Not a fuse problem. Not a relay problem. Battery problem?

[SCMcDonnell]

A few days ago I started my 2004 Expedition while 2 DVD players were playing on the battery. That was my first mistake. I immediately received a click click click when turning the key. Realizing my mistake, I unplugged the DVD players and attempted to start the car again with the same result. I was able to successfully jump the car and get it running but realized the radio/cd/cassette player wasn't even on. I was able to fix this with a fuse change.

Still, I cannot get the car to start without a jump and I hear a clicking sound coming from the fuse box. I've attempted to change the starter relay but that doesn't seem to be the problem. I've also checked all of the other fuses. When I do jump the car and run it, the air conditioning fan seems to change it's strength based on the speed I am going. The running lights also seem to dim in and out with the air condition.

I am thinking of replacing the battery but because of how the car operates when it is running (AC blowers and running lights) I fear it might something else and don't want to spend the money on a new battery based on a hunch. Any ideas on what might be causing this? Thanks for your time. It is much appreciated.

-Shaun

 

[rptr00]

You can take the battery to Autozone or most other auto parts stores and they can check the battery to rule that out at no charge. Depending on how old it is, it may not want to hold a charge since it was drained. If you need a new battery I recommend an Optima Yellow top since you run additional devices.

 

[SCMcDonnell]

Thanks man, appreciate it. I'll do that tomorrow. Thanks again.

-Shaun

 

[rptr00]

do you know if its the original battery? If so 6 years is pretty old for a battery. here in Vegas most dont last more than 5 years tops. Anyway, good luck with it.

 

[SCMcDonnell]

Yeah, it's the original as I bought the car new in 2004 and haven't replaced it yet. Thanks again.

 

[gijohn45]

while you are at the parts store have them test the voltage coming off the alternator... if its not running right it will not supply your battery with the correct voltage to recharge it...

But more then likely its your battery if its 6 yrs old...

 

[SCMcDonnell]

It was the battery. It wasn't suppling any crank voltage anymore. I replaced it and everything worked fine!

Thanks again for your help.

-Shaun