Possibly bad battery or something else?

After a long day at the ballpark yesterday, I went to leave and when I turned the key…..click, click click. Truck would not start. I initially had interior lights so assumed it was the battery. I was able to jump it and started right up. While putting the cables away the truck kinda sputtered a couple times then just shut off. We then tried to re-jump, and nothing.

The only thing displayed on the dash was the illuminated battery light (red). I then made a trip to the parts store and replaced it. Truck started right up with new battery.

Has anyone experienced this before and should I be concerned it’s more than just the battery? I plan to visit one of the parts stores today and get them to test it to make sure the alternator is good along with anything else that they can check.

Note: I had not noticed any battery/starting issues until yesterday when it wouldn’t start.

 

No need to be concerned. Your battree crapped out. You replaced your battree and you're good to go.

 

My 2017 DC battery died about two months ago - no previous issues just didn't start (click, click, click). Replaced and all ok. BTW, good to always check the charging system when replacing a battery as you are planning.

 

Load test battery and alternator...

 

Same happened to me recently. Swapped battery and noticed the volts were still a bit low. Had alternator tested and it was out as well. Was running on straight battery power. Swapped alternator and all back to normal. Hope yours is just battery though. Alternator replacement was not cheap and unfortunately not something I could take on myself at this time.

good luck.

 

Make sure your battery clamps/connections are clean.
My 2005 had the thinnest layer of corrosion you couldn't see and it gave me the same issues..

 

So just to follow up on my initial post:

I stopped by O’Reillys and had them check the new battery, alternator and starter. Everything checked out and looks like after replacing the battery I’m good to go.

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

One of my vehicles usually loses a battery after a Texas summer. I didn't lose one this year because we had an off summer year, but it happens.

 

We just had our first cold front come through here in Alabama and that must’ve been what got it.

 

Where are you located in Alabama?

 

North, just shy of the TN line (Huntsville)

 

Looking at property in Athens, Madison, Hartselle and Cullman County for retirement.

 

Well depending on what you like, Madison is growing to quickly for my liking and is crazy congested now. We got some property just across on the TN side and as soon as we can build, I’m out. It’s currently still a little spacious.

 

We were there back in July. We are looking outside of Madison south of the interstate. You are right, it was a bit busy BUT not IH35 Texas busy! We have family in Cullman, Athens and Mussel Shoals. We haven't quite decided. We definitely like the low property taxes in Alabama especially as retirees.

 

Lots of good comments based on personal experiences and suggestions here. Batteries that have past their service can exhibit some wonky conditions and sometimes crap-out with no prior warning or issues. Always remember to check your grounds at times like this too. They are often overlooked as a possible source of issues.

 

exact same thing happened to my 2018 about a month ago, running fine no warning of battery going out. I stopped for like 10 mins and went to start only to hear click click click. It killed my alternator which I had replaced the next day and a week later I ended up replacing the battery as well.

 

I was afraid my alternator was going to be shot, but it checked out ok. Thankful for that.

 

You may want to look at Decatur also. My wife is from Decatur and it's a nice smallish town not far from Athens, Huntsville, or Cullman.