[ChaseWilson]

I have a 1995 F350 7.3l Powerstroke. My battery drains way to fast. When the key is left over for not even 45 seconds or the door is open for 5 minutes. Even if I turn my lights on at night before I start the truck it will die. I need to know what the problem is so that I don't need to jump my truck off everywhere I go. Can anyone help?

 

[badbart]

You need to get your batteries and your charging system tested. What is the CCA on the batteries you have in the truck?

 

[Steve83]

The FIRST step is to remove, clean, & tighten EVERY terminal on the battery cables, and all 4 battery posts. Click this, read all the captions, then inspect your truck:



Then CHARGE each battery fully using a home charger; I recommend any Schumacher (set for 5A or less), or any BatteryTender. It should take several hours for each battery. After that, have each battery tested using a Midtronics high-frequency tester similar to this:

 

[bugman]

You need to fully charge your batteries and heave them load tested. You don't need to purchase a load tester since just about any auto parts store will test them for you.

When you have them tested disconnect them from each other to get a accurate test of the battery being tested. Removing the ground from the testing battery is good enough.

 

[Snowtow]

x2 on the load test.

If they are discharging that easily they probably aren't taking a full charge any longer.

 

[Steve83]

Load testing is bad for the battery. Ford doesn't recommend it, or accept its results. Find a high-frequency tester.