2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Batteries Down for the Count?

[JFitzgerald]

I believe they are on their way out. Slow cranking, barely fires off. Took all connections off last night and cleaned them. There was one that was corroded a bit from acid leaking. Checked voltage with them disconnected, and they were both 10. 75 volts. Expected to find one lower than the other. Just under 14 when running, so I think the alternator is OK. Left a 2 amp charger on them overnight, and they read 12. 4 volts this morning. Still cranked slow and drained the voltage down below 8 after barely starting. I believe these are the original batteries and they're "maintenance free" (can't get the vent caps off). My buddy is an Interstate dealer, so I'm planning to pick up a new pair today.

How long of life have you other guys had from your original batteries? I guess they could be about 6 years old, and the truck has 135K.

 

[surfbeetle]

At 5 1/2 years, my original right side battery exploded and blew the top off. I bought another set from a Dodge dealer. Then 2 1/2 - 3 years later both went completely dead, had a warranty replacement done on both of them. Now I have 142,000, 10 year old truck with the third set of Chrylser batteries.

 

[Graphic man]

you need to do a load test on them to properly test a battery

i would say 4 years is an average life spand

if you got 6 years on them that is great!!!

sounds like your charging system is fine

 

[nps]

My Pass side batt went after 3 years. The drivers side is still the factory and going strong after 4 years. At 6 years, you've got good service out of them.

 

[vssman]

I'm on my 3rd set. From what I've read and heard, it seems like 3 to 4 years is about right.

 

[JFitzgerald]

I'm not complaining about the life, just curious what you guys have had. Say my truck was built in late '99, that's not bad. At least they haven't exploded! I thought when you had dual batteries, the should always be replaced in pairs?? That's what I'm going to do regardless with the possible age of these.

 

[Walleye mike]

Bought the truck October 99, still running the orignals!

 

[jtwcummins]

Unloaded batt should read 12. 6v when charged. Just out of vehicle should have also been around 12. 6 unless alt was trashed. . As stated, a load test needs to be done to really test batt. Factory batt in my 97 made it 3 yrs, replaced with die hards and got 5 yrs. Just put a pair of red top optimas in

 

[Willys]

This looks like a good write up on batteries:



http://cspar181.uah.edu/PHY337/lab1/b05.html#myth



I think mine are starting to go out, probably my fault from leaving lights and the york compressor switch on by accident(need to wire it as ignition only )



I'm probably going to replace them with Exide orbitals(same as Napa orbitals) or Odysseys to get the Oo. back.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Both went out all at once ,after five years ,Now have yellow side from Wal-mart gook warranty they take them back if they fail to hold charge for two years and pro rate after that . Can not complain on ther service or take back no hassle return. Ron Bissett In Metro Louisville KY

 

[JFitzgerald]

I asked my battery dealer friend whether I should get a pair of Optima red tops, and he said no, stick with the Interstates. He has been having some warranty problems with the Optimas. That was a surprise. I have about seven years on a yellow top in the Jeep, which sits for weeks at a time, gets used for heavy winching, and has never yet failed to impress.

Good link, Willys.

 

[Willys]

Heres another link for you JFitzgerald, that has some good jeep specific info and some good general wiring tips. (and where I found the above link)



http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4193658#post4193658

 

[JFitzgerald]

Thanks for another good link, Willys. That may help as I swap bodies on my Jeep.

I replaced the batteries Friday night, and all is well. The old batts had "Chrysler" on the label, so they were probably original unless they had been replaced under warranty. I was glad that solved the problem since we left to go camping that night. This pair has top and side posts, for a nice spot to add accessory circuits.

 

[ChrisOlson]

hello all



my 99 had the orig. batteries until mar of 04 I put a set of napa oribatal simply because

napa is everywhere and a they have a warrenty, on another note the wifes 2001 durango started having all sorts of electrial trouble of course I was out of town I called the dealer told them to change the battery they said the battery was good they did not change the battery kept having electrical problems got so sick of the crap I had the wife trade the thing in with a different dealer for her jeep liberty he knew about the elec. problems and what did he do he changed the battery and all problems stopped. I am fighting with DC right now about the not needed repairs. All is well now she likes her liberty better than the durango and a happy wife is a happy house. dont even get me started on the harley battery!!!!