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View Full Version : Ford powerstroke 7.3 starts weak at times and dies on the road periodically


txduckaholic
Mar 13, 2010, 01:04 PM
My 95 7.3 powerstroke starts weak at times like a dead battery but after turning the key off and back on it starts strong. Sometimes radio will not come on also when it is going to start weak. When driving the truck turns off driving/ idiling like the key was turned and the battery light comes on. Won't restart itself in neutral but only after in park and the key has been turned off then back on. No other major problems with truck

TxGreaseMonkey
Mar 13, 2010, 01:12 PM
Thoughts:

. Remove and fully charge both batteries. Many auto parts stores will test and charge batteries for free. Clean battery terminals and cable connections. Thoroughly check battery cables for hidden corrosion.

. Test all under hood and under dash fuses:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post252145

Be very thorough, since it will save a lot of time and money. It's amazing what I find in under hood truck fuse boxes--severe fuse/relay contact corrosion, blown fuses, and loose fuses. Use abrasive cloth or steel wool to clean contacts.

. Check the regulated battery voltage:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-10.html#post1973613

This will establish whether the alternator is charging properly.

. Check/replace the ignition switch--it may be damaged, due to wear, pitting, or melting.

. Check the neutral starter switch.

Through this process, you will establish a "known good baseline."