Batteries

[JWChessell]

I still have original batts--same parts as you--mine's an '04 2500 (12 yrs old in Dec 15) with 280000 miles. They are getting tired, though, and I'll likely replace soon.

Mine finally "conked" a few months ago, after 11-1/2 yrs and about 175,000 miles. Had to get a jump start to get off the ferry going to the mainland; I was at the front end of the ferry on an early morning run in February and both the engine and the batteries cooled off too much in that cold 18 knot wind for the batts to start the cold truck. Once I got going I drove straight to Les Schwab and bought two new ones; then replaced the alternator about two months later. But -- those OEM batteries were great while they lasted!

 

[TJJEEPER]

Just an FYI about voltage and percent of charge.

[TABLE="class: stcheader, width: 480"]

State of Charge
Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid
Gel battery
AGM battery


100%
12.70+
12.85+
12.80+


75%
12.40
12.65
12.60


50%
12.20
12.35
12.30


25%
12.00
12.00
12.00


0%
11.80
11.80
11.80

[/TABLE]

 

[jmadden]

Truck was still starting like a champ even after sitting a month between runs...but decided new batteries while it was nice out was a better choice than swapping batteries in dark sub-zero weather this winter. It worked out for the best since both hold-down bolts broke off making it a little bigger job. Went with a pair of Interstates from Costco @ $90 each.

 

[verk]

Great to hear others have batteries that lasted this long. I'm still on my original batteries with 125,000 miles although I've purchased replacement batteries. Current batteries measure 684 and 492 of rated 750 CCA using conductance tester. JWChessell is reminding me I should do this job soon I purchased Sears Die-Hard Platinum Group 65 which are re-branded Odyssey Extreme 65-PC1750 batteries. Sears has discontinued selling this battery. They were expensive compared to flooded, time will tell if worth the money. On same conductance tester I measure 1164 and 1087 of their rated 950CCA.

Sven

 

[DaveScott]

One post mentions the "Delco Freedom" as the OEM battery for the 2003. As most have posted my experience with the OEM battery in my 2003 has been spectacular. Mine was delivered in 12/2002 and the batteries pooped out this week. I want to replace them with the same or similar battery. Assuming this was an ACDelco battery - the closest ACDelco to the original appears to be a ACDelco Professional Gold part number 65-7YR. Right now the cheapest I am seeing this - locally - is $160 per battery. If it lasts half as long as the battery it replaces, it is worth it. It also appears that the really superb experience with the OEM battery is limited to the 2002 through 2004 model years.

Has anyone replaced the original ACDelco with what Delco describes as the substitute? Experience?

 

[mbirch]

My 2005 has the original Daimler/Chrysler batteries in it and this morning with the weather below freezing it would not start. 10 years is pretty good in my opinion. Others have on the forum have said they like the Deka batteries that the Caterpillar dealership has, so I think I will check into those.

 

[seafish]

My 2005 has the original Daimler/Chrysler batteries in it and this morning with the weather below freezing it would not start. 10 years is pretty good in my opinion. Others have on the forum have said they like the Deka batteries that the Caterpillar dealership has, so I think I will check into those.

IMO, if the Diehard Platinum P2 are no longer available from Sears, then the Deka/CAT are a good idea.

 

[mbirch]

I checked into the Diehard Platinums and they are $250, the Deka/Cat are $130, some on this forum are saying they have a special going until the end of this month for $110, I will see if I can confirm that on Monday. I think the Deka/Cat batteries are in my immediate future.

 

[mbirch]

Bought the Cat batteries today for $116 apiece, not too back for a good battery these days. I knew my old batteries were turning the engine over kind of slow, but I didn't realize how slow until I put in those new batteries. I guess it adds new meaning to the window sticker on the back of my canopy. I used one of the Cummins stickers that I got from Geno's Garage and added letters after it that says ... purrs like a cat, now I guess it does. It was a takeoff on something my friends little girl said about my truck, when my friend said "what about mommys truck" ( an '06 dodge ) she said " it doesn't purr like his". I put that sticker on just before he had to follow me on a 700 mile trip, so he had to look at it the whole way. I just had to giggle about that.

 

[AEdelheit]

Ive used a large amount of Deka and Cat batteries and a few of the Die Hard premiums, I was not a big fan of the die hard and would run Deka or Cat again without hesitation.

 

[LFalconer]

Costco switched to Interstate in the last year or so. The Johnson Controls were problematic, had to replace on in my wifes F150 after 1 year. The OEM in my 06 are awesome. I still have one that I keep for use on my farm, I charge it every 2 weeks, stays at 12.6 during the non charge time. I have Johnson Controls in my 06 for 2 years, so far, so good. Another key is to keep the terminals clean and tight. I use the CRC Battery Tech Red Spray on mine. Also ensure that the ground connections are clean and tight as well. Spray them too. Sometimes the batt cables can corrode internally, limiting current to start the truck. You may have to use an xacto knife to split the insulation near the batt terminal to assess the level of corrosion. Replacement can be necessary. As a rule on my older vehicles, tractors etc that do not run at least once a week, I use the battery tender trickle charger to maintain charge. I have 4 of them connected to equipment in my machine shed. 20 Bucks on sale, better than battery replacements! Cold weather and no charging is death to batteries. Good luck.

Luke -- 35 years practicing Electrical Engineer..

 

[jakecorn]

I believe Mopar batteries are made by Interstate, my Dodge dealer treats me good on price and batteries work great.

 

[deaner70]

My '03 has the originals in it. 110K miles on it!!

 

[MichaelOverfield]

Seems the AGM batteries are the best, and of those the Die Hard (odyssey) are the best. Found and ordered odyssey batteries from Autozone, free shipping, and currently they are doing a 20% off discount.. ends up being about $200 ea (once core is returned for refund) and whatever tax applicable in your state.

Mine is at 7 years, OEM batteries are still working, but I'm seeing bigger voltage swings and slower cranking.. Not waiting until they die completely (besides a weak battery can strain starter and alternator causing other more difficult and expensive repairs).. 7 years for a battery is not bad. Expect to get more than 10 from the AGM replacements.

http://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...ylinders-l-6-7l-turbo-diesel/832132_795932_0/