2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission batteries

[Jim Brewer]

Duralast Gold 34DT - killed by the cold

I just had a bad experience with the Duralast Gold 34DT-DLG batteries I've had in my truck for a little less than 3 years.



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I went to the mountains and parked my truck for ~20 hours. The temp overnight went to -10deg F and didn't get over 20deg F during the day. I know they were fully charged when I parked - I'd driven 3 hours right before.



I cycled the grid 2x before trying to start. It cranked and sputtered once, then the cranking started to slow drastically. That was the end - I had to call AAA to get a jump.



In all fairness, I did drain the batteries once with my stereo a couple years ago. But the stock ones took that kind of abuse and never left me stranded in the cold.



I'm not sure if I should go to >800 CCA, but I don't think the Duralast 1000 CCA will fit in the truck. It really seemed that these batteries didn't perform well at all when cold.



Just some feedback - I'd love to hear anyone whose had good experience with aftermarket batteries in cold starting conditions.

 

[BSeyler]

I have a set of Everstart batteries from Wal-mart in my '99 that are coming up on four years. I've never had a problem with them. They don't say who they were made by, but I noticed the batteries at Wally World now have the manufacturer printed on the label. The same batteries I looked at the other day state that they were made by Johnson Controls. Some other sizes on the rack were Exide. I've not had good luck with Exide batteries.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

I used to work for Autozone. It's a sucky place to work, but their batteries are at least as good as any others. The best part about their batteries is the no-hassle warranty.



If you are the original purchaser (or know the original purchaser's phone number ), you don't need a receipt, you don't need to go to the store where you bought them, you just show up at any AZ anywhere, they'll test yours and, if they're bad, give you a new set on the spot. Get there before you hit 3 years on these batteries and it won't cost you a penny. They'll even install them for you.



When testing, make sure the parts monkey knows to disconnect the batteries from each other.



good luck

kevin

 

[ksoren24]

I had a Carquest 31 series in my 90, I had it four 4 years and it never had a problem even at 0 degrees it started the truck fine. When I sold the truck it was still working great. When I bought my '97 it needed new batteries so I went with them again. East Penn makes them, there are only a few battery manufacturers, I've had good luck with East Penn & Johnson Controls, just stay away from exide.

 

[Crash&Burn]

I used to work for Autozone. It's a sucky place to work, but their batteries are at least as good as any others. The best part about their batteries is the no-hassle warranty.



If you are the original purchaser (or know the original purchaser's phone number ), you don't need a receipt, you don't need to go to the store where you bought them, you just show up at any AZ anywhere, they'll test yours and, if they're bad, give you a new set on the spot. Get there before you hit 3 years on these batteries and it won't cost you a penny. They'll even install them for you.



When testing, make sure the parts monkey knows to disconnect the batteries from each other.



good luck

kevin

Good post... ... ... . both my duralast batteries tested bad after 3yrs. & 8 mos. They replaced them for $82. One note... . the parts "monkey" was changing them one at a time and "almost" let the pos. cable that crosses over the radiator touch the AC line beside pass. battery..... this would have made a mess. Not sure who would have paid for this. Make sure both neg. cables are put on LAST.