I dont think it is a starter now. Tried starting it at school, had to get a jump start, then it fired right up. Got it to the ranch. Shut it off, left for a while, came back and put the charger on it, fired right up time after time, no problems. Now to trace if the autozone moron didnt test the battery right, not sure theres a wrong way but if there is they could find it, or if alternator is on the fritz.

 

If the guy at AutoZone just used one of those little handheld testers, he didn't put enough load on it to really test it.

 

I thought something like that-figured with the truck off and just clamping it on there wont show much...Weve got a tester I think, Ill have my brother hook it up and see.

 

Yeah, you need a 500 amp carbon pile tester to put a decent load on a battery.

 

For a poorboy test, pull the lead off the shutdown solenoid and check the battery voltage while cranking. If it goes under 10.5 volts it's done.

 

I just replaced it in Jan. so its still under warranty, so Im kinda hoping thats the case,since it would be a free fix.

 

Well got battery tested again. It and alternator test good. Voltage regulator good. All cables good and tight. What gets me, truck starts fine when jumped or on the charger. I am STUMPED. My dad will be back in town to look at it tomorrow, hopefully he can figure something.

 

What brand, type, group and size CCA battery do you have? How old? I had one like you described, would start the truck if by the aid of another trucks battery and electrical system. Even tested out good, held charge etc at the local electric/battery shop. Then reinstall and NOTHING. Bit the bullet, bought a new battery. Do you have any other 'big' batteries around the house you can install and try?

 

When I got my battery tested it also showed good, but the guy testing it also told me a 650CCA battery was plenty for my truck

I went with a 1000CCA battery and it solved my problems, but it sounds to me like that isn't your problem.

 

Its an Interstate, 31P-MHD, 1190 CA, 950 CCA. Bought it in January.

 

Sounds like you can eliminate the battery as a problem then...

 

I wouldn't be so sure, as it is an Interstate battery . If you have another one, or from a buddies truck, I'd try it out. Could be a bad plate in the battery or whatever it's called.

 

From what others say, battery could be problem. could be Bad cell. Are interstates notoriously bad or something?

 

I wouldn't say they are that bad, just not what I'd choose. But you never know. Like I said, I've had batteries test out perfect, but when that starter places, what like 400amps on it, the fault inside the battery shows itself by not getting it done.

 

I hope it is the battery--Its bout the only thing on my truck under warranty.