - we get to stay!!" I say something else under my breathe.
The starter is working - it sounds okay, but it just won't light off. I try a few more times and... nothing.
Out of the truck, pop the hood - air filter is okay (it was windy and very dusty in Death Valley.) I grab a cup and drain the fuel sump - it looked good - no sediment or water.
Back in the cab and try to crank again. It cranks but no light off. And now the starter seems to be getting slower.
Dad (a 7.3L and 6.0L PSD F250 owner) says, "This happened to me once before and it was my batteries." We hooked the jumper cables up and jump started my Ex. She started right up. I kept her running all the way home. I had a little bit of a concern that it might be the alternator - but this was not the case after driving her home.

Two new batteries later and she is as good as new.

Just thought I would pass on this experience in case it happens to anyone else out there.

Cheers,
Erik

[BigCat]

Thanks!!! I was having the same problem. Your post saved me a trip the dealer!!! I owe you. Thanks helping me get myself up and running!!!

[rock_doctor]

I am not sure how fussy the 6.0 is for battery power but the 7.3 did require *very good* batteries to start. If they were low the injectors do not have enough power to fire. The injector system converts the 12v to something like 117 volts to run the injectors...

Mark