Batteries?

[SWCampbell]

I'm having a hard start problem... I have read the many posts on here about hard starts and was going to describe my problems and see if this sounds like a battery problem. I have 119000 with the origianl batteries on my 2004, it has an out of tank lift pump, which I am considering changing at this time, which is also the OE. when I turn the truck on to let the grid heater come on both RPM and speedomoter jump at the same time. It does better if it is warm outside or plugged in when cold. When starting it sometimes drags! I have brought up a code, which I don't have one me right now, but it is saying that something is not plugged in or needs to be plugged in, after checking the connections it seems to be fine. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would really appreciate the help or new ideas before I start throwing money at it. Thanks!

 

[seafish]

Low battery voltage can and will cause all sorts of starting problems... . And while some peoples' original batteries have lasted longer then yours, after 6 years yours are likely at the end of their useful life.

Still, BEFORE I'd recommend rushing out a buying new batteries, the easiest thing to do would be to stop by a trusted Napa or other part supply shop and have them check EACH of your batteries with their battery load tester. Even if only one of the batteries is bad, it is HIGHLY recomended to replace BOTH batteries at the same time so that they continue to receive an equal charge rate from your trucks alternator. If you only decide to replace one, it is highly likely that the unequal charge rates will result in your new battery going bad sooner then expected.

 

[Mark31]

It drags? That is big time tough on a starter. Put in some batteries immediately (or sooner!) before you have to buy batteries and a starter! My 04 was still starting, but a new set of Interstates has it spinning. Discover Card has 10% cash back deal with Advance Auto Parts. Mark

 

[Grizzly]

Interstate is considered to be one of the best batteries, which are made by Johnson Controls. Equally as good are Costco batteries also made by Johnson Controls for about half the price. Costco also has the best warranty.



george

 

[SWCampbell]

What about Optima? Where do theyy rate? Thanks for the info. from everyone.

 

[MMeier]

What about Optima? Where do theyy rate? Thanks for the info. from everyone.

Red Top fan here... . some say they changed manufacturing sites and the new ones are not as good, I will still buy some when one of my many rides needs a new battery (ies) .

 

[MChildress]

Where are Optima made now?

 

[GardnerM]

I fried my less than a year old starter because although my bats were testing good for voltage and load test they didnt have near enough cold crank amps. So when cold hit it dragged after being parked . Then finally it just wouldn`t turn over. Yep fried the starter (150 bucks) two new 900 cc amps for 160 at batteries plus.

 

[MMeier]

Where are Optima made now?

According to someone here, down south of the border ...

 

[BIGNASTY]

IMO if you are asking this question get your truck some new batteries. Its FAR better to spend some money now than to have your special other break down in some parking lot. Trust me on this one Im still hearing about it. My wife is a very special person to me but she can really PMO when it happened 1 year ago and it's still fresh in her mind. I have had great luck with Costco they are just Interstate in a diffrent color box

 

[MChildress]

According to someone here, down south of the border ...

I hate to hear that. I was looking forward to getting a set. I'll have to do some more research now.