Why won't my 2004 Ford F150 start?

I have a 2004 F150 that won't start. The battery and starter are no more than a year old. It's usually pretty bad in below freezing temps. I can usually tell it won't start when I put the key in the ignition and almost immediately the dash lights are dim before even cranking. Just now, the headlights starting flickering and now they won't shut off.

Pull the fuse to the headlights. Get a jump. If the trucks starts, get the battery charged and tested. See a mechanic to check for a battery drain. Headlight switch relay is likely stuck closed (always on).

The battery is bad. Maybe because you killed it too many times or maybe because the alternator is bad. Headlights that won't shut off will definitely do the job.

Either the battery is bad, the alternator isn't charging the battery completely due to a bad diode or you have voltage draw.
Easiest thing for you to do is go to an auto parts store and they will test the battery and charging system for you for free!

  • Why did my car start and die when put into gear? Now it won't start at all? It's a cold winter day (below zero) Car started right up! I let it run for about 2 minutes, I put it in gear and it just died. I figured it's cold out, not real surprising, but when I tried to start it again, it won't start! Turns over fine but engie won't start! Any ideas? 2003 Ford Taurus 3.0L
  • Ford Mustang 2004 car won't start after battery terminal changed? Had my battery in my 2004 ford Mustang changed. The terminal broke and was a little loose, but the car still ran. Today we changed the terminal to the battery and now the car won't start. Every thing was fine earlier with the loose terminal, but when the terminal was changed, the car decides not to start.
  • 2004-2008 Ford F150 vs 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500? I have been wanting to know which of these two trucks should I get? I watch videos on them but as I read the comments the controversy between the people are just left and right, "dodge is better, ford is better" but they never give an explanation why. So which truck is more reliable and why?
  • 2003 Ford F-250 Powerstroke won't Crank, won't start? When I turn the key, I get a rapid clicking noise, and the indicator lights on the dash flicker. Glow plugs also sound like their barely getting enough juice. No crank at all. I hooked up my 100w solar panel with a automatic12/24 volt charge controller, which said batteries had a good charge. Went ahead and charged them fully, followed by cleaning the post, and battery connections of corrosion. Result was the same, won't start. Any ideas what could be wrong?