Please help: can't start engine after leaving lights on for 5mins

[burnthestatusquo]

Can someone please give me their advice --I've been having a problem over the last month with starting my truck. If I leave the headlights on for 2-5mins or the interior lights on for 5mins (while packing the trunk) and engine off, my truck won't start---just a click,click,click with all my cluster lights and accessories on but engine won't start. Then, after letting it sit for 3mins, it will start, but with A LOT of difficulty.

Battery indicator light is blue (so fully charged).
Is is the starter? (if so, why does it only do it after a power drain?)
Or is the voltage in the battery good, but the amps are low so it doesn't give enough juice to start?
Haven't done any work to the engine. Original battery.
45K. 2008. v8.

Thanks!

 

[WXman]

I'd put a new battery on it. I just had the same thing happen.

 

[jimithing]

Sounds like battery to me too.

If you want to test it see if you can find someone that will let you hook up like you're getting a jump start with cables attached to another car. Then leave the lights on for 5 minutes and then try to turn it over and see what happens.

 

[fourwd1]

Why not start with the basics?
Make sure all the battery cable connections are clean and tight.
Check both ends of each cable (not just the battery end).
Could be that simple.
And I wouldn't put too much stock in a battery indicator light.

 

[burnthestatusquo]

Why not start with the basics?
Make sure all the battery cable connections are clean and tight.
Check both ends of each cable (not just the battery end).
Could be that simple.
And I wouldn't put too much stock in a battery indicator light.

I did that before already

 

[Troymclure]

If it's the original battery, it definitely sounds like that's where you should start

 

[Robs08Runner]

That light only tests one cell in the battery. More than likely the battery is bad. Advance auto will test the charging system for free.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Huh??? What Battery light... are you guys talking about that little plastic floater that tells you the condition of that one cell?

I would get the battery tested, its more than likely on its way out by the sound of it.

 

[scottydoo79]

It's the battery.:iagree:

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Just replace the battery and move on with life. If it isn't a battery it's connections or your Electrical system is shorting.

 

[Robs08Runner]

Huh??? What Battery light... are you guys talking about that little plastic floater that tells you the condition of that one cell?

I would get the battery tested, its more than likely on its way out by the sound of it.

Correct, the little hydrometer at the top of the battery.